CB 13 Holds Elections

Community Board 13 (CB13) held its annual elections Monday, June 25, with four of five incumbents holding onto their chairs in vehemently intense contests.
Only Felix Casimir, who left his role as Executive Secretary to run for Chair, will not maintain his post next year.
CB13's nominating board recommended board member Ruth Maxwell to fill in for Casimir, and otherwise kept their nominations the same as last year's, recommending incumbents Richard Hellenbrecht for Chair, Lloyd Hicks for First Vice Chair, Angela Augugliaro for Second Vice Chair, and Isa Avery for Treasurer.
Casimir, unhappy with current leadership in CB13, spearheaded a movement to challenge the nominating board's ticket.
&#8220A good manager has to manage personality,” said Casimir, who has served on various community boards throughout the city for about 25 years. &#8220You have to know people's needs and abilities. The current chair acts like a king. What he says goes, regardless of consultation.”
But with the exception of board member Bryan Block, who beat out Maxwell in a 24-22 vote for Executive Secretary, Casimir's nominations came up short. Avery prevailed as Treasurer over Verdell Boncouer, 26-20, while Augugliaro won by the same score over Elizabeth Bishop-Goldsmith in the vote for Second Vice Chair. Lloyd Hicks maintained his title as First Vice Chair over Paul Rubenfeld, 28-18.
In a short speech prior to the vote for Chair, Casimir called current leadership a &#8220disaster,” labeling Hellenbrecht's behavior as an &#8220ego-trip.” Hellenbrecht, however, retained his title by a landslide 31-14 margin.
&#8220I'm very happy with the result and look forward to working with next year's executive committee,” said Hellenbrecht. &#8220I attempt to be as responsive as I can to any request that comes in from any member of the community. I'm out most nights of the week participating in various community organizations.”
Hellenbrecht added that Block, a representative for State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, is a &#8220very distinguished fellow” who he looks forward to working with.
Other highlights of the meeting included a proposal to set aside 1 percent of the funding for the construction of Glen Oaks Library in Cambria Heights for artwork to be displayed in the library.
Later, Richard Werber, of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, spoke about an opportunity for a tax credit for locals who contribute to the funding for the revitalization of Jamaica. Measures include upgrading public transportation, creating a greener environment, and collaborating with arts/cultural groups to promote cultural development and tourism.