Quality of life Mayor on Freeport’s Quality-of-Life meetings
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
The Herald recently interviewed Mayor Robert Kennedy of the Village of Freeport about the village’s weekly quality-of-life open house meetings, which the mayor has been conducting since he was first elected in response to a lack of communication between residents and village officials in the past. The meetings take place every Tuesday from 12p.m. to 4:30p.m., and our meant for any Freeport resident, tenants, and businesses to bring any sort of issue related to the village directly to the mayor.
Interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Herald: What do the village’s Quality-of-Life meetings entail, and what’s been the history of the program?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: I started this the first year I was mayor, we’ve had probably over 2000 visitors already. And what it is, every Tuesday, from 12p.m. to 4:30p.m we have open house, or quality-of life, where any resident or business owner is permitted just to walk into my office.
If they need an appointment we’ll make an appointment. If they just show up, we just give them a cup of coffee. If somebody else in here, once I’m finished with them, I take the person in.
(If there’s a problem with the police) I call the police chief in. If I have a problem with the attorney’s office. I call the attorneys in. If I have a problem with the auditor, or taxes, I call the auditor and resolve the issue right then and there, with the resident.
If it’s a court issue. I usually call the attorneys in to discuss with what options they have, although I do not run the courts and have no jurisdiction over it, at least direct them the right way.
Two good examples from that day: we received a ticket (from a resident) no parking here until corner. I called the chief in and we reviewed it.
We got a picture in the car blocking part of the sign, and they were issued a ticket, but since they put the wrong address down, we were able to void out that ticket for improperly being written. The resident was pretty happy. He got stuck with another one he had to pay. But these are the kinds of things that we take care of in Quality-of-Life whether it’s putting up stop signs… I had a lady, come in one in one day and said they never enforce the stop signs over here on Ray Street and South Long Beach.
And I said, “well, you know, let me see.”
She said, “I don’t want to talk to you, you never listen anyway, none of you mayors do. She walked out.
So I called the department. I said, please listen to me, do me a favor: put an unmarked car down there on Long Beach and Ray Street and watch, watch
for people on the stop sign.
Three hours later, I got a call from the police officers. He calls me my on phone and says, I got some lady. I pulled her over for other stop signs. She said she was in your office two hours ago complaining, she didn’t want the ticket. I said, that’s the lady that walked out and wouldn’t listen to me – write her up.
That’s what we do every day: police officer is accused of something, we discuss it right away with the chief of police.
If it’s something DPW related, like a pothole that needs to be filled we follow up with DPW right away and follow up on it, resolving the problems, making a list and seeing that the problems, issues are corrected without getting lost in the cracks, as we do every Tuesday from 12 to 4:30.
Q: What year did you start?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: 2013.
Q: How well attended are these meetings?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: This coming Tuesday is our 610th Quality of Life meeting. We’ve probably had in total, I’m guessing, probably about 3000 visitors. Between three and six people probably a week.
Q: What are the most common issue from residents that you hear?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: Maybe potholes, possibly parking tickets, open permits, where people started to work but didn’t finish it. We also get a lot of complaints from apartment dwellers that have insufficient heat or window grease or something like that who’s not getting cooperation through the management or the owners. And the building department will follow up on that
because certain codes are required.
Q: What are you able to do for people with parking ticket problems?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: I have, again, no jurisdiction over the court, so a lot of time I’ll direct them to speak to somebody in the courts and provide whatever documentation they have, or I will sometimes review it from here and see if the ticket was written properly or improperly. But I bring the chief in for that, who will help determine if, in fact, tickets were issued, issued properly or not.
Q: And about the potholes?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: I write the letter to DPW, and then I follow up to make sure the potholes were done. I had some lady recently just call that she wanted no parking from here to corner, about six intersections by the house, because the parking from students and schools were blocking her driveway, blocking the corner that you couldn’t see around when she was turning.
(We put six no parking signs) down by Lessing and Grand Avenue.
Q: How is it that you, being so busy, are able to make the time on Tuesdays week-after-week.
Mayor Robert Kennedy: I just allot that afternoon that I’m in that office, but it doesn’t prevent me from doing other work during that time. If somebody’s not here… people are bringing in, you know, issues and problems and other departments, and we’re resolving all the issues all day long. So if I work a little late or commit a little bit early, that’s what we do, but every Tuesday, we afford those residents and businesses time to commit and discuss it.
Q: How have you made people aware that these meetings are even something that takes place?
Mayor Robert Kennedy: Every board meeting, I conclude with, ‘ladies and gentlemen, if you have issues, we have resolutions. Every Tuesday, from 12 to 4:30, you’re invited to the mayor office, either with an appointment or just to walk in if you have issues, we have resolutions. Come in: quality-of-life meetings open to all of our resident and businesses every Tuesday.’ I say it at every board meeting, and I say it at every meeting to let people know. Quality of Life meeting take place every Tuesday from 12p.m. to 4:30p.m. Walk-ins and appointments are both welcome. 46 N. Ocean Ave., Freeport. For more details, call (516) 377-2252 or contact the mayor by email at mayor@ freeportny.gov.
Herald file photo Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy has held weekly quality-of-life meetings every Tuesday since 2013, when he was first elected.
Courtesy Randy Milteer/Village of Freeport
Freeport Quality-of-life meetings take place every Tuesday from 12p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Leaders and advocates celebrate Sustainability
Local leaders push for greener, cleaner communities
By Kelsie Radziski
Visionaries, advocates and trailblazing leaders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on Feb. 26 to celebrate groundbreaking innovations and inspire bold action toward a sustainable future. From young students to influential policy-makers to community members making a difference, the Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld, recognized those whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
“It is an honor for us at the Herald and Reworld to showcase the achievements of these leaders,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc. and the Herald, said.
As Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld, emphasized, the commitment to sustainability is not just about progress — it’s about making a lasting, positive impact.
“We are honoring those leaders and budding youngsters who demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, and that matters a lot to us,” Mohammed said. “Because with Reworld, our claim to fame is that we are the only company that manages waste in a sustainable manner.”
Reworld utilizes “infrastructure, technology and imagination to solve complex waste management challenges and help create a sustainable and more prosperous future for businesses and communities,” according to the company’s website.
Reworld was represented at the awards ceremony by Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist; Dawn Harmon, director of Long Island market; Adel Omrani, president of the East Region; and Lloyd Naideck, director of state government relations along with many other Reworld team members.
“We’re delighted to be able to honor all of these sustainability champions here tonight,” Early said. “So many of them have done so much in making Long Island a better place to live, work and play.”
Two young students were recognized for their sustainability efforts. Joseph Petraro, an 11-year-old who is a freshman at Louisiana State University, founded the Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, a nonprofit aimed at promoting positive social change, especially for vulnerable children. The initiative’s mission is to foster kindness, inclusivity and connections throughout communities, and to promote positive mental well-being.
“I used to get bullied when I was a lot younger,” Joseph said, “and I don’t want other people to feel that same way.”
He also started other initiatives, including the Clean Wells for Humanity program, which tackles global water scarcity, and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which fosters intergenerational bonds and promotes sustainable living practices. Joseph’s efforts to bring people together to help the environment made him a Student Champion for Sustainability Award winner.
Desiree Mohammadi, a 12-year-old student at South Woods Middle School, in Syosset, was honored for her initiative Seeds of Hope, which began when she saved the seeds from the vegetables in her family’s garden. Seeds of Hope has blossomed into a bigger movement, and Desiree has partnered with Island Harvest to plant seeds every spring at the nonprofit’s Healthy Harvest Farm in Brentwood.
“I think it’s a human right that people should be able to access fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. Both student award winners were also presented with $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects.
Other honorees include Don Clavin, Town of Hempstead supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon supervisor, who received Environmental Leader in Policy awards. They have each made efforts, working with Reworld, to improve sustainability and environmental efforts in their towns.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Herald and by Reworld,” Schaffer said. “Reworld has been an excellent partner with the Town of Babylon, and it’s probably the main part of our solid waste infrastructure and how we deal with making sure the garbage leaves the curb and is dealt with correctly.”
Local community leaders were also recognized for their work. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, works to protect natural resources and public health. She and her organization have taken on challenges such as upgrading failing sewage-treatment systems, protecting and filtering drinking and surface water and supporting large-scale renewable-energy projects in the interest of improving the environment.
“We really feel it’s our job to make sure Long Island is clean, safe and sustainable for now and in the future,” Esposito said.
Gregory Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, was honored as well, for the strides the organization has made during his 12 years of leadership. The group has earned grant funding for a number of its specialized programs, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems, urban forestry and youth development. Cornell Cooperative is currently working with Reworld to build a Dynamic Learning Center in East Meadow, with the goal of educating the public about sustainability issues.
“We’re always looking at sustainability issues and how to be more resilient,” Sandor said. “So it’s exciting to be a part of that, and be a part of this different group of leaders that are being recognized.”
As attendees mingled and celebrated the honorees, vendors offered their donated products, among them Barrier Brewing Co., Garvies Point Craft Brewery, Farrm Wines, Borghese Vineyard, Del Vino Vineyards, Loughlin Vineyard and Twisted Cow Distillery.
The Herald Sustainability Awards were a testament to the collective impact when leaders and advocates unite with a shared purpose. The inaugural event showed that commitment to sustainability is about leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world for generations to come.
Tim Baker/Herald
Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon pose with Gerry Compitello, Janina Martinez, Greg Maxilla, Jassi Anand, and Doug Jacob accept award for Babylon Town Supervisor, Rich Schaffer.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Joseph Petraro (center) poses with his 2,500 check, joined by Dawn Harmon, Maureen Early, and former NFL player Justin Tuck.
James Wylie, Lorne Brousseau, and Garrett Chelius get recognized for their work with REACH Rotary Club.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Gregory M Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extention Nassau County.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin gets his award for establishing the first hydrogen fueling station on Long Island.
Michael Fiorentino, Natural Resource Program Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.
Seatuck Environmental Executive Director Enrico Nardone proudly poses with his award.
Desiree Mohammadi (center) proudly poses with her $2,500 check, joined by former NY Rangers Mike Richter, Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon.
Island Harvest CEO and president Randi Shubin Dresner proudly poses with her award.
Stony Brook University student Esther Poon with their award.
Reworld CEO Azeez Mohammed gives welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/Herald
REACH Rotary Club honoree James Wylie playfully points out the towering height of former NFL star Justin Tuck as they pose together for a photo.
Lissette Pellegrino, celebrating her award for Environmental Stewardship.
Garrett Chelius receives his award for his work with REACH.
Operation SPLASH president Robert Weltner.
Thomas Powell accepts an award on Eric Swenson’s behalf to recognize his exceptional contributions.
Local fighters shine in important qualifier
bringing together competitors from across the metropolitan area.
Joe Higgins, president of Freeport PAL and the director of the boxing club, was excited about the event’s significance. “We get to fight at home, you know, and put on a good show for the community,” Higgins said. “To me, even more than all the boxing and all the competition and all the guts , the most important lesson learned there Saturday was the humility, not just on the sportsmanship of the fighters, but those boxers knowing who they were boxing for.”
The Ringmasters Tournament, formerly known as the New York Daily News Golden Gloves, has long been a high-stakes competition for elite amateur boxers. The winners in Saturday’s event advanced to the finals at Madison Square Garden on April 10, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the National Golden Gloves Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Four of Freeport’s elite fighters stepped into the ring, each with years of experience in the club. Among them was Reese Mistretta, a 176-pound boxer whose mother was a Golden Gloves champion in 2000. Pedrielin Collado, a young entrepreneur balancing work with rigorous training; Angel Jimenez, the newest fighter of the four; and Khamall Dunkley, a multi-talented fighter who also competes in mixed martial arts, also showcased their skills.
Dunkley’s fight stood out as a highlight of the night. “Without a question, (he) gets fight of the night,” Higgins said. “He was down and he came up with a really tremendously strong third round, landing a hard right hand early in the round which dictated the remainder of the round.”
“I’m thankfully grateful and gratefully thankful to have all these guys,” Dunkley wrote in a text. “Hearing my stablemates gave me the encouragement and energy I needed to finish strong.”
The other standout fight was between Freeport’s Mistretta and Rodney Phoenix. “It could have went either way — what a fight,” Higgins said. “And it did not freakin’ disappoint. It was the main event. It was the last fight of the night. And boy, did they go at it.”
The Freeport PAL Boxing Club has a storied history, dating back to its founding in 1992. It club has produced a number of champions on the local, regional and national levels, establishing itself as a powerhouse in amateur boxing.
The tournament drew a crowd of roughly 500, with fans cycling in and out throughout the day. The card was put together by USA Boxing Metro, the governing body of amateur boxing in New York City, Long Island and upstate.
The community support was evident, from the Freeport Fire Department donating EMS services to sponsors like Guardian Bus Company, in Oceanside, helping cover the event’s costs. And according to Higgins, the Rec Center allowed the club to use the venue for half the usual rental fee.
Khamall dunkley, far left, pedro Collado, angel Jiminez and reese mistretta represented the freeport paL Boxing Club at the annual event.
“And you’ve got to love Mayor (Robert) Kennedy — you know, he loves this program,” Higgins added. “He knows what it does for this neighborhood.”
As the event concluded, the buzz among spectators was already building for next year’s tournament.
When asked what he heard in the way of feedback from the attendees, Higgins was emphatic and succinct: “When’s the date next year?”
For more information about Kids Need More, and how to support future events, visit www.kidsneedmore.org.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Hempstead town Clerk Kate murray; mike tornabe, a sponsor of the event, town Supervisor donald Clavin; freeport mayor robert Kennedy; John ray and melissa firmes, co-founders of Kids need more; town Councilman Chris Schneider; and Joe Higgins, president of the freeport paL, enjoyed a successful night of boxing and fundraising.
Khamall dunkley’s fight was, according to boxing club director Joe Higgins, the ‘fight of the night.’
Joe Higgins, freeport paL president and boxing director, watched from ringside as he coached fighters through their bouts.
