Three incumbents seek reelection in Lindenhurst Village; they're unopposed
Left to right, incumbent Trustees in Lindenhurst Village Kevin McCaffrey and Maryann Weckerle and Village Justice John Bopp. The election is March 16 and the polls are open from 6am to 9pm.
Lindenhurst Village Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey, Trustee Maryann Weckerle and Village Justice John Bopp will all be running unopposed in this year’s election on Tuesday, March 16.
They are endorsed by the Independent, C onser vative, Demo cratic and Republican parties.
“I feel very fortunate to be cross-endorsed by all parties,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey. “I believe it’s in recognition of the hard work done by myself, Maryann Weckerle, Judge John Bopp and the rest of the board.”
McCaffrey served on the board for 20 years – since 1990. A resident since 1984, he is active in many organizations: past president of the Meridale Park Civic Association, a member the Knights of Columbus, President of Teamster Local 707, Chairman of the Unions Health, Welfare & Pension, and Lindenhurst National Little League and CYO Basketball. He served as chairman of the Village Planning Board.
“I don’t see this as another term in office but another opportunity to do my community service,” McCaffrey said.
The deputy mayor is particularly proud of the local projects the board does to boost downtown revitalization such as redoing the median mall at the heart of the Village. They also brought the 10th Judicial District Court into the Village, which in turn brings people who may patronize local merchants. He said the Village hopes to do a study –taking input from residents as well as planners – to revitalize the area and “take our Village downtown to the next level,” he said.
In tough economic times, it’s hard to find funds for projects but Trustee Maryanne Weckerle – first elected in 2006 – is excited to move forward on current projects such as redoing the Park near Feller’s Pond. There will be new playground equipment for kids two to five years old, as well as a new tennis court, and eventually parking lot improvements.
As money becomes available, improvements are made, she said. “In four years, the park will be all redone,” said Weckerle. The Village also is in the midst of improving the marina: with FEMA funds they replaced light fixtures and also replaced 80- 120 feet of docks on the west side. They have plans to redo the south side and north side as well.
She served in many capacities in Lindenhurst including: PTAs, president of the Lindenhurst Historical Society and as a member of the Mayor’s Beautification Society, Lindenhurst Chamber Commerce and Lindenhurst Rotary Club. Weckerle’s family also owns a 50-year-old business in the Village: Bak and Vogel. She is a graduate of Lindenhurst High School and Molloy College with a degree in business administration.
John Bopp – the Village Justice since 1990 and a lifelong Village resident – has one main goal for his next term: “to keep cases moving,” he said. “We see a tremendous volume of court cases. This is the fourth largest Village in the State.”
As Village Justice some of his biggest concerns are illegal rentals. “People will put tenants in any type of structure,” said Bopp, adding that it can be dangerous. “They put them in basements, in the back of gas stations on a mattress. Anywhere.”
Bopp has had a private practice here for more than 20 years. Past experience includes: assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, a law clerk for the Town of Babylon and the Suffolk County District’s Attorney Office. He graduated from Lindenhurst High School, Rutgers College and New York Law School and has five children with his wife, including: John, 29, Maggie, 27, Gordon, 26, Daniel, 24, and Alex, 21.
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