top of page
Our Candidates
Vinny Muldoon
Trustee Candidate
Vinny is currently serving as a Trustee and seeking reelection. Vinny serves as Fire Commissioner, Public Works Commissioner, Chair of the Traffic Commission, and as liaison to the St. Paul's Advisory Committee, Department of Recreation & Parks and Garden City Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Muldoon is the owner of Old World Quality Corp., stands as a distinguished figure among Garden City’s general contractors, renowned for both the excellence of his craftsmanship and his philanthropic endeavors within the community.
His commitment to quality work is matched only by his generous contributions to various Village causes and his unwavering support for residents in times of need. Vinny and his adept team spearheaded the temporary preservation efforts for the iconic St. Paul’s clock tower, offering their expertise and services without charge to the Village.
This selfless act underscores his dedication to preserving the heritage and landmarks that define our community. Given the importance of potential preservation of St. Paul’s, Mr. Muldoon’s reelection to on the Board of Trustees will allow the Village to continue to have this invaluable skill set. His proven track record of not only meeting but exceeding expectations in both construction and community service makes him an exemplary candidate to continue to enhance the well-being and prosperity of our Village.
Jessica Tai
Trustee Candidate
Jessica is seeking reelection to the Board of Trustees. She is passionate about community festivals and events. Jessica serves as Co-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the Public Information Committee, and is a member of the Finance & Audit Committee and Vacancy Committee.
She collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce to organize the Kick off to Summer Festival on 7th Street following the cancellation of the promenades. She also worked alongside the Chamber, POAs, and the Welcoming Club on the holiday window decorating contest in the business district.
As a member of the Communications Committee, she played a key role in launching the Village App, MyGardenCity, providing residents with a modern platform for notifications and service requests. She managed Village publications and digital communications to ensure residents stay well-informed, and she championed transparency by timely sharing Board of Trustees meeting recordings with the community.
In her role as Co-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), she partnered closely with the Water Department on the lead service line inventory and public education campaigns. She actively engaged with federal, state, and local officials to pursue grants for lead service line replacements. Her leadership extended to beautification projects, including enhancements at the Nassau Train Station brick wall and lilac plantings, Manor Road and North Avenue plantings and the creation of the Pollinator Garden at Village Green. She advocated for and implemented tree policies to preserve the village’s tree canopy. Under her guidance, the EAB also addressed community concerns such as airplane noise and pet waste management.
On the Finance and Audit Committee, she helped to improve effectiveness of internal controls including in the area of cash receipts. She also supported fair and competitive wage schedules for both full-time and part-time employees.
Judy Courtney
Trustee Candidate
Judy currently serves as Deputy Mayor is seeking reelection to the Board of Trustees. Judy serves as the Commissioner of Building & Planning, Co-Chair of the Public Information Committee, Chair of Vacancies Committee, and is a member of the Traffic Commission. Judy also serves as liaison to the Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB), Zoning Board, and Planning Board.
As a Human Resources professional with more than 20 years’ experience in organization design, leadership and performance management,
Judy has volunteered in many different Village organizations. She served for nine years as an EPOA director, including two as president, and as the East representative on the Traffic Commission and the Continuing Education Committee. Judy is also a founding member of the Mobility Impaired Committee and was an at-large member of the Village Recreation Commission.
Through these roles and other involvement, she has continuously worked closely with residents and Village officials on key issues impacting the community.
She has been instrumental in revising and modernizing several Village codes, including regulations related to outdoor dining and residential swimming pools.
In addition, Judy serves as the Village’s Human Resources liaison, assisting with hiring of senior staff and as head of the Vacancies Committee, overseeing the recruitment and appointment process for all Village boards and commissions. As Co-Chair of the Public Information Committee (along with Trustee Jessica Tai), she plays a key role in advancing the Village’s communications strategy, including oversight of the Village app and newsletters, ensuring residents remain informed and engaged.
Judy is a graduate of Manhattan College with a BS in American Studies and an MA in Career Development. Her daughter, Tricia and son-in-law John also live in Garden City with their two children, Mary Kate and Addie. Through her leadership, institutional knowledge, and dedication to Garden City, Judy Courtney continues to be a trusted advocate for effective governance, thoughtful planning, and strong community connections.
Gerard Smith
Trustee Candidate
Gerard is seeking his first term as a Village Trustee. Born and raised in Garden City, Gerard returned to the village after a brief period living in New York City to raise his family in the community he has always called home. His three children attended Garden City public schools, from which he also hails, and he credits the village’s schools, recreational offerings, and strong sense of community with shaping his family’s experience.
Athletics have played a central role in his life. As a member of Cherry Valley Country Club, he remains an avid tennis player and was inducted into the Manhattan College (now Manhattan University) Athletic Hall of Fame for tennis. He also coached his daughter’s middle school soccer team and was active with his son’s travel soccer team, experiences he says strengthened both his leadership abilities and his high-level negotiating skills, having negotiated with soccer parents and teens.
Professionally, he enjoyed a 43-year career on Wall Street and was a partner of the firm Weeden and Co. His experience in finance and governance extends to community service, including time spent on the Board of Governors of the Cherry Valley Country Club and active involvement with the Estates POA. Most recently, he served on the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee.
His commitment to Garden City dates back to his college years, when he worked for the Village Sanitation Department. Seeking additional work, he was later assigned to the village’s Hedge Crew. He believes this perspective as both a resident and former village employee gives him an understanding of both municipal operations and morale.
bottom of page