Longtime Elmont School Board member Joy Madera has decided not to run for re-election to the Elmont School Board because of health reasons. The two candidates vying for her seat represent two varying approaches. On May 16, residents of the Elmont School District will elect Patrick Nicolosi or Pamela Byer to fill the seat.

For Nicolosi, it is his third time running for the Elmont School Board. He feels changes are needed in the areas of finances to ensure that future generations can afford to stay on Long Island and school safety while Byer wants to follow in the footsteps of Madera, who, she believes, was an outstanding advocate for children in the district.

"Long Island has a big problem right now. We're in a crisis," said Nicolosi about the state of taxes. "You have to be open to new ideas."

In order to ease the burden on the taxpayers, Nicolosi favors creating a separate fund from the revenues generated from the New York State Lottery to help fund education. "People in Albany need to study exactly what's going on with Lotto," he said.

Nicolosi also favors looking for other revenue streams such as looking for corporate grant money and looking to cut spending. "You can't be so free with the money," he said.

Although Elmont was cited by State Comptroller Alan Hevesi as a district that is "well-managed," Nicolosi is still concerned with some of the district's spending. "They have a $33,000 cell phone bill. That's unacceptable. You can't keep raising taxes every year. We're educating these kids and they're saying bye bye to Long Island. You have to look at different revenue. You also have to study that budget and you cut waste," he said.

Nicolosi also believes that there should be more precautionary measures taken to make sure schools are safe from violence and possible terrorist attacks.

Meanwhile, his opponent, Byer, wants to continue the work the board of education has been doing for a district that easily meets state standards by providing a strong educational program in a fiscally responsible way. The Elmont District has one of the lowest cost-per-pupil ratios in the county.

Byer cited the great work that Madera has done on the board of education and feels the board is going to be losing a very positive person. "I figured maybe I should make this step," she said.

Byer is happy with the way the school district is being run. "I am a supporter. I worked with [former superintendent of schools] Dr. Palandra through the years. I was comfortable with it. I saw grades elevated. I saw parents being comfortable," she said.

Byer said she sees the continuation of the same work by new superintendent of schools Al Harper. "I listen to him and I realize that he has the vision for these children to do well. It's like his moral responsibility to the young families. I have a real strong feeling that it's going to work," she said.

Byer, who has had four children go through the Elmont School District and now has grandchildren in the schools, said she is still close with many of the parents and hears their concerns. "I think I will be able to take these things to the board," she said.

Byer said the main concern is to maintain a high level of education. She also said fiscal responsibility is a big issue. "I think the board really has to be fiscally responsible," she said.

In the other race for Elmont School Board, incumbent Ken Williams is being challenged by Frank Ragona.