John Mauk proved victorious in a highly publicized run-off election earlier this month in the village's Estates section. More than 900 voters remained committed to Trustee Mauk despite the rigorous campaigning of challenger George Pappas, who claimed the incumbent wanted to turn St. Paul's over to commercial developers and turn Garden City into "Co-op City." Pappas, who's never held public office but has been active behind the scenes in the village, earned 677 votes while Trustee Mauk received 964.

In the largest turnout of voters in an Estates Property Owners Association (POA) trustee run-off election, 1,641 residents flocked to the polls at the high school on a rainy Feb. 3, giving Trustee Mauk a decisive victory.

"I think one of the strongest messages that came out of the record turnout of the residents is that the people want us to work together," Mauk told fellow trustees during the Feb. 5 board meeting at village hall. "It doesn't matter whether we are from the Estates, the East, the Central or the West. I think all of us on this board should want to find a solution in the best interests of the village as a whole."

After speaking with several Estates residents during the past few weeks, Trustee Mauk noted that his neighbors conveyed a sense of frustration that the St. Paul's issue has not been resolved. "They understandably expect us to work together to provide them with the facts they need to make an informed decision. Due to the range of views on this matter, our effort should be inclusive, not exclusionary.

"People made it clear they want to be presented with options for the future of the building ... They want to know the costs. And I believe they want the opportunity to express their views on the package of options we offer."

Robert Rothschild, fellow trustee and chairman of the Committee to Re-elect John Mauk and Save St. Paul's, congratulated Trustee Mauk, adding, "Thanks to the Estates residents coming out in such numbers. It was really good to see. At this point, we need to move on ... All the innuendoes and things behind the scenes that may or may not have been, as far as I'm concerned, it's over."

Trustee Mauk has resided in the village with his wife, Ellen, since 1978. They have two children, Stephanie, a senior at Garden City High School, and Daniel, who is in his third year of college. This April, Trustee Mauk will begin his third two-year term as trustee.