The announcement has been made and it looks like the Village of Mineola is in for a quiet March election as the Hometown Party nominated only Elizabeth Conlon to run for a trustee seat she already occupies and will run no opposition against current Trustee Lou Santosus or current Mayor John P. Colbert, both members of the rival Village Party.

Conlon, a 51-year resident of Mineola, attended Corpus Christi Elementary School and St. Mary's High School. She received a BS in Elementary Education from SUNY Old Westbury, a MS from CW Post in Special Education and Reading and currently teaches in the North Babylon School District.

As trustee, Conlon, has served as liaison to the Mineola Auxiliary Police Department, for whom she helped improve their facilities, the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corp for whom the village is acquiring a new ambulance and the Mineola Historical Society who as well as being a founding member she helped to secure their own headquarters, among others.

Her career as trustee, which began when she was elected to office in 1995, has included some memorable disagreements with her fellow board members; however, Conlon has noted that the tone of her relationship with them has become much friendlier as she has become much more comfortable in her role as trustee.

For instance when Conlon first arrived on the board she was unhappy with the method of bonding to pay for tax certiorari. However, now she is proud to announce that the village is utilizing a schedule to pay for those bonds.

Despite her comfort in the position, which she is quick to note is not complacency, her reasons for staying are twofold. Her supporters requested she run once again for the village office and she has unfinished business she would like to see through to the end including the library refurbishment project, for which she helped interview the architects, and the deal with Cablevision to bring a television studio to Mineola.

Last Sunday, at Massaro's Restaurant on Mineola Boulevard, among a group of supporters somewhat diminished in usual size due to the inclement weather, the Hometown Party held its nominating convention.

Former Trustee Scott Fairgrieve nominated Conlon as a candidate whose, "honesty is beyond reproach."

Pat Tobin said, "A party is defined by the quality of its candidates. Elizabeth Conlon is that quality candidate."

Also seconding the nomination were residents John Hayes and Terry Gale who described Conlon as one who does not waiver.

Former mayor and current Receiver of Taxes Ann Galante also seconded Conlon's nomination with this advice, "Don't be discouraged that you are the only one, things will change. Our time will come."

Part of the reason Conlon is the only candidate, according to the trustee herself, was that the Hometown Party did not have anyone who was qualified and had the free time to run for the board, particularly the position of mayor.

"If you don't have good opposition what is the point of opposition," reasoned Conlon.

The trustee is aware that the party may receive some flak for not running opposing candidates for the other seats. It may for some be even less to their liking if the Village Party does not run anyone for Conlon's position which is probable according to inside sources.

"I want it to be very clear that I did not make a deal with them," said Conlon.

The rest of those in attendance agreed with Conlon that though they would have prefered to run a full slate, they will accept the one candidate scenario with one amendment.

The party members, as residents, said they wanted to have a greater presence in village matters, and a greater knowledge of what is going on in the village.

Stated Hometown Party President Katherine Butler, "Let's try to go to those Wednesday night meetings."

In other Hometown Party business, the board of directors for the party was elected as follows President Katherine Butler, VP Tim Almeida, VP Fundraising Linda Wawrzonek, Treasurer Maddie Maffetore, VP Publicity Linda Fairgrieve and VP Membership Tony Nocito.