Political Insider Interview: Lindenhurst Village Trustee Kevin McCaffrey
Tue, May 29, 2012
Why did you initially run for office?
It was an outgrowth of being involved in my community and my upbringing. My mother and father were always involved in the community and my uncle was a two term New York State Supreme Court Justice. When my wife Julie and I moved into a new neighborhood we met our neighbor who was the vice president of our local civic association. We thought it was a great way to meet our new neighbors so we joined and got involved. Before I knew it, I was the President of the Meridale Park Civic Association and a Republican Committeeman for my neighborhood. Someone thought I might make a good candidate so I was asked to run and I accepted and won.
Before I got involved, I was one of the people who just complained about the way things were. I wanted to be someone like my parents and my uncle who stepped forward and gave of their time and talents to make their community a better place to live.
How many years have you been in office?
I was first elected in 1990 and have been re-elected to 5 four year terms since then.
That would make you the longest serving trustee in Lindenhurst history, correct? What do you believe is the reason the people of Lindenhurst have entrusted in this position for so long?
Yes, I have served on the Village Board for 22 years. I believe the next longest serving member was for 16 years.
I believe I am reflective of my community. Lindenhurst is a blue collar town and that is where I come from. I also share the same values as many of our residents who are involved in youth sports, community groups and Church working to make our community a better place to live.
Also part of my longevity is the company I keep. I have worked with some very good Mayors who share a similar vision for Lindenhurst and work hard with all the Board members to achieve that vision.
What are some of your proudest municipal accomplishments?
One of the most visible things is the Village Square on the corner of Wellwood and Hoffman. A fire destroyed the buildings on the corner and we acted quickly to condemn the property and work with Suffolk County to acquire the property through their open spaces program at no cost to the Village and make it a beautiful park in the heart of our Village.
My biggest accomplishment is not so visible unless you are looking at your tax bill. I work very hard to provide the best, most efficient municipal and public safety services at the lowest cost possible. People think if you live in the Village you are paying an extra tax. The truth is Village residents pay less in their overall tax bill when garbage and fire district fees and other levies are added in. I have been working at this for my entire time on the board and it is an accomplishment you can never get complacent about.
What do you do at the Teamsters?
I am the President of Teamsters Local 707, a position I held since 2000. From 1995 to 2000 I was the Secretary Treasurer and before that I was a shop steward and truck driver for Roadway Express.
As the President I am responsible for a 2800 person Local Union representing a diverse group of people from truck drivers to Nassau County OTB workers. I am responsible for negotiating and administrating all our contracts and I am also involved with many national contracts covering tens of thousands of workers across the country.
In addition, I serve as the administrator of our pension and medical funds, serving over 4500 active and retired members. I have been elected to six 3 year terms since 1995 with the Teamsters.
One word to describe The Village of Lindenhurst. Mayor Brennan.
Genuine
Tell us, when you not politicking, what you like to do for fun.
Getting elected to both your jobs, does not leave a lot of free time. But I do like to exercise, hitting the gym five to six times a week although it isn’t always fun. I gave up softball a few years ago but still enjoy a round of golf whenever I get a chance.
BIO
I was born in Queens and grew up in Massapequa, graduating from Berner HS. I attended Farmingdale State College before taking a summer job on a moving truck which became the start of my career with the Teamsters. I soon went to work for Roadway Express as a truck driver, eventually becoming shop steward.
My wife Julie and I got married in 1984 and moved to Lindenhurst. I became President of the Meridale Park Civic Association in 1989. I served as Chairman of the planning Board in Lindenhurst prior to being elected to Village Trustee in 1990.
In 1994 I was elected Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Local 707 and President in 2000, the position I hold today. I also serve as a Trustee and the administrator of the pension and welfare funds for the Union. In addition, I serve on the National Negotiating committees and Grievance panels for the National Master Freight Agreement and UPS Freight Agreements.
I have the Certified Employee Benefit Specialists designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Wharton School of Business. I am 2 classes short of finishing my Bachelors degree from Empire State College.
I am married for 28 years to my wife Julie and we have a 25 year old son Michael and a 22 year old daughter Katie.
I am fortunate, in both my jobs I have an opportunity to do what I like doing, working with people. I enjoy interacting with people on all levels from truck drivers on the loading dock to investment managers, lawyers and accountants. There is no greater satisfaction for me than working hard to improve the lives of my members and the residents of my community. It is something I never get tired of doing.
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Thanks for the help. The item’s below. I’d be happy to mail you a copy, if you give me a mailing address.
Claude Solnik
(631) 913-4244
Long Island Business News
2150 Smithtown Ave.
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-7348
Home > LI Confidential > Stop scratching on holidays
Stop scratching on holidays
Published: June 1, 2012
Off Track Betting in New York State has been racing into a crisis called shrinking revenue. Some people have spitballed a solution: Don’t close on holidays.
New York State Racing Law bars racing on Christmas, Easter and Palm Sunday, and the state has ruled OTBs can’t handle action on those days, even though they could easily broadcast races from out of state.
“You should be able to bet whenever you want,” said Jackson Leeds, a Nassau OTB employee who makes an occasional bet. He added some irrefutable logic: “How is the business going to make money if you’re not open to take people’s bets?”
Elias Tsekerides, president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, said OTB is open on Greek Orthodox Easter and Palm Sunday.
“I don’t want discrimination,” Tsekerides said. “They close for the Catholics, but open for the Greek Orthodox? It’s either open for all or not open.”
OTB officials have said they lose millions by closing on Palm Sunday alone, with tracks such as Gulfstream, Santa Anita, Turf Paradise and Hawthorne running.
One option: OTBs could just stay open and face the consequences. New York City OTB did just that back in 2003. The handle was about $1.5 million – and OTB was fined $5,000.
Easy money.
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