Serving Port Washington, Manorhaven, Flower Hill, Baxter Estates, Port Washington North, Sands Point
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Friday, June 17, 2022
Vol. 7, No. 24
Port WashingtonTimes GOPers BLAST TOWN GOPers REDISTRICTING PLANS PAGE 9
SANDS POINT NOISE PAGE 8
SUOZZI TOUTS CANDIDACY, SLAMS HOCHUL PAGE 6
Manorhaven trustee running for mayor fined Popeleski to pay $5K; claims violation was ‘part of an intricate scheme’ by Avena BY ST E V E N K E E H N E R The Manorhaven Board of Ethics has found that John Popeleski, a trustee and mayoral candidate, violated the village code and must pay a $5,000 fine. Popeleski used his position to move and vote for the approval of a tree removal application that would benefit a property owner, Peter Dejana, according to village documents. Dejana had a landscaping bThe property owner, the documents said, was at the same time providing Popeleski with rent-free parking spaces for two automobiles. “When subsequently questioned by village counsel, he falsely stated that he was paying rent for the parking spaces,” the records state. “Trustee Popeleski’s conduct could only lead a member of the public to lose confidence in the village government.” Popeleski said in a statement to Blank Slate Media that Manorhaven’s current mayor, Jim Avena, and Gerard Terry, the former North Hempstead Democratic Party leader, have been on a mission to get him out of the race since he announced his candidacy. For the past six years, Popeleski has served as a trustee. In the election for a two-year term as mayor, he is facing Avena on June 21. “What I thought was a generous
offer from Jim Avena to park in his brother-in-law’s garage turned out to be part of an intricate scheme,” said Popeliski. “Avena’s Ethics Board is a prejudicial board of friends who he appointed when he was elected mayor.” Popeleski said the Ethics Board decision was an attempt by Avena to discredit his candidacy and deceive the public. “I know Manorhaven residents are smarter than this and will make the right choice on June 21 to end PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL LEHRHAUPT the corruption and misuse of taxpayer dollars,” he said. “I refuse to be railThe second annual Port Washington Pride Walk and Festival, sponsored by the nonprofit Be The roaded and will dedicate myself to Rainbow, recognized the LGBTQIA+ community and their battle for equality. See story on page 2. winning this race for the good of all Manorhaven residents.” Avena said that when the Ethics Board was formed in 2016, each trustee nominated a candidate. Popeleski, who was a trustee, nominated his partner, Bill McCarthy, who is a member today. Avena said he has a connection to Terry, who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 on tax evasion charges, dating back to his early days in politics. However, he stressed that his current mayoral job or candidacy B Y S T E V E N K E E H N E R Washington Boulevard. Many have us moving forward,” Port Washingreported heavy traffic since Septem- ton Schools Superintendent Michael prospects have no bearing on him. Port Washington residents as- ber due to school drop-offs and pick- Hynes said. “Gerard Terry is not in any way, Panelists included Hynes, Board shape or form involved with me, re- sembled at the Paul D. Schreiber ups. “It’s always going to be construc- of Education President Emily Beys, garding me being mayor as well as me Senior High School Auditorium for a tive for us to take time and figure out Schreiber Assistant Principal David town hall on traffic issues. being a candidate now,” he said. The forum on Tuesday night, first if we can problem solve and come Miller, Port Washington Police ComContinued on Page 47 Continued on Page 46 announced in May, focused on Port to some suggestions that may assist
Port residents discuss traffic issues at town hall
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