From The Mayor's Office
www.Gardencityny.net
By Gerard Lundquist

IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE AND AN HONOR

TO SERVE AS YOUR MAYOR

As I reflect on my term as Mayor, I would like to thank my fellow Trustees who have served with me. I congratulate our incoming Mayor, Peter Bee and Trustees Rothschild, Episcopia and Lamberti on their re-election. I will continue working with them on the Board of Trustees along with Trustees Mauk, Watras and Brudie. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Robert Schoelle, our Village Administrator, who along with our extremely competent Executive Staff, insure that the services provided - Police, Fire, Sanitation, Building and Recreation, are second to none. I am confident that our new budget for 2007-2008, with no increase in Village taxes, will be a model in future years, encouraging the use of new technologies, operating efficiencies and improvements.

A great deal has been accomplished in the Village during the past two years. The playing fields at St. Paul's have undergone a transformation including the construction of an accommodations building, playground and associated infrastructure; and a new Senior Center at the St. Paul's Cottages. Needed renovations to Village Hall including new windows, a new boiler, backup generator and an ADA compliant bathroom, and plans for an elevator are underway. Additionally, renovations at several parks were completed; and soon to be completed are the miniature golf, platform tennis and clubhouse capital projects at the Community Park and Pool. I believe the RFP process we have undertaken for the St. Paul's Main Building was needed to insure all financially viable alternatives are evaluated.

I will be remaining on the Village Board of Trustees and will continue to work on issues that are affecting our Village including; the St. Paul's Main Building, development of the P Zone property, the LIRR Third Track, the Nassau County development plans for the HUB, light rail transit, and others. I will also continue working with our neighboring Villages on common issues, for together we represent a unified voice within Nassau County.

The POAs, together with the volunteerism of the residents, provide the foundation and fabric for our Community Agreement. Residents serve on numerous Boards and Commissions, the Fire Department and Special Police. This not only reduces the costs associated with operating the Village, but also allows for a highly motivated and involved community. I encourage all to get involved, because to volunteer is to be a part of what makes Garden City a great place to live. A sincere thank you also goes out to the volunteers' families, for allowing them to spend their time serving the community.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank my wife, Mildred, who provides my support and foundation and allows me the time to volunteer and attend to Village functions. I would also like to thank my children Matthew, Daniel and Lauren for all of their love and support. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the Community for allowing me to serve as Mayor. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve you.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EASTER PARADE

The Annual Easter Festival and Antique Car Parade, sponsored by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. The parade will step off from Parking Field 9E and will proceed south on Franklin Avenue to Seventh Street, west to Hilton Avenue. Easter bunnies will be on Seventh Street during the parade.

Please take time from your busy day and bring the family down to see a great Garden City event.