Politics & Government

Manorhaven's New Mayor, Trustees Sworn In

One trustee position disputed.

It was standing room only at the hall, where residents gathered Monday evening to witness the swearing-in of newly elected .

The three officials were sworn in by North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio.

“I promise to work hard,” Giunta said, thanking residents “for their trust and support” and her family “for their courage and their love.”

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Smith thanked the Giunta family and their supporters “for all these years,” “It shows that you can have a noble cause and work towards something, and actually achieve it.”

Thanking voters, Lazarovic said, “We will work very hard to provide you with a government that is open, honest and accessible.”

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Giunta appointed Lucretia Steele to fill a trustee position until July 2013. But an attorney representing James Avena, who was appointed by departing Mayor John DiLeo to fill that position, raised an objection.

“This is going to have to go to courts now,” the attorney said, noting that appointing Steele to the position was “a violation of state law.”

Charles Casolaro, the new village attorney, said he “disagreed with that legal analysis. If the Supreme Court disagrees with my analysis, and your client is entitled to sit in this seat we will follow the dictates of the court order.”

Several residents spoke next, thanking the new mayor and trustees “for standing up to the powers that be and being willing to serve” and saying “the people will stand behind you.”

“You and your crew can chart a course that will be beneficial to everyone,” Bill Aronson said. “Then in the future, the high tides of Manorhaven will raise all boats and not just a select few.”


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