This Week: Will Bosworth Respond to Pay Hike Questions?

It may only be December, but fireworks are expected to fly Tuesday in Manhasset.

North Hempstead Democrats, who control the majority on the town board, voted unanimously last month to hold a public hearing Dec. 10 to discuss the possibility of significant pay raises for elected officials.

The pay hike, proposed by interim Supervisor John Riordan, is calling for a 37.5 percent increase for town board members. If approved, it would raise pay to $55,000 for the part-time town board position. Other salaries would be $138,000 for town supervisor; $115,000 for the receiver of taxes; and $105,000 for the town clerk.

A public hearing is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall in Manhasset. 

Riordan was appointed to office in October in a move by board Democrats who spoke in favor of a pay raise at a recent meeting.

Republicans rejected the idea of a North Hempstead pay hike last month.

Town Supervisor-elect Judi Bosworth, who is slated to receive a possible raise of $5,000 over the previous supervisor's salary, has remained mum on the pay hike issue which would impact the town board she will preside over beginning Jan. 1. 

Bosworth (D-Great Neck) was elected to office Nov. 5. See Bosworth's victory speech here.

Since Nov. 21, emails to Bosworth have not been returned to Patch regarding questions about the possible pay increases which would be paid for through the town's contingency fund.

It is unclear whether Bosworth, currently serving on the Nassau County Legislature, will attend the public hearing Tuesday. Patch will again question Bosworth Monday about the possibility of a supervisor pay raise.

Also this week in Port Washington:

Manorhaven Holiday Party: Manorhaven officials are inviting the public to a holiday party Dec. 14 at Village Hall, 33 Manorhaven Blvd. The event runs from 4-5:30 p.m. More information here.

Artist Eric Fischl:  The author of "Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas With Michael Stone," will be at the Port Washington Library Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Fischl was born in New York City and grew up in Port Washington. The event is sponsored by the Art Council Friends of the Friends of the Port Washington Library. More information here.

Winter Wonderland: North Hempstead’s free Holiday Extravaganza runs from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Clark Botanic Gardens. The event features a host of fun activities for kids including cookie decorating, snow flake crafts, holiday music and an impressive train display. As always you can take in the beautiful 12-acre garden, at 193 I.U. Willets Rd., Albertson.