Village of Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert and trustee Louis Santosus announced last week that they would run for re-election under the banner of the Village Party on election day in March.

Colbert stated he is seeking another term in order to continue the agenda to revitalize, improve and develop Mineola as the premier village on Long Island. "Mineola has been known as a village where services are superior, taxes are low and a sense of community abounds," he said. "The trustees and I have done much to improve Mineola and we still have things to accomplish."

Citing the work done as the point person for the newly renovated Mineola Memorial Library construction project and the expansion of the fire house, Colbert congratulated Santosus for his dedication to the people of Mineola. "Lou has worked tirelessly with contractors, architects and construction managers and our own great staff in order to deliver two wonderful improvements to Mineola," Colbert said. "He deserves the support of the entire community."

At a recent meeting of the Village Party, improvements made during the tenure of John Colbert as mayor were reviewed. On the list was the construction of the residents-only community swimming complex, the construction of a roller hockey rink, the reconstruction of Wilson Park, the new ball fields, the upgrading of the village's water pumping and delivery system, including the rehabilitation of the water tank, the new library, the expanded fire house, the purchase of a new ambulance, the community center and the new Village Hall.

"That's a long list," said Bob Walker, president of the Village Party.

Trustee Santosus pointed toward the planning of Mineola's future in declaring his support for Colbert. "Mayor Colbert has begun the planning of Mineola's future by setting up a Master Plan Committee to guide us into decades to come," he said. "We have a great team of professionals and community volunteers who are looking at all ways to improve Mineola."

One of the main works of the mayor's planning committee is the revitalization of the downtown sector of the village. Designs have been made to redo the sidewalks in brick pavement, install new, decorative lighting and to make downtown a more pleasing place to visit.

Mayor Colbert explained that "planning for the future is our most important priority." He added that there are four major areas of planning being developed: downtown revitalization, transportation and parking (including the new Mineola Boulevard Bridge and the Roslyn Road grade crossing), historical preservation and protection of Mineola's unique neighborhoods. "It is time to roll up our sleeves and break ground on the downtown project," said Colbert. "We hope to begin laying brick pavers this summer."

The Mayor also cited a number of special events that took place to illustrate the closeness to Mineola. The annual Mayor's Halloween Party at the community center, featuring free refreshments, pony rides, a petting zoo, a spook walk and other amusements drew more than 1,000 children this year. The first annual Senior Day was held to recognize Mineola's senior population.

Mayor Colbert thanked the members of the Village Party for placing confidence in him. "I appreciate the nomination of the Village Party," he said. "I try to be the mayor of all people in the community, no matter what their affiliation. We have to keep our eye on the prize - making Mineola a great community. That's why I am running; that's why I am serving."