Dozens of supporters, including state Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, turned out for a kickoff reception for three Great Neck Plaza candidates Sunday.
Hosted by the candidates, including Great Neck Village Justice Neil Finkston along with Trustees Jerry Schneiderman and Marion Green, attendees to the United Residents Party 2011 included Plaza Mayor Jean Celender, Deputy Mayor Ted Rosen, Trustee Pamela Marksheid, Belgrave Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Brian Jennings, many local supporters and Schimel.
Traveling from Albany to Manhattan for the swearing in ceremony of Tom Danapoli, Schimmel said she wanted to stop by Great Neck Plaza and show support for the local candidates and other local officials which she said she has known for a long time.
Calling it the “Jean team,” Schimmel said Celender and the Great Neck Board of Trustees is well respected throughout the state for its outstanding work.
“To me, they are they pinnacle of good local government,” said Schimmel. “Even when the economy stinks, they are always planning and looking for grants.”
Greeting guests with food and drinks at Esparks Coffee House on Great Neck Road, all three candidates handed out campaign packets to supporters before giving brief speeches to thank those in attendance.
“You know our record and we know you are pleased with it,” said Schneiderman.
Green recognized other trustees who asked her to join the board, thanked her supporters and said she has a “feel for the village.”
Levings, a plaza resident who came out to show support for Schneiderman, said he is pleased with the job the board os doing for the community.
“I don’t find anything wrong with (Schneiderman) or the board of trustees that he works with,” said Jennings. “The village is always clean and it’s a place I’m proud to live in.”
It was the second time the kickoff party as staged at Esparks in recent years.
Markseid said the event is good for local business and for candidates.
“We like to do it in town because it helps local businesses,” Marksheid said. “Usually we get good feedback from it.”
The Village Justice Court has one elected justice and one acting justice. The court handles traffic, parking and village ordinance violations.
The Great Neck Board of Trustees consists of four elected trustees and a mayor. The term of office for both the mayor and trustees is two years. All may serve an unlimited number of years. Each March , two trustees terms of office are open for election.
