Pledging to maintain the village's high quality of life, Farmingdale Mayor Joseph Trudden recently announced his candidacy for a fourth term as mayor. Joining him on the Village Restoration Party line will be incumbent trustees Michael Kelly and Vincent Sotis. Village elections will take place on Tuesday, March 16.

During the last 12 years, Team Farmingdale from the Village Restoration Party has accomplished a great deal of which we can all be proud,Úquot; Trudden said. Úquot;Along with my fellow trustees Vince Sotis and Mike Kelly, and the rest of the village board, we have initiated many beautification and modernization projects as well as much needed infrastructure improvements. All of these initiatives have helped to bolster Farmingdale's enviable status as one of the most sought-after, family-oriented, affordable villages on Long Island.

Trudden emphasizes that during his three terms, the village has: initiated a community-wide beautification program, which has won numerous awards and accolades; refurbished the downtown business district, attracting many new stores and winning the New York State Úquot;Best Main StreetÚquot; Award; re-built all of the village's roads and curbs; maintained Úquot;stable finances using conservative budgeting practices,Úquot; according to Moody's Investor Services.

Úquot;All of these accomplishments are significantly reflected in Farmingdale's median home prices, which have risen dramatically in recent years, and even more in comparison with other desirable Long Island communities,Úquot; said Trudden. Úquot;Much has been accomplished, but there is more work to be done. With the support of our residents, our team is ready to get the job done.Úquot;

Trudden, a highly decorated retired Suffolk County police officer, owns and operates the McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home in Farmingdale. He is a member of numerous community organizations, including the Farmingdale Fire Department and the Farmingdale Rotary Club. He has resided in the village for 35 years with his wife, Rosemary, and their two sons, Billy and Joe Jr.

As our village enters its centennial year, we need now, more than ever, experienced leadership to keep Farmingdale moving in the right direction. This is no time for on-the-job training,Úquot; he said. Úquot;That's why I am seeking a fourth term as mayor, so our team can continue to improve our beautiful village.Úquot;

Trustee Kelly is a 40-year active member of the Farmingdale Fire Department, where he served an unprecedented three terms as chief. He was designated Fireman of the Year in 1985, and is currently chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. An electrician by trade, he has resided in the village since 1954 with his wife, Kathleen and their children: Linda, Michael Jr. and Ryan.

Trustee Sotis, an architect, moved to the village in 1949 and frequently volunteers his time and expertise to community projects. He was responsible for the design of the Farmingdale Train Station, the Farmingdale Firehouse and is currently overseeing the Village Gazebo Project.

(Next week's issue will feature an article about the three challengers in this year's village election).