The first week of the new year brought with it the inaugurations of newly elected and re-elected officials for the Town of Hempstead. On Jan. 4, local residents gathered in Hempstead Town Hall to celebrate the inaugurations of Supervisor Rich Guardino, Councilmembers Anthony Santino, Dorothy Goosby and Gary Hudes, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin, Jr.

Guardino was inducted to serve his third term in office, affirming his solid commitment to the services and fiscal responsibility that has become a trademark of the township throughout his tenure.

"As we begin 2002, the Town of Hempstead is fiscally strong," Guardino said at the inauguration. "We have held the line on taxes for three years and our budget is structurally sound - meaning expenses do not exceed revenues. Capital spending is done according to a long-term plan and operating costs are kept strictly under control."

Guardino's dedication since his original installation as supervisor in 1998 has resulted in the town's recent Wall Street credit rating upgrade, raising it to the highest status of any town or county on Long Island.

The supervisor added that fiscal strength is most important now, particularly due to the financial consequences of the events of Sept. 11.

"The terrorist attacks have reordered our priorities," he said. "Following the attack, people wanted to get home as soon as possible and be at home. Americans have taken a look inward and have realized that the basics in life are that which are most important."

In addition to holding the line on taxes and maintaining a sound fiscal responsibility in the town, Guardino noted that his administration has also enhanced services, facilities and programs throughout the town, and that the years ahead will only bring more.

"The Town of Hempstead will provide the leadership and resources necessary to ensure [a] quality of life for all our residents," he said. "In 2002, we are not contemplating cutbacks or freezes but rather expanding our programs and moving forward with an extensive capital program to improve our parks, preserve open space, revitalize downtowns, and repair our roads and parking lots."

After noting several capital projects that are currently in the works for the town and some that have recently been completed, Guardino commented on the rich diversity in both the town's culture and residents.

"Our town is blessed in many ways. We have a diverse and talented population. We have magnificent environmental and scenic resources. The goal of this administration is to help people improve themselves and enjoy the wonderful opportunities we have in the Town of Hempstead," he said.

"As we embark on 2002, I pledge to continue to build upon our town's past successes and, along with all of our elected officials, I will work to realize the full promise of our future for all of our families," he said. "Further, we will endeavor to make our great hometown a place that reflects the values and priorities of all our residents. America's largest township will continue to be simply the best place to live, work and raise our families."

Councilman Hudes noted that he is thrilled to have another opportunity to help thousands of residents in the sixth Councilmanic District.

"As you know, I am a businessman. Prior to my election as councilman, I gave seminars to businesses and business groups about customer service. The residents of the Town of Hempstead are customers, our customers, as we are here to serve them," Hudes said. "It's all about the little things that are important to our customers."

Hudes added that from street sweeping to tree planting, park improvements to street lighting repair, the quality of life issues in people's lives are most important. He noted that with the help of the supervisor, he was been able to establish new programs during his first year in office. Noting various programs he has established, including Operation Wheelchair, the SLOW Program, the Town of Hempstead and You Slide Presentation, Hudes said "we are certainly serving our customers. This man (Guardino) is a pleasure to work with, as are my friends and colleagues on the town board."

Hudes continued by thanking the town board staff, secretaries, legislative aides and executive assistants who, in his opinion, "wrote the book on customer service," and told those in attendance that they haven't seen anything yet. When thanking his family, Hudes said "I know it's not easy on you at times, but we're doing what is right and serving the public for the right reasons. Most of all I want to acknowledge the dedication of my best friend, the greatest advisor any man could ever hope to have," Hudes said of his wife, Sheree.

After thanking the residents of the Sixth Councilmanic District, Hudes concluded, "I think Mahatma Gandhi summed it up when he said 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.'"

Newly elected Town Clerk Kate Murray was inaugurated as Hempstead's first female town clerk and the first town clerk to be installed in over 20 years. Murray stated that she plans to continue the fine service of her predecessor Dan Fisher as well as implement new ideas in the clerk's office. Prior to her election into the clerk's position, Murray was the first woman to ever serve in the Assembly's 19th District.

"It is with a great deal of hope and enthusiasm that I begin my work as your town clerk and I look forward to continuing the fine work of my predecessor Dan Fisher," she said. "The hallmark of public service is to be creative, to move forward in new and exciting directions and to always remain dedicated to the residents that you serve. Those are the kind of principles that I strive to live by in my life as a public servant and I look forward to working with Supervisor Guardino and the town board in delivering the kinds of quality services residents of the town have come to expect."

The inauguration ceremony closed with the installation of Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin, Jr. Clavin was installed by his father, Donald X. Clavin Sr., a retired county district court judge.

Clavin has brought several contributions to the position of receiver of taxes during his short time in office, having been appointed just last February. Among the services he has been successful in providing to town residents include a mobile tax office and the creation of two satellite offices.

"It has really been a joy and a pleasure to help and to serve the residents of the Town of Hempstead," Clavin said, noting that he is pleased to be working with all the administrators in the town.

"When it comes to Supervisor Guardino, I learned one thing very quickly, he is the supervisor. He takes the time to know every department, to know every case that is on trial. He is finally getting the recognition that he deserves," he said.

"It has been an honor to serve with every one of these board members," Clavin stated, adding that all the members on the town board are dedicated individuals. "You're not going to have a better group of individuals who care and want to help the residents than [those who are] sitting right here, right now."

"I am so proud of the services we have in this township and I must thank each of the elected officials being installed with me for their fine public service," Guardino commented. "Quality of life in the Town of Hempstead improves each year and I am looking forward to working with our entire town board to make this great town even better."