Be a maverick on Wednesday, April 9 at 8 p.m. and attend the public budget hearing held at the library. Ask any questions you may have before the library budget vote and trustee election that will be held at the library in the Community Room on Wednesday, April 16 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you cannot attend the budget hearing April 9, pick up a copy of the budget at the second floor reference desk. According to Marion Robertson, library director, the budget hearing must be held five to 14 days prior to the vote. Unfortunately, occurring on Wednesdays as they do, it is difficult for the Manhasset Press to provide information on the budget prior to the vote (deadline for Thursday's paper is Monday at noon).

Current library trustees are: James E. Pelzer, president; Seval LaRocca, vice president; Francis J. Hone, financial secretary; Richard Tortora, trustee and Heidi McNamara, trustee.

Following the April elections in 2007 Carol Ascrizzi, at that time a trustee, tendered her letter of resignation effective June 19, 2007, at the close of the library board meeting. To complete the term of office vacated by Ascrizzi, at the library board meeting on July 10, 2007, the trustees appointed Heidi McNamara for a term that will expire June 30, 2008. Heidi McNamara is running in April for trustee for a term of five years.

The 2007/08 budget of $4,239,633 represented a 3.61 percent increase over the past year and passed with 401 "yes" votes and 244 "no" votes. For 2007/08 Frank Hone ran unopposed for one open 5-year trustee position and was re-elected with 515 votes. In neighboring Port Washington that year the one open library trustee position was sought by four individuals.

Anyone may vote who is registered either with the Manhasset School District or with the Nassau County Board of Elections, is at least 18 years old, is a U.S. citizen, is a resident of the Manhasset School District, and is not disqualified pursuant to Election Law §5-106. Voter Registration takes place at the library on Wednesday, April 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available at the second floor reference desk.