I am writing this letter in support of the re-election of John Melinski.

There is a trend in politics that when there is an incumbent, especially one of multiple terms, a battle cry emerges from the opposition saying, "It's time for a change." Fact is that's just a sound byte or slogan at best. It is important for the voter, particularly in community elections where decisions our elected officials make affect us almost immediately, to truly evaluate the record of the incumbent before buying into the rhetoric. This, I can assure you, is one of those times.

John Melinski has proven, not just as a fire commissioner but also as an ex-chief of our department as well as a volunteer with over 50 years of service to the department and community that he has done the job we asked of him and done it well. If it's a change you want then consider this. John saw the need for full time paramedics in our community and helped develop the system we have now that has 24-hour paramedic coverage for our citizens. John is not afraid of change; he has been a supporter of any change that is for the safety of the firefighters and the community.

I have worked along with John at fire scenes and in the boardroom, serving as volunteers and elected commissioners together. I can say without reservation that he has worked tirelessly to serve this fire district's volunteers and citizens alike, his deep regard for their safety, their property and their tax dollars has helped make and keep our fire department as one of the finest in New York State.

On Dec. 11, please help re-elect John Melinski as fire commissioner in New Hyde Park to make sure that the changes we get are the ones we need and want.

Roger W. Sakowich

Commissioner, New Hyde Park Fire District