Amityville Chamber holding
contested race for president's seat
By Tiffany Elliott
In an unusual move, a contested race is underway for a two-year term for president in the Amityville Chamber of Commerce.
Longtime president Marcia Besserman of Barcley Shades and Blinds, Broadway, Amityville, is facing a challenge from the organization’s vice president, John DiLiberto.
According to several sources, Besserman initially said she would not seek reelection this year, but changed her mind at the last minute, which resulted in the first race for this voluntary position in a decade and a half.
Some members said Besserman was difficult to work with, and has increasingly made decisions unilaterally, without consulting or considering the opinions of the chamber’s board. Others said it was just time for new ideas.
“I think it’s time for a change,” said DiLiberto of Island Drafting and Technical Institute. “Marcia has been president for about 12 years and I think that’s too long for someone to serve.”
But there was support for the longtime president of the organization. Ernie Caramanico, the chamber treasurer who is seeking reelection and is unopposed. Caramanico has worked with Besserman for more than a decade, said she has done a lot for the chamber and the community. There’s no need to change something that is working, he said.
During Besserman’s tenure, the chamber has helped construct the 9/11 Memorial Park, purchased planters and flags for the business districts, held annual fundraisers, including a Chinese auction, and worked with the Village of Amityville in sponsoring an annual Family Night out in the summer. The chamber also held annual contests, put up a chamber website and business-of-the-month signs on Broadway and Merrick Road and helped revise the bylaws.
“She has done a lot, but I just wish she would have stuck with her decision not to run and given someone else a chance,” said one member who asked not to be named. “We would have given her a nice party and the chamber could have moved on.”
Also up are five directors’ seats with six people running in the at-large election. Incumbents are Larry Basile, Stuart Hilbert, Roberta Hirsch and Gerald O’Neill. New candidates are Alfred James and Joe Puglia.
Ballots for the election were mailed to chamber members. The results will be announced June 4th at the Chamber’s monthly meeting.
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