Serving Great Neck, G.N. Plaza, G.N. Estates, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock and Thomaston
$1
Friday, December 6, 2019
Vol. 94, No. 49
HOLIDAY GIFT PROPOSED HOUSING & DINING GUIDE COMPLEX IN G.N.
SUOZZI CALLS FOR MILLER’S FIRING
PAGES 27-38
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Beggs, Cilluffo face off in park commish election
DARE TO CARE
Candidates tout work in public sector ahead of district voting on Dec. 10 BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Great Neck Park District Commissioner Frank Cilluffo is seeking re-election for his third term. His opponent, Erica Beggs, has over a decade of experience working in the park district’s ice skating program and intends to use her experience and familiarity to deny Cilluffo of another three years as commissioner. Though neither candidate was born and raised in Great Neck, they have each used their respective backgrounds to fuel their work in the community. Before becoming commissioner, Cilluffo spent 20 years as a patrolman for the New York City Police Department.There, he provided public safety for residents by responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, and promoting good community relations. He is involved with the Rotary Club, the Lighthouse Society, a youth hockey coach, and a member
of the Memorial Day parade committee. He said that as a parks commissioner he has helped keep a hold on taxes for the past five years in office while increasing the park district’s cost recovery by 3 percent, bringing it up to the national level. “The priority of my job is to protect and serve the people in our community,” Cilluffo said. “My experience has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the needs of the community in order to make decisions that best serve our residents.” Beggs spent her childhood up north in Lake Placid becoming an avid skater. Her experience on ice translated into becoming the director of the park district’s skate school from 2008-2012. Under her direction, it was awarded for having one of the largest enrollments in the country. “I trained at Lake Placid as a figure skater,” she said. “I’m sure Continued on Page 50
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT
Students from Great Neck North Middle School shared their thanks with the staff at Northwell’s Monter Center. See story on page 61.
Katz unopposed in race for pollution control commish B Y R O B E R T P E L A E Z gether a plan for a second term. ing ways to educate the water Environmentalist and longtime Great Neck resident Patty Katz, is running unopposed for re-election as commissioner of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District but that hasn’t stopped her from putting to-
If given a chance at a second term on Dec. 10, Katz said she will try to find more environmentally conscious programs and solutions for the water district. “Something I would love to do more of is implement-
district’s residents,” said Katz, who was first elected three years ago. “Having more people know what we do and what goes on in our backyards can help generate new, green ideas and important discussions goContinued on Page 51
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