Lentini, Arnold seek re-election in North Hills

Richard Tedesco

Village of North Hills trustees Phyllis Lentini and Elliott Arnold are running unopposed as members of the Homeowner Party for re-election next Tuesday to four-year terms on the village board.

Lentini, 64, has served on the board for 10 years after being appointed to fill out a two-year term and Arnold has been on the board for nine years, originally appointed to fill a year of a board member who moved away. Both ran for re-election in 2005 and 2009 in election races that were also uncontested. 

“It’s very interesting and I love community service,” Lentini said. “Since I retired, I do community service and lots of volunteering for my church,”

She said she’s been retired since 2007. She and husband, former North Hills Mayor John Lentini owned and operated real estate properties. She said his service on the board sparked her interest in serving in a similar role.

At her parish, St. Mary’s in Manhasset, Lentini said she is involved in the baptism and eucharist ministries. She also runs the church’s religious gift shop and teaches religious education.

“Most of my time is absorbed by the church and the village. I have the luxury of the time to devote to the village,” Lentini said.

Arnold, 62, a 20-year resident of the village, said he likes the work and the people he interacts with on the board. 

“I really enjoy it. I enjoy the people I work with,” Arnold said. “It’s a good thing to me and I enjoy working with the other trustees.”

Arnold has had his own business as an independent life and health insurance broker for the past 25 years and has an office in Huntington.

Arnold has been active in the Nassau County Village Officials Association for the past seven years. He said he is also  involved in Acorn Ponds community committees, although he is not on the community board.

At the moment, neither Lentini or Arnold see any critical issues on the horizon for the village.

“I think the village is running very smoothly. I’m there to help in any situations I can,” Lentini said.

Both trustees mentioned the RXR application for the Ritz-Carlton condominium development as the most significant issue the board is dealing with. 

But they both expressed confidence in Village of North Hills Mayor Marvin Natiss’s ability to achieve a positive resolution of current discussions on the project with RXR. 

“We’re negotiating different things with them right now. That’s a situation the mayor’s being deal with on an ongoing basis. We look for it to have a good outcome,” Arnold said.

They both expressed strong support for the free North Hills daily shuttle bus service for village commuters.

“Everyone who uses it absolutely loves it. I hope more people start to use it,” Lentini said.

Polls for voting in the North Hills election will be open at Village Hall on June 18 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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