Bossart, Murray Talk Crime; Why Residents Should Vote for Them

Part three of a series

In the final installment of RVC Patch's coverage of Wednesday's candidates debate at the Sandel Senior Center, incumbent Mayor Mary Bossart and RVC United challenger Francis Murray answered questions on crime and why residents should vote for them for mayor.

On what they believe is the most pressing issue facing the village:

Bossart said the financial stability of the village is paramount. She explained that the national economy has a major impact on the village, and as mayor, she will fight to keep RVC stable and prospering. "It's real. This economy affects us," she said. "We're in a rowboat in that ocean, and it's rough."

She added that crime is a concern of hers, but she is willing and ready to hire more police officers to keep RVC's streets safe.

Murray agreed with Bossart that the village's finances is the most important issue, and said the board has to be fiscally responsible. He discussed heading negotiations with the PBA and CSEA, saying that negotiations would be handled by him personally and not by someone on his staff.

He added that crime is an issue, and he is ready to address it. "Our administration will be all over that," Murray said. "We'll add more cops and help the commissioner do his job. And to criminals in the village, stay out of RVC or you will be prosecuted."

On why residents should vote for them:

Murray said he is ready to bring his innovative ideas to Village Hall. "We are ready to come into Village Hall and work for you," he said. "We will fix zoning codes. No more McMansions. We will put a stop to that now."

The RVC United mayoral candidate added he'd put an end to unnecessary legal fees and hire a professional grant writer at no cost to the taxpayer. "We will bring pride and dignity back to Rockville Centre," he said.

Bossart said her concentration is on the big picture, which is the financial outlook for the village. "Financial issues are paramount," the mayor said. "Everything else comes later. We know what's important, and it's maintaining all our services. We have to take the serious issues first, and the important ones thereafter."

Residents can vote on June 21 at the recreation center from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.