Port Washington Mayor Died In April; His Name Is Still On Ballot

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Robert McNamara, the former mayor of Flower Hill, died April 15 after serving in the position for four years. Before he died, McNamara declared his candidacy for trustee and was to appear on the ballot. But due to the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order delaying the election. And due to the language in that order, McNamara's name will still appear on the ballot in the Sept. 15 election, officials said Thursday.

Ronnie Shatzkamer, the village administrator, confirmed to Patch that McNamara's name is still on the ballot due to the governor's order. Whoever wins the election will appoint the trustee.

Brian Herrington, who took over as mayor of the village following McNamara's death, told Patch the move would be pursuant to Cuomo's executive order concerning elections. Under the directive, any village election previously scheduled to be held in March, April, May or June would be rescheduled to Sept. 15.

It also notes that such an election for which the ballot was"fully determined" at the time of the order must proceed "with the same ballot as would have been used at such prior election." Ballots that were already printed can also be used on Sept. 15 despite containing thereon the original date of the election.

Herrington said if he and McNamara both win, resident Claire Dorfman would be appointed to replace McNamara.

"It is unfortunate that state law requires Bob to remain on the ballot even though he has passed away," Herrington said in a statement. "Residents can pay one final tribute to Bob and his dedication to our Village by electing him back to the Board of Trustees one last time."

Kate Hirsch, who is challenging Herrington in the election, told Patch in an email that if both she and McNamara win, she would ask the community if anyone was interested in taking over the seat and proceed from there.

"Seats on the Flower Hill Board generally are 'handed down' to friends of current Board members," she said. "I would try to get a volunteer outside of the usual orbit to get a fresh perspective for the village."

See also:

• Flower Hill Mayor Election Candidates: Meet Kate Hirsch
• Mail-In Voting In New York: Deadlines, How To Get A Ballot
• New Yorkers Can Now Apply Online For Absentee Ballot

Herrington called Dorfman a "proven leader" and highlighted her work in helping the village's Sustainability Committee.

"She is dedicated to our vision of fiscal responsibility, modernizing the village, enhancing safety, and improving communications" Herrington said.

Dorfman works at JPMorgan Chase managing state and local government relations in the Northeast. She is responsible for the firm's legislative portfolio and maintaining relationships with elected officials, policymakers and community partners. Dorfman also develops advocacy strategies across the financial services sector. Dorfman has held similar public affairs roles at Cablevision (now Altice) and Madison Square Garden. She began her career in the New York state Senate working as press secretary and chief of staff for downstate members.

Dorfman received her MBA from Cornell University and her Bachelor of Arts in communications at Adelphi University. She lives with her husband, Shane, and their three elementary school-age children in Manhasset, where she volunteers in the community and at South Salem Elementary School in Port Washington.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community by serving on the Board of Trustees," Dorfman said. "I want to thank Mayor Herrington and his team for giving me the opportunity if Bob McNamara is to win the seat. I hope residents will vote for Bob so I have the chance to serve them."