Port Washington North Mayor Bob Weitzner said he’s proud of the village’s efforts to complete the Bay Walk project and attract Target to the Soundview Marketplace, but said there is still more work to be done.
Weitzner, who became a trustee in 2002 and mayor in 2005, is running unopposed for re-election for a two-year term on March 21. He is joined on the ballot by Sherman Scheff and Matthew Kepke, who are both running unopposed for trustee
“I still love being Mayor Bob and as far as I’m concerned, there is more to do and unfinished business,” Weitzer said. “As long as I enjoy serving the village and the village residents enjoy having me serve, I want to be here.”
He said the development of the Bay Walk project, which was first planned in 2003 and turned an oil loading dock into a waterfront park along Shore Road, is something he’s proud to have spearheaded, not just for the village but the entire Port Washington community.
“And we still have our land swap and we’re looking to acquire more open space for the community and turn it into a park,” he said.
Weitzner, who is also commissioner of finance and human relations for the Town of North Hempstead, said he proud of the job the Port Washington North board has done over the years.
“We have a wonderful board and it’s amazing how we come together and it’s nothing to do with politics and party,” he said. “It’s about the sense of community and what’s best for the village. We’re constantly looking to improve our community and our infrastructure.”
Scheff, who for re-election for a two-year term, has been a village trustee since 2008 He said he joined the board to represent the people in the Mill Pond Acres Condos, where he lives.
“Over the years, I am proud of what we’ve done to protect the people of Port Washington North and we’ve been able to work with the rest of Port Washington to keep it the way it is,” Scheff said.
After retiring from the manufacturing industry four years ago, he said he began taking classes at Nassau Community College, “trying to refresh my memory on things I learned.”
“Right now, I am taking history of Western Civilization, and it’s very interesting,” he said.
Scheff said he wants to continue to help the village open stores at the Soundview Marketplace and “maintain Port Washington.”
“I hope we can keep Port Washington North exactly how it has been over the years.
Matthew Kepke, who is also running for re-election for a two-year term, was elected to the board in 2014. He said he believes he brings a unique voice to the board, providing input from a lawyer’s point-of-view.
“I think we’ve accomplished a lot over the last couple of years,” he said. “But there is a lot more that needs to get done and a lot of challenging things ahead of us.”
Kepke said he has continued to focus on bringing business to the village, hoping to fill vacancies around the various marketplaces.
“We’re trying to create an environment that will attract business to come in and put down roots in the village and contribute and give back to the village,” Kepke said. “And I’m excited to see what the waterfront will develop into.”
Kepke said following Superstorm Sandy, when parts of the village were without power for two weeks, he began to realize how important local government was.
“It made me recognize that local elections and local government is important to focus on,” he said. “We focus heavily on the national and state political landscapres, but the day-to-day of your life is part of the local government.”
Port Washington North elections will take place on March 21 from noon to 9 p.m. at village hall at 3 Pleasant Ave.
