I am writing to you for several reasons. First, I want to thank you for voting in the recent village elections. As I begin my third term as mayor, issues such as stabilizing our tax base, neighborhood beautification and preserving the high quality of life and family-oriented atmosphere we enjoy remain at the top of my agenda.

Second, I am pleased to announce that tax rates will not increase this year, maintaining our unmatched record of 12 years in a row at the same rate.

Lastly, I want to update you on recent articles you may have seen in Newsday or the Farmingdale Observer concerning the day workers. As you are aware, they have moved their gathering place from Conklin Street to a public parking lot on South Street, as a result of traffic safety concerns. St. Kilian's placed a donated shed on the lot to provide shelter during inclement weather. In response to complaints from neighbors about public urination, we placed a portable toilet at the site.

Over the past couple of years, Farmingdale Village has initiated discussions with St. Kilian's Outreach Ministry and the Workplace Project, the primary advocacy group assisting the day workers, in an attempt to move the shape-up site away from residential areas of the village.

Unfortunately, these ongoing negotiations are made difficult by several rulings from the US Supreme Court, which has deemed that loitering is not illegal anywhere in the country and allows day workers to assemble in public places. These decisions have greatly restrained the actions that the village and Nassau County Police Department can take. If we attempt to expel people from public property, it is a violation of their civil rights and would likely result in an expensive lawsuit against the village. In addition, the Immigration and Naturalization Service has investigated this matter and has advised us that due to budget constraints it only enforces immigration laws in factories and along borders of other countries, not on local streets.

Despite what has been reported in the press, the village never invited or established any location in Farmingdale for the day workers, nor has it expended any funds to support their activities. While the village board and I will continue to do what we can to resolve this situation, the complexities involved do not allow for an overnight solution. However, we will not turn our backs on our residents or give up until a resolution is achieved. Sharing your concerns with those listed below may help us to alleviate this problem sooner.

Congressman Peter King - 541-4225

St. Kilian's Outreach Ministry - 756-9656

Immigration & Naturalization Service - (212) 264-5923

Assemblyman Steven Labriola - 844-0635

Nassau County Legislator Salvatore Pontillo - 571-6214

We will keep you informed of our progress concerning this difficult situation. If you have any questions or ideas, or if the village can provide any other assistance, please call me at 249-0093.

Thank you for your patience and support in this matter.

Joseph M. Trudden

Mayor