Politics & Government

New Trustee in Lawrence, First New Woodsburgh Mayor in 19 Years

Lawrence Trustee Michael Fragin earned another term and will be joined by newcomer Alex Edelman, who beat out running mate David Seidemann by just nine votes. Meanwhile, Lee Israel was elected the first new mayor of Woodsburgh since 1994.

"I am humbled by the huge outpouring of support from the community. We now need to put politics behind us and move on to the important business of government," Fragin said. "A contested election gives the public the opportunity to give some thought as to what they want for the future of the village and a positive vision prevailed. I offer congratulations to Alex Edelman and hope that David Seidemann will remain interested in village affairs."

Fragin received 758 votes in the at-large election Tuesday night. Edelman got 567 votes while Seidemann received 558.

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"It was a partial victory since my associate did not win," Edelman said. "I know that I will work well together with the rest of the trustees to do the business of the village."

Israel, a current trustee, defeated fellow board mate Deputy Mayor Ed Mukamal 165 to 52.

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"It is a tremendous day for me personally as well as the entire village and its residents," Israel told Patch. "I am honored and excited to be entrusted with this great responsibility and on behalf of the 'Friend of the Village' sincerely thank our constituents. I assure you that we will put forth our full efforts to make Woodsburgh residents proud and the village a better place to live. The people have decisively spoken and we sincerely appreciate their overwhelming support."

There will also be a new member of the Woodsburgh board of trustees as Jake Harman captured the most votes with 161 in an at-large election for two seats. Incumbent Trustee Gary Goffner won another term with 151 votes. Trustee Carl Cayne received 64 votes.

In Atlantic Beach, Michael Meyerson defeated incumbent Village Justice Barry H. Serper 103 to 32.

The rest of the village elections were uncontested, with no surprise write-ins.


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