Robert A. Lincoln, Jr., and Chandev “Sean” Perera are running for park commissioner and have each submitted a statement of why he believes he’s the right person for the job.
The election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 3 to 9 p.m. and all Great Neck Park District residents are encouraged to vote. The Park District has three commissioners, each of whom is elected for a three-year term. One commissioner spot is up for election each year on a revolving basis. The park commissioner elected on Dec. 8 will begin on Jan. 1, 2016.
Four districts have been established for Park District elections and each has a separate polling location within its boundaries. Residents should vote at the following polling places in their district.
• Park Election District No. 1: Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave.
• Park Election District No. 2: E.M. Baker School, 69 Baker Hill Rd.
• Park Election District No. 3: Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave.
• Park Election District No. 4: Manhasset-Lakeville Firehouse #4, Jayson Avenue & Northern Boulevard.
All persons 18 years of age or older, who have resided in the Great Neck Park District for a period of 30 days prior to the election and are registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections from their Great Neck Park District address for at least 23 days prior to the election, are eligible to vote.
Applications for absentee ballots can be picked up by voters or their duly authorized agent at the Park District Office, 5 Beach Rd., and Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave., by Dec. 7. For questions, call 516-482-0181.
For polling location details and election results, click here.
Robert A. Lincoln, Jr.
As a lifelong resident of Great Neck, I understand how valuable an asset our parks are to the community. I was elected to the board of commissioners of the Great Neck Park District in December 2000 and again in 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012. I am proud of my track record and our accomplishments in maintaining and improving our facilities. We offer quality programs for all members of the Park District. We operate with transparency which invites participation by our residents. And, we have held the same tax levy for three years with no increases.
I am just as engaged and committed to our parks and the people as the first day I took office. For example, this spring when I was approached by a group of senior citizens who no longer drive but who enjoy Parkwood Pool, I found a community resource to provide them free transportation on weekdays. Secondly, both Parkwood and Great Neck House can now serve as a refuge for residents during major power outages. Additionally, we have started to plan for expansion of commuter parking to meet both current and future requirements due to anticipated expansion of LIRR ridership; public discussion should begin soon after the start of the new year. And there is much more.
I believe that my experience and understanding of both the parks and the community are essential at this time. A new superintendent will be hired shortly and the Park District is in the midst of several capital projects. Continuity and institutional knowledge are vital to maintaining the quality that our community expects.
I hope the voters will allow me to continue pursuing something that I love.
—As submitted by the candidate
Chandev “Sean” Perera
I have worked for the Park District for 20-plus years, managing in multiple capacities, including the creation of the tennis summer and holiday camps and Camp Parkwood. Camp Parkwood’s registration grew from 25 children each week the first year to well over 350.
Having been part of the budget process during my 20-plus years’ tenure, I am familiar with the Park District’s finance system. I was able to build the overall budget based on income and expenses for the Parkwood Sports Complex and kept the day-to-day operations of the complex within the budget each year. In addition to running the tennis center, the ice rink and pool and all their various programs and events, I was responsible for hiring seasonal employees at the complex annually.
I believe term limits for the commissioners should be introduced to ensure new eyes will always be looking into the diverse needs of the community.
I will make sure the public is made aware of ALL commissioners’ meetings and will operate in accordance with the district’s bylaws.
The Park District will become “greener” under my leadership as I will make sure proper recycling procedures are implemented and carried out at all parks and facilities.
I will make sure open job positions are being filled by well-qualified applicants who meet the requirements as put forth by the civil service. There will be no more nepotism or hiring of friends.
There will be improved senior programming/senior discounts; I will introduce family/veterans’ discounts and a diversification of programs to meet the residents’ desires.
—As submitted by the candidate
For election results, click here.
