Boxer vs. Campbell in Sanitary District 1

Incumbent Vilardi runs unopposed

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Gabriel Boxer and Gwynette Campbell are vying for a four-year term as a commissioner for the Town of Hempstead’s Sanitary District 1, while incumbent Commissioner James Vilardi is running unopposed for the five-year term. Voting is on July 11.

Vilardi, a Hewlett resident, was appointed to the board in 2005. His other board experience includes serving as commissioner on Nassau County Bridge Authority, Executive Director of Town-Village Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee, South Nassau/Sinai advisory board chair. He is involved with the Five Towns Community Center and other food banks and Covid advocacy organizations.

“I love public service and helping people,” Vilardi wrote in an email, explaining his reason for running again. “Although I own and operate a small business, I spend 40 (percent) of my day on community issues.” Vilardi compared chairing SD 1 to running a small business and noted his appreciation for working with current board commissioners. He aims to improve and enhance the district’s special programs and services, be “mindful of cost efficiency” due to inflation, and enhance recycling efforts.

Campbell, an Inwood resident, served roughly one month on the board after being appointed to finish former Commissioner Lino Viola’s term. He retired in April. Campbell has served on the board of the Five Towns Community Center and is its current president. “I have always had a passion for building positive relationships and helping where I can,” Campbell wrote in an email.

Now running for a full term, she hopes to contribute more to her community if elected, ensuring “exemplary service” and interacting with residents on a daily basis, she wrote. “I am proud to be a part of this team,” Campbell stated, adding, “also being the first woman, and of color, is an outstanding step towards (SD 1’s) future.”

Boxer, a Hewlett resident of 20 years, is very involved in the Five Towns, he said, and is running to “bring the community together on a bigger scale.” If elected, Boxer wants to create an app for SD 1 residents “to be able to order and have special pickup (and) get more information,” he said. He also wants to improve sanitation education for residents with online videos and direct mail to explain proper sanitation protocols. 

“(I) want to keep our streets and our community beautiful and clean,” Boxer said, adding that he plans to interact with the community to make sure “we’re all on the same page.” 

Boxer is the CEO of both Kosher Response and the Leon Mayer Fund, non-profits based in Hewlett, and chairs Young Israel of Hewlett’s board of directors.  

Voting is from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sanitary District 1, 2 Bay Blvd. Lawrence. Absentee ballot applications are available at the Lawrence office.