Gerard Lundquist made his mayoral debut Monday, April 4 during swearing-in ceremonies at village hall. Mayor Lundquist is Garden City's 41st mayor and, interestingly, the fifth from Hathaway Drive. Aware of the pressing issues that lie before him and the new board, Mayor Lundquist welcomed the challenge as his predecessor, former mayor Barbara Miller, handed over the gavel.

Fellow Hathaway Drive resident and former mayor John McGowan (1989-1991) congratulated Mayor Lundquist on behalf of Garden City's western section. "We welcome you," he said. Former mayors also hailing from Hathaway Drive include John C. Norris (1935-1937), James A. McKenna (1967-1969) and Raymond L. Regan (1973-1975).

Mayor Lundquist told fellow trustees and village staff that, as a board, a number of important issues must be addressed. He mentioned one on the minds of most residents of late - The St. Paul's Main Historic Building. "We must find a suitable use that will benefit Garden City residents but not overburden us financially," he said.

The Long Island Rail Road third rail on the Main Line is an issue that will affect every one of Garden City's property owners' associations. The building of the Nassau County properties on the Social Services site - what trustees often referred to as the "P" Zone - has an "excellent" framework already established, according to Mayor Lundquist. "We need to ensure that Nassau County lives up to its commitment," he added, reminding trustees that the density of the proposed development on Stewart Avenue near Roosevelt Field Mall must also be monitored.

Village hall modifications must also be completed to ensure the building's ADA compliancy. For Garden City senior citizens, Mayor Lundquist said, "We need to ensure that needed services are made available, current programs are expanded and that adequate facilities are provided."

He mentioned former Garden City mayors Harold Hecken, McGowan and Frank Tauches. Mayor Lundquist said the latter two encouraged him early on to participate in the community. He also thanked his wife and children, his extended family and his parents, noting that his father's belief in community service was his inspiration to first volunteer in community service. "Thanks mom and dad for helping me be the person I am today," Mayor Lundquist said.

He welcomed and thanked Robert Catell, chairman and CEO of the KeySpan Corporation, and Robert J. Fani, president and COO of the KeySpan Corporation, for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend. "These men are sterling examples of business and community leaders both on Long Island and in New York City. I've known them for my entire career with KeySpan, where I've been afforded many opportunities in my chosen profession as an engineer," he said.

To his fellow residents: "I welcome challenge of being mayor. I believe I can make a difference. I will to do my best as a leader, homeowner, taxpayer and neighbor. I believe the board will be able to accomplish much over the next few years, working together with our residents, village staff and the business community..."

Justice Mathers also swore in returning trustee Robert Rothschild and new trustees, Nick Episcopia (East) and Thomas Lamberti (Central), among friends and family. Mayor Lundquist noted that he would soon be selecting a trustee to serve the remainder of former trustee Peter Negri's term.

Trustee Lamberti said he's deeply honored that his fellow residents elected him to office. "I owe that to two people - my mentor in law George Lawrence Hubbell ... and my friend for life, Eileen Murphy. I know that the two years I'm in this office, they both will guide me and I hope to fulfill the trust that the residents put in me..."

Episcopia thanked his wife and family, members of the Eastern Property Owners' Association (EPOA), the many residents who backed him in the recent election and the EPOA Nominating Committee. "I assure you I'll do my best to try and cooperate with the other members of the board of trustees in achieving our goals of a truly wonderful community," he said.