The Plandome Heights Board of Trustees met as scheduled on July 7 with the first item on the agenda the appointment of a mayor to fill the vacancy created when Sandi Gabriel resigned on July 5th. Pursuant to village law, a vacancy in the office of mayor is filled by a majority vote of the board of trustees. Appointed offices are filled for the balance of the un-expired term.

Following a brief opening statement made by Deputy Mayor Gene Woo, the board moved swiftly and decisively to unanimously nominate and appoint Marion Endrizzi, a 30 year resident of the village, to fill the position of mayor. Upon taking the oath of office, Mayor Endrizzi presided over the remainder of the meeting assuring those in attendance that she would be a hands-on mayor readily accessible to residents, village employees and elected officials alike. It was evident her colleagues had great confidence in her ability. As mayor, she brings valuable skills to the board having gained extensive knowledge of village government as both an appointed employee and an elected official.

Marion Endrizzi was Plandome Heights Village Clerk for two years in the mid-1980s and went on to serve as an elected village trustee for 14 consecutive years. Endrizzi was founder of the Village Alliance Party. She initiated and maintained the Village Tree Replacement Program. As a result of its tremendous success, residents of Plandome Heights enjoy the beautiful park-like atmosphere that has been created by the planting of over 200 trees--as well as improved air quality and increased property values. She developed a strong partnership with the 6th Precinct's POP (Problem Oriented Policing) Team and maintained the liaison role to the benefit of the community. Marion Endrizzi was involved with various road projects within the village and has served on the village planning board. In 1999 she chaired the celebration for the 70th anniversary of the village and has more recently chaired the Re-Codification Committee that updated and amended the village ordinances.

Mayor Endrizzi requested that the board convene again in August to address the storm drain and road repair projects, the annual tree and sidewalk surveys and village communications. The board will meet at 8 p.m., Monday August 1 at the Plandome Village Hall on South Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend.