I am proud and privileged to be seeking the position of commissioner of the Hicksville Water District. As many of you may know, Gil Cusick will not be seeking re-election as water commissioner, having served the community with honor and dedication that is second to none. I especially want to thank Gil for his years of service and for his commitment to our community. After having met with Gil, with his full support and endorsement, I am seeking election to this position.

I know that his shoes will be hard to fill, however, my experience as a hard working community activist has prepared me well. A lifelong resident of Hicksville, my wife and I have three children. I have served this community as a volunteer coach for the Hicksville Baseball Association and the Hicksville Police Athletic League in addition to being a member of both the Hicksville Athletic Booster Club and the Hicksville PTA. Outside of athletics and school, I am a member of the Knights of Columbus Joseph Barry Council, the NorthWest Civic Association and the Knights of Blue. Lastly, I have been delighted to serve as a member of the United States Selective Service Board, a position I hold with utmost prestige.

For the past 32 years I have been a volunteer in the Hicksville Fire Department and have served the past years as commissioner of the Hicksville Fire District. I currently hold membership in the New York State and International Fire Chiefs Association, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association and the National Fire Protection Association. I am past president of the Exempt Firemen Association and chairman of the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club's Tree Lighting Ceremony.

I am honored to be running for this position. I have the experience and knowledge to be an advocate for the people of our community and look forward to working for all of us on a daily basis. Again, I thank Gil Cusick for his years of service and for his endorsement and ask that you please consider me for election on Sept. 2. Voting takes place from to 6 to 9 p.m. at Hicksville's fire headquarters on East Marie Street. Thank you for your consideration.

Robert Dwyer

I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the position of commissioner of the Hicksville Water District. I am reaching out to you and asking for your support on Sept. 2. During most Hicksville Water District elections, this area is not represented and just a handful of supporters come out and vote. I want to change that and ask that you come out and support me in my efforts of being elected.

First, I would like to tell you a few things about myself, my experience and why I am the candidate for water commissioner. I am a lifelong resident of this community with roots dating back to 1928. I have resided in the northwest section of Hicksville in a home that has been in my family for over 50 years.

I have always had this community's best interest on my mind. I have been an active volunteer firefighter for over 22 years, holding all ranks of office including lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and chief of department. Throughout my tenure in the fire department, I have served on many committees, including our Annual Fund Drive, Labor Day Parade and Drill, Department Training, Emergency Medical Response and Hazardous Materials Team just to name a few.

I have been involved in the area of Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) issues for over 20 years. Most recently, I am employed by Con Edison of New York as a member of the EH&S staff, specializing in the area of worker safety. As part of my responsibilities I also monitor environmental activities such as PCBs, lead, asbestos and hazardous waste issues. Prior to my employment with Con Edison, I was employed with KeySpan Energy (formerly LILCO) as the safety supervisor for all the power plants across Long Island and, prior to KeySpan, was part of the Grumman Aerospace family in corporate safety located in Bethpage.

As the next water commissioner it will be my priority to work with the existing members of the board and its employees to maintain our exceptional water quality. In my participation within the community by working on several committees, coupled with my 22 years experience as a volunteer firefighter, I have focused on several issues that I believe should continue to be a priority in future:

• The district's current chlorination efforts of the water supply: It was made apparent that after routine monitoring revealed bacteria in the system it was mandated by the board of health to chlorinate the water. Although this is a precautionary measure and the chlorine may give the water an unfavorable taste and smell, there are no known health effects from the process. The district needs to continue their efforts to monitor and possibly return as only one of the handful of local water districts that does not chlorinate on a regular basis;

• New technology for improving the way the district operates: The continued implementation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA as it's known). This computer technology allows important data to be transmitted between the main office and its well sites. This cost-effective approach will enable the district to monitor well activity 24 hours a day and dispatch employees when needed;

• Air stripping systems: Air stripping systems have been part of the district's ongoing purification system for excellent water and it is a process that removes other volatile organic contaminants or VOCs as they are known. It must be continued;

• Keeping the water rates at current levels: There is a need to continue to keep the rates at existing levels without compromising the quality of the water, while looking for ways to improve upon the deliverables of the current service;

• Protection of the water supply: In this era of terrorism and times of uncertainty there is a responsibility to protect the water supply and look for ways to ensure that it can not be tampered with; and

• Holding those who pollute accountable for their actions: Those who potentially taint the water supply for future generations should be held accountable and aggressively pursued under Federal, State and local regulations.

It is my campaign promise to work alongside the current members of the board to lead this district in environmental excellence. By keeping on track with the current projects and new initiatives, this district will continue to be viable for our future generations.

Karl M. Schweitzer