Baxter Estates Mayor Nora Haagenson deserves re-election.
The mayor has integrity, is accessible to her residents, and has a long-standing dedication to her community.
I met Nora Haagenson during my tenure as state Assemblywoman.
Her kind and forthright demeanor was coupled with a deep desire to serve her Village of Baxter Estates, first as village trustee and now as mayor.
Once elected as mayor she immediately set out to bring tangible results to her Village, most notably in budget and fiscal restraint.
In a very competitive climate, Mayor Haagenson lobbied and secured thousands of dollars in funding grants to offset the costs of capital improvements for Baxter Estates Village Hall and road repairs.
This helped the Village spend 14 percent below its 2015-16 budget appropriation.
In this year’s budget the village is targeted to stay within the property tax cap.
Efficiencies in government have been achieved by the consolidation of the Office of Village Clerk and Treasurer, thereby reducing administrative costs.
The village has undertaken digitizing records for easier access, and has created a Comprehensive Capital Plan for road improvements.
Mayor Haagenson and village trustees have sought additional auditing oversight to review franchise agreements insuring timely and correct payments due the village are made.
Importantly, the mayor has stepped up Village efforts to further engage residents through timely newsletters and social media alerts to include upcoming meetings, street sweeping schedules, and other vital village services.
Mayor Haagenson’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
She was appointed to the executive board of the Nassau County Village Officials Association.
Subsequently, she spearheaded a coalition with other Port Washington village mayors to share data about the peninsula and have more unified, stronger voice in the NCVOA.
The unfortunate tragedy of the Baxter House has heightened her resolve to seek resolution for her residents and the community.
The Village Board is working closely with their legal counsel to this end by ensuring open dialogue and following open meetings laws for discourse on this subject.
Serving as mayor, servicing as village trustee, in support of residents is a challenging, and often unsung job.
It requires continuous study, discernment, and positive energy.
Nora Haagenson hits the high points on requirements for mayor.
She deserves re-election, along with village trustees Charles Comer, and Chris Ficolora. Together, they make a good team.
Michelle Schimel
(Former state Assembly member)
Port Washington
