To The Editor:

Congratulations to Village Trustees Brian Daughney (Estates Section) and Nick Episcopia (Eastern Section) on their unanimous nomination by their respective Nominating Committees for an additional term on the Village Board of Trustees.

As one who has attended Village Trustees meetings regularly for the past 35 years as well as budget meetings for the past 25 years; and as a former Director and Officer of the Eastern Property Owners Association (EPOA), I feel qualified to judge the qualifications and abilities of these two candidates.

Throughout the past two years of Brian’s service to the Village, I have become impressed with his performance in regard to the demanding and often overwhelming issues which confront our Village; and impressed as well at his performance on the various commissions and his dedicated efforts both at Trustees and Budget Meetings toward cost-cutting and fiscal responsibility.

While I am totally impressed by Trustee Daughney’s accomplishments over these past two years, I also make note of the fact that I have known Trustee Nick Episcopia and his wife Dorothy over the past 35 years – both having served as presidents of the Eastern Property Owners’ Association and both continually involved, not only in the issues of concern within the Village, but also monitoring the issues of concern at our Village borders.

I well remember my telephone conversations of 35 years ago with Dorothy which lasted from early morn until our kids arrived home on the lunch bus (no cafeterias back then). We would hash and hash over the on-going concerns of the Village - yes, as far back the late 70’s. Later on – but not too much later on, Nick became involved in the workings of the Village, serving in many areas since 1998. Like many other Trustees, Nick rose up through the ranks, serving on every EPOA committee, and subsequently as President. In 2005, he was elected as a Village Trustee, having served on nearly every Village Commission. Throughout his tenure, Nick has taken personal time to attend monthly Nassau Village Officials Meetings as well as Town of Hempstead hearings, fighting vigorously against the threats both within and outside of our borders.

Nick’s accomplishments are well documented, well respected and admired by all who have both served with him and who have benefited by his efforts.

I have personally witnessed the efforts of both Nick and Brian in myriad areas toward the protection and preservation of the quality of life within our village. I am personally grateful to them for their commitment. Both possess a clear-headed vision, not just for their respective sections, but also for the Village as a whole.

I encourage residents to get the facts and not be swayed by opinion pieces frequently published as though they were fact. As a resident of the East and past Director, Officer, and member of the Ten Member Nominating Committee, I look forward to casting my vote for Nick Episcopia, and I encourage a vote for Brian Daughney by the residents of the Estates as well.

Althea Robinson