Island Dispatch, 1994-06-03

              THE ISLAND DISPATCH Vol. 51 No. 09 X-PRESS 1 Hour Dry Cleaners "Trust the X-Perta" Drop off your clothes with confidence 227S Grand Island Blvd. Town Hall Square Ca11... 77KLEAN Mmi F n - 0:30-7 PM; Sal ■ 6 AM- 6 PM KtmZP4wO- Furniture Inc. INTKKIOR DBSKW SKRVICF. Iloura: Mm, Wed., ft Ihun 9-9 In. ft Sat. 'ii..:. Tun. 9 ill Noon 6001 Portci Rd PctM Piikjrd PU« • Nl-, NY 14J04 297-6666 June 3, 1994 20 pages B^^^^fl Memorial Day Weekend Tribute Recognizes Polizzi MASTER CHIEF. Master at Arms US Navy James R. Tornabene Sunday, May 29, presented four long-overdue medals to his brother-in-law John Polizzi for his service in die US Navy and active duty during the Cuban crisis 31 years ago. For service in the Navy Reserve, Polizzi received the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, citing his active duty service and commitment while serving on board the USS Enterprise CVA(N) 65 during her valiant service during the Cuban crisis. In addition, Polizzi received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Town Supervisor James Pax, in full dress Navy uniform, was on hand lo read the citation from die United States Navy as Polizzi was awarded these medals. Also present was Legislator Charles M. Swanick, in full dress Army uniform, who presented Polizzi a Resolution from Erie County congratulating him on this special Memorial Day Weekend tribute. Polizzi and his wife Judy raised their four children on Grand Island and have been residents here for 33 years. James Tornabene (left) presents his brother-in-law John Polizzi (2nd from right) with four service medals during a ceremony Sunday that was attended by Legislator Charles Swanick and Supervisor James Pax (right). Photo by Mary Stewart School Budget Gets Nod, McCowan Re-elected ISLE VOTERS, by a healthy margin, approved a $28.1 million school budget and a bus proposition Wednesday in a larger than usual turnout (2,831 votes cast). The budget passed 1,412 to 861 and the bus proposition was okayed by a 528 vote margin (1,428 to 900). Current school board president Dr. Richard McCowan was reelected and was the third highest vole getter with 1,502. Newcomers Michael Rayhill and Anthony Drindisi garnered the most votes with 1,613 and 1,540, respectively. The trio ousted incumbent Norman Dauman Jr. who was part of another trio, ADC Taxpayers Alliance, took 1,011 votes. Others on the slate which promoted Back To Basics education included Ed Anderson (962 voles) and Tim Chambers (941 votes). Andrew Licthenthal received 456 and Ron McNamce 176 votes. Tlirce years ago when incumbents Bauman and McCowan first ran the vote was the largest ever recorded, 3,392, and they took 2,564 and 2,529 respectively. Rayhill received 804 votes out of 1,563 when he ran successfully in 1981. Commenting on the results, Board President Prank Cannula said, "I'm looking forward lo working with a board of education dial will be able to reach a consensus amicably and will be pro education, as well as preserving a balance between fiscal responsibility and providing for die educational needs of our students." He added, "It demonstrates we're pro-education on Cirand Island." Superintendent Paul Fields said he was pleased widi the "integrity of the election process" and how well it was run. Master Plan Hearings Continue Tomorrow THE THIRD and final public meeting lo discuss the proposed Comprehensive Master Plan will be held 9 A.M. tomorrow (Saturday, June 4) in the Town Hall. In the process of revision since 1990, the update of (he 1969 plan has had input from the planning board and various town committees and commissions under the direction of Councilman James R. Sharpe. The recreation, traffic safety and environmental conservation boards also have had a major part in the Finished product, which is expected to be approved by the Town Board in July. Aimed at controlling growth and maintaining the rural aspects of the Island, the new plan continues to highlight Baseline Road, Whitehaven Road and Grand Island Boulevard as the center of business activities. Neighborhood areas, shown as "hamlets," are also included in the overall plan. The so-called "loop road," on town maps since 1930, continues to be part of the update. A change in zoning laws will also be considered, according to Sharpe. Copies of the proposed plan are available in the office of Town Clerk Nancy Samrany for $10. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) may also be purchased there for $8 per copy. MEK July 4th Parade & Road Race Registration Underway GRAND Island's Independence Day Parade will be held Monday, July 4. Anyone wishing to enter die July 4 Parade should contact the Recreation Department at 773--9680. Entry forms are due now. Also entry forms for the 2.3-mile Road Race that precedes the parade are available at the Recreation Department, Tops Markets and Island Shoe Repair.