Freeport mayor appoints deputy mayor
The famous Freeport water tower, as seen from South Ocean Avenue in the village. (Sept. 27, 2011) Credit: T.C. McCarthy
Jorge Martinez has been appointed deputy mayor of the Village of Freeport.
Martinez, a trustee since 2007, was appointed to the post Monday night by Mayor Andrew Hardwick.
Hardwick made the appointment in response to a court order by Judge Dana Winslow in State Supreme Court in Mineola last week. Winslow, responding to a lawsuit filed by the trustees, ordered Hardwick to pick a deputy.
Martinez, a past president of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and director of business development for an insurance company, said his primary responsibility will be to serve as mayor when Hardwick is not present.
“At this point, my job is to be a trustee,” Martinez said.
Hardwick, who has feuded with the trustees recently, said he made the appointment because he was “pressured by the courts.”
Hardwick said he tapped Martinez because of his lack of faith in the other three trustees, but added that his trust in Martinez is not high.
“I don’t trust any of them,” Hardwick said.
Snow expected Tuesday ... Ruling in teacher sex abuse trial ... Holiday pet safety ... Cheer at the airport
Snow expected Tuesday ... Ruling in teacher sex abuse trial ... Holiday pet safety ... Cheer at the airport
