Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar said he and his wife, Doreen, a former Williston Park mayor, have been involved in the village since they moved there in 1975.
Ehrbar, who has served eight years as mayor, is seeking re-election for his third four-year term on the Integrity Party ticket in the March 20 race.
“Over the past eight years, as mayor, working with a dedicated board many positive improvements have been put in place on all levels throughout the village in order to benefit our residents,” Ehrbar said in a statement. “My vision for the future is ongoing and this will continue, if re-elected mayor.”
He faces former Williston Park Fire Department Chief Anthony Gagliardi.
In addition to Ehrbar’s time as mayor, he has served the community in other volunteer positions – dedicating his time to residents of all ages, he said.
Ehrbar was previously a coach for Williston Park Little League and St. Aidan School’s soccer.
He also served as a committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 201.
Ehrbar was also elected to the Herricks Board of Education, serving as both vice president and president, for a total of eight years.
He currently serves as Herricks Community Fund co-president, where he oversees the Youth Council, Alzheimer’s Day Program and Community Players, a position he has held since 2007.
During his time as mayor, Ehrbar said, he and the board have been able to “improve village services without major impact on the budget.”
Ehrbar noted single-stream recycling, improved refuse pickup, rehabilitation of Kelleher field, shortened waiting time for tree work, concrete work and improved lighting as some of the board’s achievements.
Road repaving has been another priority of the board, Ehrbar said.
The board will continue reviewing the next phase of the road repaving during the current budget process, he added.
Ehrbar also said he has been available seven days a week, 24 hours a day for residents.
“I am in the office daily, Monday through Friday, having an open door policy,” Ehrbar said. “I’ve been available nights and weekends whenever needed. When visiting my grandchildren in Texas I remain in regular contact with both Village Hall and residents.”
Ehrbar also said he has worked with state, county, town and local officials on a regular basis and maintained a strong relationship with surrounding communities.
Ehrbar said he is confused when he hears it is “time for a change.”
He said he believes he and the current board have made a positive change, and he will continue his dedication to make necessary changes to improve the quality of life.
Along with the mayoral race between Ehrbar and Gagliardi, three candidates are seeking election for two open trustee spots.
Trustee Kevin Rynne, also a member of the Integrity Party, is seeking re-election.
Also on the Integrity Party ticket Bill O’Brien is making his first run for the village board.
Williston Park Fire Chief Richard Sais is also running for trustee.
Trustee Teresa Thomann’s term is ending this year, but she is not seeking re-election.
Village Justice Kevin Riley is running unopposed for re-election.
The village elections will be held on March 20 at Village Hall from noon to 9 p.m.
