MAC backs Pagano, Kraft, Ruemenapp

Sarah Minkewicz

The Manorhaven Action Committee announced last Wednesday that it’s endorsing  Gary Pagano for mayor and Barbara Ruemenapp and Ken Kraft for trustee. 

The organization’s   acting secretary, Caroline Dubois, said in a statement that the candidates were endorsed by the MAC Steering Committee based on “their proven ability to solve everyday, quality of life issues, protect the environment and prudently manage village finances.”

“As practical and proactive problem solvers, these community activists and longtime residents of the village have demonstrated their energy, experience and proven ability to guard and enhance the quality of life in our beautiful community,” Dubois said. “Their demonstrable lack of affiliation with any special interests or big businesses is of extreme importance to the residents of Manorhaven. We endorse these ethical, experienced and efficient individuals, who we believe will truly bring transparency into Village Hall.” 

Others running in the election include Trustee Jim Avena for mayor, and incumbent Trustee Priscilla von Roeschlaub, running for re-election, and newcomer Roy Smitheimer, founder of the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District, also running for trustee. Open seats in Manorhaven include mayor and two trustee seats. Mayor Giovanna Giunta and Trustee Kevin Gately are not running for re-election.

MAC is a local civic association formed in August 2015, which meets once a week to brainstorm solutions to local quality of life issues and offer them to the trustees for action, according to its website. 

The  endorsements,  MAC officials said, were based on an objective ranking system on knowledge of governmental operations, fiscal responsibility and proven managerial skills. They were also based on the candidates’ positions on infrastructure issues including parking; snow plowing; code enforcement; building inspections; emergency preparedness; maintenance of roads and sewers; village communications; governmental transparency and responsiveness.

“The Manorhaven Action Committee endorses our former Mayor Gary Pagano, as well as Barbara Ruemenapp and Ken Kraft for trustees, because they agree with our vision for the future of Manorhaven,” Dubois said. “MAC based its endorsement on these candidates’ comprehensive understanding of vital community issues, their past service to the residents and their steadfast commitment to halt overbuilding. MAC believes that public access to the waterfront for bike paths and fishing piers, protecting the village from overdevelopment, providing environmental stewardship of our wetlands and real-world solutions for our infrastructure issues are priorities.”

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