The New Line Party took back the majority of the village board in an overwhelming victory on March 15 as Mayor Jack M. Martins and Trustee Larry Werther were re-elected and John DaVanzo their running mate was elected. The three will comprise the board's majority for at least the next two years.

For Mayor Martins, who ran unopposed, the victory was a vote of confidence by the residents of Mineola. The focus of the New Line Party campaign was giving the New Line Party the board's majority as opposed to the Hometown Party, which has two trustees on the board with Linda Fairgrieve and Paul Cusato.

Mayor Martins received 2,077 votes to be re-elected. Werther received 1,857 and DaVanzo captured 1,779 votes to be elected over Tim Almeida of the Hometown Party, who garnered 923 votes.

"The residents of Mineola recognized the marvelous progressthat the New Line Party and in particular Mayor Jack Martins, had delivered in two short years. This election was a mandatetelling us to keep up the good work," said Werther, who served the last two years as deputy mayor.

The New Line Party touted its accomplishments of making the government more open to the residents and putting an end to borrowing while passing a budget that created a surplus.

DaVanzo, who was asked to run by Mayor Martins, will return to the board after 40 years. He served on the board from 1955 to 1965. Mr. Mineola will be back in the saddle again, as he said. "I'm very happy about it, particularly since Jack sort of wanted me to go. I did it because I like Jack. He's got some good ideas. He's got a vision for the village," he said.

DaVanzo said he looking forward to serving again on the board. In fact, he said he still has his old nameplate that says "John DaVanzo - Trustee" from the last time he served. "I'm going to put it out there," he said.

He acknowledged that there were rumors that once elected, he would step down and the mayor would appoint someone to fill the position. But DaVanzo said the rumor is untrue. "I'm not a quitter no matter what I do," he said. "I'm going to be working. I'm not going to be sitting back."

On election night, with his supporters gathered, Mayor Martins thanked them and all of the residents who supported the New Line Party. But, there isn't much time to enjoy the victory. It's back to work with the village budget soon on the horizon.