The New Hyde Park/Garden City Park School District held its installation of trustees last week on the grounds of the Manor Oaks School. It had been pouring rain on and off most of the day, but held off long enough for the outside installation ceremony which has become an annual event.

Trustees installed were for the school board, Martin Cernese, Curtis Axelsen and James Kane and for the library board, Stephen Cipot. All trustees were re-elected to office and they all ran unopposed.

Village justice Dave Sullivan was on hand to swear in Curtis Axelsen and James Kane and Legislator Richard Nicolello, who is also the school attorney did the swearing in of both Martin Cernese and Stephen Cipot.

Guest speaker for the brief but moving ceremony was Sewanhaka Central Superintendent Dr. George Goldstein, who will be retiring at the end of next year, delivered an inspiring speech entitled, "The Most Difficult Job in American Politics."

His theme centered around the concept of local politics and how over the years it has become the most effective form of government. Dr. Goldstein said, "The media usually wants us to think that the most important form of government is the biggest form. Yet the more we turn to Washington for solutions to our problems the more disappointed, the more jaded and cynical we have become. Sometime in the past 10 to 15 years the people we sent to Washington seem to have lost their determination to accomplish anything that any of us would notice. They can't seem to make the most basic decision that would help us to keep our home towns and schools working."

He said that the message is that all politics are local and the most important work in government is done right here in local communities like New Hyde Park. He said, "The most important work in government is done by public servants whose names don't become household words, whose pictures can't be found on the cover of Time magazine and who have never been interviewed by Larry King. The most important work in government is done by people who enter public service to serve, not as a stepping stone in their personal career. When they succeed they become examples of the philosophy that says there is no limit to where you can go and what you can do if you don't mind who gets the credit."

Dr. Goldstein continued, "When it comes to the work that matters most to us and our families, the real job of government has shifted from Washington and Albany to New Hyde Park and Garden City Park. Under these new conditions, our dedicated school board trustees deserve better than to be confronted by taxpayers who come to meetings for no other purpose than to abuse their board of education for spending money on children. As more decision-making power falls on the shoulders of local communities, all groups are going to have to learn the meaning of new responsibilities."

He went on to say that in the next three years Martin Cernese, Curtis Axelsen and Jim Kane will affect our lives more deeply than the President, the Congress and the Supreme Court combined. He added, "An amazing and powerful thought. They have less money and resources to do a job than the politicians in Washington and the problems are more challenging than we have ever known: An epidemic of indifference toward education on the part of children and parents; a growing loss of financial support for schools; an urgent call for greater skills in communication, technology and reasoning coupled with competition on a global scale."

Dr. Goldstein said, "As you accept these responsibilites we applaud your determination and thank you. May you be blessed with the wisdom, the intellect and the skill to guide our children and our community to a better life."

He then mentioned the individual school board members that were re-elected and that were being sworn-in: "Jim Kane...I met him three years ago and immediately knew I was dealing with a leader and a man of great personal courage. He is a captain in the New York City Fire Department where it is impossible not to be courageous, clear headed and decisive. He is a model to whom others turn when difficult decisions need to be made; a man who becomes deeply devoted to every individual who comes within his care. Curtis Axelsen...Three years ago I only knew Curtis by name and the fact that he is an attorney. Today I am fortunate to know him as a man of great wisdom, deep compassion for his people and strong loyalty to his colleagues. Today we share a close personal friendship based on mutual respect and admiration. Curtis is my mensch!...Martin Cernese...we go back nine years. When he was first appointed to our ATS Study Group I knew I had met a man of character and distinction. His past four years as Sewanhaka board president has allowed me to see his wisdom, high intellect and superior knowledge of almost all phases of education and life itself. He is for me, not merely a board member, but a friend whom I will cherish long after both of us are retired from service to children. We are all honored that he is continuing another three year term."

Dr. Goldstein concluded, "On behalf of the children and the families of your communities I congratulate the trustees. I thank them for having the courage to take on one of the most difficult leadership positions in American government and I wish you all the very best of luck in the three years ahead."

Stephen Cipot re-elected to the Hillside Library Board has been on the board for one term and was re-elected to another term. He had no opposition. His son attends New Hyde Park Memorial High School and his daughter Garden City Park elementary school. He also serves on the board of the Parks Civic Association. He is associated with the Department of Environmental Conservation.

After Dr. Goldstein's speech the trustees were then sworn in by both Judge Sullivan and Legislator Nicolello. After the ceremony the trustees, their families, and dignitaries were guests at a reception held in the Manor Oaks lobby.