Mahopac Library budget vote, trustee election set for June 3

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—Mahopac School District residents will vote Tuesday, June 3, on the Mahopac Public Library’s 2025–26 budget and choose three members for its Board of Trustees. The vote takes place at the library (668 Route 6) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The proposed 2025–26 library budget remains under the state tax cap and includes no increase over the current year. Voters will select three trustees for three-year terms from among four candidates: Samara Antolini, Nancy DiMaggio (incumbent), Edgardo Rivera (incumbent), and Betty Rouchka.

Applications for absentee and early voting ballots will be available at the library’s main desk starting May 13. Completed absentee ballot applications must be received by May 27 (if mailed) or June 2 (if picked up in person). Early voting applications must be received no later than the day before the election (in person) or by May 27 (by mail). All completed ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.

Meet the Candidates

Samara Antolini is an educator who has lived in Mahopac for five years. She holds degrees from Hofstra University and St. John’s University and has spent 12 years in college counseling. Currently associate director of college counseling at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Antolini believes libraries provide critical support for education and community engagement. She said she would be honored to contribute to an institution that fosters inclusivity, literacy, and access to information.

Nancy DiMaggio (incumbent) is a retired school and district administrator from the New York City Department of Education. A Mahopac resident for 10 years, she has served on the MPL Board since 2021, working on both the Personnel and Long-Range Plan committees. Her background includes experience as an assistant superintendent, network leader, and special education administrator. DiMaggio said she hopes to continue supporting library initiatives that benefit the community.

Edgardo Rivera (incumbent) joined the Board of Trustees in September 2023 and has lived in Mahopac for three years. A U.S. military veteran, Rivera holds degrees from SUNY Purchase, Baruch College, and the New School. He is senior director of operations and finance at Morningside Center and brings 17 years of nonprofit and local government experience. A passionate reader, Rivera said he wants to promote literacy and believes his professional expertise strengthens the board.

Betty Rouchka has been a resident of the Mahopac Central School District for 50 years. With a degree in English literature and math, she worked in IT for the Air Force, Army, AT&T, and IBM. Since retiring, Rouchka has been active with Puppies Behind Bars, socializing and training service dogs. She said she sees libraries as essential to a free and democratic society and hopes to help the library strengthen its role as a hub for community connection.

Residents can meet the candidates at the library’s annual meeting, set for 7 p.m. Monday, June 2. For more information, contact Library Director and Election Clerk Michele Capozzella at 845-628-2009, ext. 107.