With the upcoming election to be held on Dec. 11 for the Water/Fire Commissioner of Garden City Park, Donald "Tom" Olsen, with the encouragement of family, friends and fellow commissioners, has announced he will seek re-election for a second term as Water/Fire Commissioner of Garden City Park.

Olsen, best known to everyone as "Tom," has been a resident of Garden City Park for the past 50 years, where he still resides with his family. He has spent all his life in Garden City Park and has long and many ties to this community.

Olsen has been a committed and active member of the Garden City Park Fire Department, Engine Company Two, for the past 21 years. He has served as first and second lieutenant for the Department as Commissioner of the Water/Fire District.

Over the past three years, Olsen has attempted to balance the needs of the firefighters, the district and taxpayers, which is not an easy thing to do when not everyone walks away happy.

Olsen's background as a firefighter and commissioner, his dedication and commitment to his fellow firefighters, their safety and well-being, along with that of the district and taxpayers, is unsurpassed. He is also an active member of the Nassau/Suffolk Water Commissioners Association, Long Island Water Conference and the New York State Association of Fire Districts.

He and his wife Peggy have been married for 35 years. They have three children, Donald, Kevin and Meghan as well as three grandchildren, Ashley, Diana and Kevin.

In announcing his candidacy to seek re-election, Olsen issued the following statement: "It has been a privilege and honor to serve as commissioner of the Garden City Park Water and Fire District. During the last three years I have spent many hours learning, listening and reacting to the needs of the taxpayers and fire department. With your support, we can maintain a plentiful water supply, maintain the quality of our water so that it continues to meet and exceed every state and federal guideline for purity, while keeping our taxes and water rates to an absolute minimum along with ensuring that our water supply remains excellent and our fire and rescue services remain the finest. As a longtime resident and having raised my family along with my grandchildren in Garden City Park, it is my desire to see our Water/Fire District maintain its highest level of service to the community. It is imperative that this goal be achieved at a cost affordable to the taxpayers. I have gained much knowledge over the past few years and am confident that I have the background and credentials to continue to serve my community. With your support we can strive to maintain the best rescue and fire service and water supply to our family and neighbors. In the wake of the events of Sept. 11, President Bush has stated we must go back to normal everyday activities and proceed with running the country. With this in mind, I ask you to re-elect me in the election for Commissioner of the Garden City Park Water/Fire District."