A little less than a year ago, the people of Williston Park elected me as its 10th Mayor of Williston Park. It has been a most exciting year and I thank the people of Williston Park for the privilege to serve as mayor. But I am only one person of five on the board and it is my firm belief that we strive to do what is right for our village and her people. I believe we have a rich, talented and diverse board of trustees, who are up to the task of governing and listening.

At the time of my election, it became apparent that I needed to appoint someone to fill my unexpired term as village trustee. I talked to many people and they all brought different talents and strengths to the table. But one person stood out above the others with the skills to be a perfect village trustee, and that person is Ray Cross. Ray is a longtime resident of our village, who, along with his wife, Winnie, raised three fine young men in Williston Park. Ray strikes me as a caring, sensitive individual who was clearly attuned to the pulse of Williston Park. Besides these qualifications, Ray has a strong career and background with Recreation and Pool Management with the Town of North Hempstead.

After much soul searching with his wife and family, Ray made the commitment to serve as our village trustee in Williston Park. During the past year, Trustee Cross has collaborated with many people and groups to offer excellent service to our community at the pool, in the recreation department, and finally with our Historical Committee. Ray works well with his committees and has advocated for them when the need has arisen. We now have a permanent storage facility in the Village Hall for the Historical Committee's archives due to Ray's support. Trustee Cross has worked together with Deputy Mayor Ehrbar and the Pool Committee on the reopening of our village swimming pool. The pool has had an extremely successful year, and they are planning new and exciting additions and improvements for the upcoming year.

Ray Cross has been an industrious voice for the community as the board has faced some very difficult decisions during the past year. Ray brings his vast knowledge and sensitivity to each board deliberation and Ray's primary motivation at all times is what is best for our village and residents.

Ray Cross has made a commitment to our community, and I call upon the residents of Williston Park to do likewise and come out on March 16 and vote for Ray Cross. It is not easy to be a trustee, and Ray could use the affirmation that the community appreciates what he is doing. It takes five minutes to exercise your right to vote. Please come out on March 16 and show Ray your support by voting for him on Row A, Integrity Party. And one final word to Ray Cross: Thanks for saying Yes to the People of Williston Park.