Lawrence Village Board Candidate: David Seidemann

Three people are running for two seats in an at-large election for Lawrence Village trustee on Tuesday. Terms last two years.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lawrence Village Hall.

David Seidemann, a candidate for trustee, sent the following responses to Patch’s candidate questionnaire.

Tell us about yourself (age, town, profession, family, etc.).

I am 54 years old married with four daughter ages 17, 14, 12, and 11. We have been living in Lawrence for approximately 12 years. I am an attorney specializing in matrimonial law, personal injury, medical malpractice  and business law. I am also a professor at Touro College where I teach business law.

Why are you running for the village board?

I am running for village trustee because in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy it became apparent that the scope of our suffering was increased due to ages infrastructure and the inability of the board to function cohesively in solving or addressing those problems.

What qualifies you to serve on the village board?

I believe I am qualified to serve as a trustee because as an experienced negotiator I know how to bring people together to solve problems not to exacerbate the problems as has been the case in too many situations. From the decaying infrastructure to the manner in which government delivers services and operates progress has stalled. It's time for new energy and a new approach, an approach of listening and inclusion and respect

What is your opinion of the budget that was recently passed by the village board? What you have done something differently with it?

Budgets are difficult because we must always walk the tightrope of maintaining fiscal restraint and responsibility with the continued deliverance of high quality service that our residents deserve and expect. The balance begins with compromise and no one wants to compromise with a party on the other side of the table that is disrespectful of their position.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the village?

The biggest issue facing the village is infrastructure and particularly flooding and evacuation routes. Increased programing for the elderly, stop signs at dangerous intersections and the increasing problem of traffic as we continue to grow are issues that need immediate attention.

What is the village’s greatest strength and weakness?

The village's greatest strength is its diversity of people. Unfortunately that could also become its greatest weakness. When one segment of the population feels that their point of view is the only one to be considered, that diversity becomes our downfall.

If you are elected, what is the one thing you’d like to see accomplished during your term?

In addition to improvements in lighting, drainage problems, and traffic safety I would like to see great accomplishment in the area of civic pride and greater involvement by each and every citizen in our village. While there are four elected trustees and a village mayor, the village belongs to everyone and everyone should feel they have a voice in the future of this great village.