(Editor's Note: The Great Neck Record contacted all of the candidates in this election, and, as well, we contacted the Village of Saddle Rock clerk/treasurer, asking for candidates' statements and photos. To date, we have received three press releases, which are printed below.)

In the upcoming March 15 village elections, four candidates are running for two trustee spots in the Village of Saddle Rock. While Mayor J. Leonard Samansky is running unopposed for re-election and Robert N. Zausner is running unopposed for village justice, Charles Hercman, Mark W. Collins, Hamid B. Sharifiazad and Anis Shashou are running for two trustee positions.

The Saddle Rock Village Party has nominated Mayor J. Leonard Samansky for re-election to another two-year term, as well as nominating Robert N. Zausner for the position of village justice, and Charles Hercman for re-election as a trustee and Mark W. Collins for trustee. The Greenline Justice Party nominated Hamid B. Sharifiazad and Anis Shashou for the two trustee positions.

Current Saddle Rock Deputy Mayor (and trustee) Fred Wasserspring and Village Justice Paul Tullman will not be seeking re-election. Senior Village Justice Tullman is retiring and Deputy Mayor Wasserspring will be moving out of the area.

Saddle Rock elections are on Tuesday, March 15, noon to 9 p.m., at Saddle Rock Village Hall, 18 Masefield Way.

Mark Collins was born and raised in New Hyde Park. He is a graduate of the Great Neck Public Schools, where he was actively involved in sports, community activities and working as a lifeguard.

Mr. Collins said he chose Saddle Rock as a community because of its beautiful waterfront, pool and park facility and its close proximity to the library. He is a well known businessman throughout the metropolitan area.

Mr. Collins is still actively involved in sports and spends a great deal of his time during the summer with his wife and two daughters swimming at the Saddle Rock pool. He has a strong interest in the history of Saddle Rock and would like to see the beauty and character of the village maintained.

As a boating enthusiast, Mark Collins takes great pride in the beauty of the waterfront properties. As a self-described person of "deep values and integrity" he looks forward to bringing new and creative ideas to the board.

Charles Hercman was born and raised in Brooklyn. "I know how to appreciate the beauty and serenity of a village such as Saddle Rock," he says. Along with his wife, Mindy, and their three children, they decided to make Great Neck their home in 1993 and they chose Saddle Rock.

Mr. Hercman has served as a member of the board and as executive vice president of the Great Neck Synagogue since 1998. His two younger children attend North Shore Hebrew Academy where he has served on both the executive board and the general board for the past 10 years.

Mr. Hercman says that it has been "a privilege to serve as trustee of the Village of Saddle Rock for the past several years." He added, "I take pride in my village ... serving my community and being a trustee is a commitment and I have been dedicated to the task." His position, "lighting roads and safety," he emphasizes, "ensures that our residents are safe."

Charles Hercman stated: "I look forward to election day and continuing to serve the residents of Saddle Rock."

Hamid (Ben ) Sharifiazad has been living in Saddle Rock for more than 10 years. He is 48 years old and he and his wife have three children.

Mr. Sharifiazad holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Utah State University. By profession he is a licensed professional engineer, practicing in his own consulting engineering firm.

Mr. Sharifiazad told the Record: "I like to use my knowledge of construction and engineering to improve things around the village like the swimming pool facility and the playground. I would like to encourage people to get involved with the village issues and express their opinion freely and help the mayor and trustees to make decisions which are suitable to the majority of the people."