We are writing this letter to ask your support for Charles Hearon, for the position of Hicksville Fire Commissioner.

Charley cares more about the Hicksville Fire Department than anyone we have ever met. He also cares deeply about the people of our community. In the recent dispute between residents and the Hicksville Board of Commissioners over the rebuilding of Station 2, we've learned that many of our volunteer firefighters would not be in favor of a larger firehouse and increased parking space if it means the loss of anyone's home - but they could not publicly say so for fear of retribution from the commissioners. Charley is the only member of the Hicksville Fire Department who is truly willing to listen to all sides, publicly express his views and support the need for an open forum to find a solution.

Charley's honesty and openness are the qualities most needed in the next person to join this board and he has already paid a price for that. Since announcing his candidacy and expressing his views, the board has enacted a new bylaw that precludes access to most of the fire department buildings by medical honorary members such as Charley. After attending numerous board of commissioner meetings and questioning some of the commissioners' decisions and practices, Charley was no longer allowed access to any of the three firehouse gym facilities, a privilege that is very important to him as a medical honorary member.

We are very fortunate to have an individual like Charley who is willing to take on the challenges facing the Hicksville Fire District at this time. We are confident that he will keep a watchful eye on our tax dollars, maintain a high level of professionalism and service in the department and restore communication between the district, the volunteers and the community.

Please join us in casting our votes for Charles Hearon for Hicksville Fire Commissioner on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the main firehouse on East Marie Street.

The Tietjen Family,

Gary, Terry, Matt, Mike, Gary and Kelly

On Tuesday, Dec. 9 you will have the opportunity to make an important difference in the Hicksville Community by casting your vote for Charles Hearon for Hicksville Fire Commissioner.

Charley is a former captain of Company #5 who has been a member of the fire department since 1972. In recent years, he has become interested in fire district affairs and has attended numerous board of commissioners meetings to voice his concerns about decisions on issues affecting our community. It was there that he came to the attention of people in our neighborhood.

By electing Charles Hearon as our next Fire Commissioner you will:

• Be assured of greater fiscal responsibility in terms of our tax dollars;

• Be able to more easily obtain information about decisions that are before the board;

• Be certain that your fire commissioner is in attendance at regular and special meetings of the board;

• Be able to access a fire district website that provides important safety and other information pertinent to Hicksville residents; and

• Be confident that the Hicksville Fire District will better serve both the fire department and the community.

Charley is fair, outspoken, open-minded, respectful and dedicated to the task of effecting a much-needed change in the manner of conducting fire district business. He is also in favor of committees that would include a resident representative to participate in decisions of major impact to the community.

This is an important position - have a voice in selecting the best person in Hicksville to fill it. Please take a moment to vote for Charles Hearon this coming Tuesday, Dec. 9 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the main firehouse, 20 East Marie Street, Hicksville. If you've never voted for fire commissioner before, now's the time to do it.

The Committee to Elect Charles Hearon Hicksville Fire Commissioner