Deputy Mayor Won't Seek Higher Office
Deputy Mayor John Mauk, who was next in line to be the Mayor of the Village of Garden City in April, has declined to be interviewed for the position. He will continue to serve as a Village trustee from the Estates section.
"For the position to function effectively, being Mayor requires significant dedication and a devotion of time that is way beyond what is required for being a Trustee," he told the Garden City News in an e-mail. "After fully assessing the requirements of the job, I concluded that I would not be able to give the position the attention it rightly deserves to achieve my own standards, as well as to fulfill the expectations of my regular job. After spending years searching for a viable and affordable solution for saving the St. Paul's Main Building, I also don't wish, as Mayor, to preside over the demolition of the building.
"Accordingly, I have encouraged Trustee Robert Rothschild to seek the position as the most qualified and experienced person now available to run as the nominee for the position from the Estates POA. Rob deserves the widespread support of the residents in the forthcoming elections. In the meantime, and for as long as I think I can effectively do so, I expect to continue providing services to the Village and the Estates as a member of the Board of Trustees."
Rothschild was unable to be reached before press time.
Mayor Peter A. Bee addressed Mauk's decision in his weekly column. "As we now struggle with the next step for the Main Building Site at St. Paul's (following the recent Property Owners' Association sponsored "poll" demonstrating a lack of consensus on the AvalonBay proposal), I remain particularly appreciative of John's past service on the Mayor's Committee and the wealth of knowledge he brings to the table on any discussion of complex real estate matters. Undoubtedly, the Board of Trustees will now look at the demolition option more seriously than ever before, and citizens can expect that will begin with a look at the environmental implications."
