I would like to remind you that the board of trustees will be conducting work sessions to review the proposed 2009/10 Operating/Capital Budgets on:

Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:00 p.m. (Budget Study Session)

Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m. (Budget Study Session)

These sessions are currently scheduled to be held in the Board Room at Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York unless otherwise noted above. These sessions are conducted in public but will not provide for public participation.

I offer my congratulations to the incoming "Community Agreement Party" slate of candidates:

Robert J. Rothschild Mayor - 2-year term

Andrew J. Cavanaugh Trustee - 2-year term

Laurence J. Quinn Trustee - 2-year term

Dennis Donnelly Trustee - 2-year term

Allen S. Mathers Village Justice - 4-year term

Since the incorporation of the village in 1919, members of the board of trustees in Garden City have been elected by a non-partisan vote of residents in accordance with the policies of the Community Agreement. Our "Community Agreement Party" has served us well, and I urge residents to support the above slate.

On behalf of the board of trustees I wanted to take this opportunity in light of the President's Day observance to thank all residents, past and current, who volunteer on the village's boards and commissions as well as members of our Special Police and Volunteer Fire Department. While there is great personal satisfaction to all who serve it comes with major sacrifices by their families as well as the volunteers who spend time away from their families-missing birthdays, concerts, etc. It is with this in mind that we extend a special word of gratitude to their spouses and families who share them and demonstrate their wonderful community spirit. Unfortunately we often take for granted the tremendous time, talent and effort extended by all of those residents who participate as officers and directors in our four property owners associations. It is the result of their efforts that perpetuate our unique community agreement form of government. I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns - it is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.