Cataldi, Warfman and Fincke Throw Hat in Water/Fire Ring

By Margaret Whitely

John Cataldi, Maris Warfman and Richard Fincke have declared their individual candidacy for the Garden City Park water/fire commissioner position left vacant by the death of long-time commissioner Myra Sheinker this fall.

The Garden City Park Water/Fire District is one of only three special districts in Nassau County that supplies water and fire protection services and represents about three square miles.

The election will be held on December 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations that cover the Garden City Park, Herricks, New Hyde Park, North Hills, Roslyn and Searingtown area: Herricks Community Center, Denton Avenue School or Garden City Park School.

John Cataldi Questions Garden City Park Water Quality

John Cataldi, 35-year resident of Garden City Park and a licensed master plumber in the Town of North Hempstead, is questioning the quality of the Garden City Park water as he announces his intention to run for the position of Garden City Park water/fire commissioner.

Cataldi said, "In August of 1997 the Garden City Park Water District informed the public of a 'low level of bacteria' in its drinking water. Shortly thereafter they announced they would be chlorinating the water, 'as a precautionary measure.'"

Cataldi continued, "The chlorination of the drinking water supply was not just a precautionary measure. Tests were conducted to detect the presence of coliform bacteria including e Coli. Drinking water samples collected on July 31, Aug. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13 all tested positive for total coliform bacteria i.e.: fecal contamination from sewage. At that time the Nassau County Department of Health recommended emergency chlorination . Therefore, on Aug 7 and Aug. 14, only after being inundated with complaints about water odor and taste, did the Garden City Park water commissioners, on Aug. 19, release a belated and sketchy notification to the public of the water condition to the public."

He further stated, "If I am elected this belated notification will stop. The public will know immediately should such an occurrence happen again. Hopefully, however, safety measures will be instituted so that this type of bacteria will not invade our water system."

Cataldi is a graduate of New York Institute of Technology and holds a bachelor of science degree. He also holds an associate degree from Nassau Community College in applied science with a criminal justice major.

He has been a licensed plumber since 1976 to present and is the owner of Arlen Kitchen and Bath Studio specializing in high-end home improvement.

Cataldi has also been associated with the Port Washington Police District, as a Superior Officer from 1969 to 1995. His last position was as a commanding officer of the detective division of the Juvenile Aid Bureau, Narcotics Unit and Firearms Instruction as well as a general topics instructor. He now serves as the executive director of the State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association. He has been a member of the Port Washington Federal Credit Union Board of Directors from May 1994 to present where he manages assets in excess of $9 million.

Cataldi and his wife Arlen have four children Cynthia, Marilyn, John and Jeanine all raised and educated in New Hyde Park school district.

Maris Warfman Feels Qualified To Assume Leadership Role

Longtime Manhasset Hills resident and civic leader Maris Warfman has announced she is a candidate for Garden City Park water/fire commissioner in this year's election.

In announcing her candidacy Warfman stated: "As a civic leader, attorney and 15-year resident, I believe I am qualified to assume a leadership role in the Garden City Park Water/Fire District. My work as vice-president of the Manhasset Hills/Herricks Civic Association has given me the opportunity to be a strong advocate for our local concerns. I would like to contribute my civic, legal and personal experience to ensure that our water, fire and rescue services are properly maintained and affordable to homeowners."

Commenting on the death of the late Commissioner Sheinker Warman said, "Myra was the person we could turn to when we had a concern about water quality or volunteer fire/rescue services. I would like the chance to continue serving our community in the tradition of Myra Sheinker."

Warfman listed the following accomplishments with the Manhasset Hills Civic Association during the nine years she has served as its vice-president:

1. Successful opposition to Nassau County's plan to widen and totally reconfigure the "five corners" area at Hillside Avenue/ Marcus and Denton Avenue.

2. Successful effort to prevent overdevelopment of the Pathmark shopping center on New Hyde Park Road.

3. Successful initiatives that resulted in the closing of Laces Roller Skating Rink on Hillside Avenue.

4. Helping homeowners interact with the Town of North Hempstead regarding individual problems.

Warfman further stated, "I sincerely believe this record of activism and advocacy leads logically to our water/fire district. The quality, availability and regulation of our drinking water supply is of vital interest to all of us as are the efficiency and responsiveness of our volunteer fire and rescue services."

Warfman was admitted to the New York Bar in 1981. She is certified in divorce mediation and maintains a private mediation practice. Throughout her legal career she has been an editor and writer specializing in domestic relations, family law and labor law. She received her juris doctor degree from New York Law School and her bachelor of arts degree from Ithaca College.

In addition to her civic work she is a member of Temple Judea and active in the organization of its youth group. She is the mother of a nine- year-old daughter who attends the Herricks public schools.

Fincke Backed by Past/Present Commissioners Past/Present Fire Chiefs and Company Officers

Richard Fincke is seeking election for the position of commissioner of the Garden City Park Water/Fire District.

Fincke, 45, has lived in the New Hyde Park/Garden City Park area for his entire life. His first five years spent on Daly Street with his parents and siblings. The family then moved to the corner of Aberdeen Road, down the block from Notre Dame School where he attended elementary school. His father, Bill, worked for many years as the sexton of Notre Dame parish and his mother, Florence, recently retired from a long career in nursing.

Fincke has three sisters Barbara Herbst, Gerry Kassoff and Terry Driscoll who are currently raising their families in the New Hyde Park/Garden City Park community. Fincke is a graduate of St. Mary's Boy's High School, Manhasset and went to work in the trucking industry shortly thereafter. Today, after many years of hard work, he is the proud owner of a successful trucking company.

Like his father, he has been an active member of the Garden City Park Fire Department which he joined in 1970. During the past 27 years he has served in many different capacities such as company secretary, chief fire inspector, battalion delegate, first, second and third assistant chief and then in 1982 as chief of the department. The list goes on to include being a member of: New York State Fire Chiefs, New York State Firemen's Association and Nassau Fire Chiefs. His numerous experiences in leadership will be an invaluable asset as commissioner of the Garden City Park Water/Fire District.

Fincke and his wife Naureen have lived on Sixth Street in Garden City Park for more than 20 years with their children Deanna, Karilyn and Billy. He stated that he is proud to be able to raise his family in the same community where he grew up. Fincke further said that his main concern was, "to hold down taxes, maintain a safe, pure and plentiful water supply and ensure that we have fire and rescue services second to none so that we can feel secure in raising our families in this community."

Fincke is supported by both past and present commissioners and past and present chiefs and company officers and he hopes to serve as a commissioner.