Mayor Siegel and trustees Dominic Bianco, David Gugerty and Sarah Jansen were officially sworn into office on July 25 on Bayville's Village Green, under a bright, sunny sky. Also sworn into office were Village Clerk/Treasurer Maria Alfano-Hardy and her deputy Joanne Banco. Among the invited guests were State Senator Carl Marcellino, State Assemblyman Sidikman, Legislator Canning, Judge Reilly and Town Supervisor Venditto.

In her acceptance speech, Mayor Siegel mentioned that the offices of mayor and trustees had been unopposed, "perhaps an indication that we have come to realize that we are one, with a common vision for the future. Let's use the energy usually spent on party divisions for this common vision." The mayor said she is aware that not all residents are her friends, but her adversaries give her the needed energy to do what she is doing. "Negatives are essential, constructive criticism is necessary."

The mayor praised her board of trustees: "We don't only work well together, I really like them. Each member adds a special flavor to the board. Sara Jansen is a CPA and keeps close watch over our finances. David Gugerty, an attorney, is a zealous environmentalist with great awareness of our environmental challenges. Dominic Bianco, attorney, is particularly concerned with the individual's rights. Attorney Paul McBride is familiar with recreational activities and adds an outsider's perspective (he came from Locust Valley). Attorney Timothy Horgan adds wit, charm and legal acumen to our board, and Doug Watson, who runs his own business, has had the experience of working with the previous administration as the only member of the opposition party."

The mayor had a special praise for Maria Alfano/Hardy, "the engine which makes it all work. Maria shares my passion for this village. Joanne Banco has extensive experience in local government. Gladys Mack, village historian and co-director of the museum, has participated in village activities for the past 32 years, and Tom Alfano, co-director of the museum, is a lifelong Bayville resident with a thorough knowledge of village history." The mayor pointed to the crew of sanitation workers, who "work hard and are often taken for granted, without giving them the appreciation they deserve."

The ceremony concluded with speeches by government officials and statement by the re-elected trustees, followed by refreshments served in village hall.

Our best wishes, and our sincere appreciation of their dedicated work accompany our loyal administrators during their new term.

During the second public hearing on planned improvements for Fifth Street in Bayville, two belligerent representatives of the Fifth Street Homeowners Association almost came to blows in village hall. Before the two adversaries could break out in a shouting match, the mayor forcefully brought them to order: "I don't want to hear what you have to say to each other, settle your disputes among yourselves. We are here to discuss the matter on hand, the road improvements on Fifth Street, nothing else." As the two irate men left the hall, their screaming erupted near the entrance door, and two trustees rushed to escort them outside the building.

"People should get along with each other," commented the mayor, "life is too short to waste time on feuds. Differences should be discussed and settled within the homeowners association."

After receiving a complaint from a resident, the mayor spent a couple of hours on a recent Sunday to watch the comings and goings at Soundside Beach and West Harbor Beach. "I had not taken the complaint seriously at first, but when I saw with my own eyes what is going on, I changed my mind. Hordes of nonresidents (they are easy to spot) parked their cars on private side streets near the beaches, took out their beach equipment and coolers, and walked into Soundside Beach, or through the second entrance (installed by the Town of Oyster Bay) into West Harbor Beach.

Not only do they use our beaches illegally, but they park for hours on our private roads and litter our streets." The mayor suggested to reinstate the picture ID cards for residents and have gate attendants ask for identification from anyone entering our beaches. "Our residents won't like having to get a picture ID from village hall, but it is in their own interest to protect their private streets and beaches. We should consider this measure for next season and discuss it again in November."