Contentious Village Politics Persist Over St. Paul's Issue

Trustee's letter on recent elections leaves out key context, draws questionable conclusions

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:03am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government meeting room or office, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows across the walls and furniture, conveying a sense of tension and unease.The heated political debate over the future of St. Paul's has cast a long shadow over civic life in Garden City.Garden City Today

A letter to the editor from CAP Trustee Richard Catalano offered a one-sided interpretation of recent Village politics in Garden City, New York, claiming that voters turned away from the FABGC group due to 'negative tactics' while embracing CAP's 'more constructive' approach. However, the author argues that Catalano's analysis omits important context, including his own past role in contributing to a divisive political climate, and oversimplifies the factors that influence election outcomes. The debate over the future of St. Paul's has become a recurring source of division in the community, the author says, with positions on the issue being treated as 'a test of character' rather than based on facts.

Why it matters

The ongoing political tensions in Garden City highlight the challenges communities can face when high-stakes local issues become deeply polarized, with each side accusing the other of unfair tactics. This story examines how the debate over the future of St. Paul's has fueled division and distrust, raising questions about the role of local media, the responsibilities of elected officials, and the health of civic discourse.

The details

Trustee Catalano's letter claimed that voters turned away from the FABGC group due to its 'negative tactics,' while embracing CAP's 'more constructive' approach. However, the author argues this is an oversimplification, noting that if campaign tone truly determined outcomes, the 2021 election - which Catalano also characterized as negative - would not have ended in a decisive FABGC victory. The author also points out that Catalano himself was an active part of the political climate he now criticizes, both as a CAP campaign manager and candidate, making accusations of 'ballot harvesting' and a 'false whisper campaign' against FABGC.

  • In a 2023 Facebook thread, Catalano made allegations against FABGC.
  • In March 2023, Catalano posted a 'FAKE FABGC RUMOR ALERT' in response to questions about a CAP candidate.
  • In February 2023, the Village described Governor Hochul's housing plan as a 'major concern' for Garden City.
  • In January 2026, the Village's St. Paul's report confirmed a public-private partnership would require Albany's approval.

The players

Richard Catalano

A CAP Trustee who wrote a letter offering a one-sided interpretation of recent Village politics in Garden City.

FABGC

A political group in Garden City that has been in conflict with CAP over various issues, including the future of St. Paul's.

CAP

A political group in Garden City that has been in conflict with FABGC over various issues, including the future of St. Paul's.

Mayor Finneran

The mayor of Garden City who proposed 'pausing' on St. Paul's to consider a public-private partnership.

Governor Hochul

The governor of New York whose housing plan was described as a 'major concern' for Garden City.

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What they’re saying

“His central claim is that, after early success, voters began turning away from FABGC because of its supposedly 'negative tactics,' while moving toward CAP's 'more constructive' and 'solutions-oriented' approach. That is a difficult conclusion to sustain.”

— Richard Corrao, Author

“In a 2023 Facebook thread, for example, Catalano accused FABGC of using a 'Democratic playbook for ballot harvesting,' running a 'false whisper campaign,' and having questionable dealings with its campaign attorney, who was falsely portrayed in many circles as a Democratic Party implant dictating policy.”

— Richard Corrao, Author

What’s next

The debate over the future of St. Paul's is expected to continue to be a contentious issue in Garden City, with both sides likely to remain deeply divided on the matter.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges communities can face when high-stakes local issues become deeply polarized, with each side accusing the other of unfair tactics. The debate over St. Paul's has fueled division and distrust in Garden City, raising questions about the role of local media, the responsibilities of elected officials, and the health of civic discourse.