Craig Olejniczak announces his bid for the Florida Village Board

My name is Craig Olejniczak and I am running for Village of Florida trustee.

I am a lifelong resident of the village. I have decided to run for trustee because I want to continue to improve on the reputation of a supportive and welcoming community to its residents and businesses. I expect to work diligently to strengthen these most valuable relationships, which help to build strong families, strong schools and strong local businesses. I am convinced in a much more proactive approach in attending to our future welfare.

If elected, I will hold the board to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. I will stand for lower taxes. I will commit to cost-effective, scheduled village maintenance and disciplined expansion. I will propose incorporating the most efficient methods available for conducting business and keeping records in all village departments. All future projects should be supported by clear financial benefits to the community and its tax base.

These goals are not always easy in tough economic times, but I believe they are possible. A promise to build a strong bridge of communication with all village residents is one way to insure a successful navigation.

I am very concerned with the status of our village drinking water in relation to Glenmere Lake. This is not only a Village of Florida issue as we share our reservoir with other municipalities. I feel as if the DEC and New York State have held us in a holding pattern for far too long. For example, our latest effort, proposing to aerate a portion of the lake, has been stalled by the delayed decisions of the DEC.

This strategy is an economical, practical, and proven one. The continuous inaction or quick veto of our efforts would have one conclude that we will never witness a DEC compromise. I will lead future efforts with conviction, as our sole responsibility to the citizens of Florida comes first and foremost.

Unfortunately, many areas in New York, and the country, are facing very challenging economical conditions. The Village of Florida is an extension of our families and has the perfect recipe for the achievement and advancement of our children.

However, ignoring the serious concerns of financially managing the near future, we risk losing the identity of our municipalities and schools, like some communities around us. I view Florida as a model community and I am thankful for Florida’s hard work ethic in us all. I look forward to nurturing a tradition of success and a culture of accomplishments, and I believe all of our goals can be reached.

I would like to thank the Village of Florida voters for their support. I look forward to seeing you at the polls on March 20.

Craig Olejniczak Florida