John Garry recently announced that he will be running for mayor in the March 18 election with no party affiliation.

Garry, who first announced his candidacy in an ad in March 2006, said he is running for election because "I am greatly disappointed in the depressed state of the Main Street shopping district."

"I am also greatly concerned with village water bill irregularities, code enforcement abuse, and the fact that too many undocumented immigrants are using the Main Street shopping district as a social hangout," he said. "Because of my work status, I believe I can commit the time and effort needed to address these issues. I have devoted the majority of my adult life to volunteer civic and sports organizations in Farmingdale. I have the pleasure of knowing a great deal of the village residents personally." Garry has lived in Farmingdale for the past 48 years.

According to Village Clerk Dave Smollett, residents cannot officially file petition for candidacy until Feb. 5, 2008. The Farmingdale Observer is reporting on candidates as they inform the paper of their candidacy.

There are three other candidates who have announced their candidacy for mayor thus far. Current Mayor George Graf is running on the Farmingdale Family Party line, Trustee George "Butch" Starkie is running on the Green Leaf Party line and Thomas Cinelli is an independent candidate.