(The following statement was submitted by David Goodsell.)

I believe one of the most important tasks to be undertaken by any community is to educate their children. Herricks is fortunate to have parents, teachers, administrators and students who are committed to the ideals of quality education. I have worked during the past three years as a school board trustee to carry on the tradition of educational excellence in Herricks by exploring ways of continuing the improvement of the quality of the school experience while remaining mindful of financial demands all taxpayers face today.

I grew up in North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in economics. I graduated from St. John's University School of Law where I met my wife, Patricia Baron. She grew up in Herricks, so when it came time to buy a house and the opportunity to purchase a home in Herricks, we seized the opportunity. We have lived in Herricks for 26 years.

Our three sons have been educated in the Herricks school system. Brian graduated in 2001. Andrew graduated in 2004. Patrick will graduate in 2007. Each of my children have benefited from the many educational opportunities offered by Herricks School.

Presently, I practice law with my wife in a general practice in New Hyde Park. I have long believed in the need to participate in the community and have served in several areas. I am presently a member of the Town of North Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals. I have served as the chairman of the Advisory Board for Island Harvest, a hunger elimination program. I also served as a trustee of the Herricks Community Fund. I am a past president of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce. Presently, I act as the legal advisor to the New Hyde Park Knights of Columbus.

My legal background allows me to offer a different approach to the issues facing the community. I will continue to work to make certain that a balanced, consistent and reasoned approach is undertaken in all board actions. I will continue to maintain an insistence that financial responsibility and fiscal prudence is exercised to insure every dollar is well spent. I wish to ensure that every student in the Herricks School District realizes their educational potential.