Public elections for the position of fire commissioner of the Wantagh Fire District will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9 between the hours of 2 and 9 p.m.

Registered voters within the Wantagh Fire District may vote at any Wantagh firehouse. Station One is located at 3470 Park Ave., Wantagh; Station Two is located at 844 Wantagh Ave., (nr. Old Jerusalem Rd.) Levittown; Station Three is located at 2529 Neptune Ave., Seaford; Station Four is located at 1191 Alken Ave., (opp. Rt. 135), and Station Five is located at 2985 Merrick Rd., Wantagh.

Fire commissioners are elected for a five year term and are but one of a board of five fire commissioners. This election has two candidates seeking the position, Incumbent Craig Craft of Wantagh and challenger John Licata of Wantagh.

Mr. Craft writes:

My name is Craig Craft; I am a 34-year resident of the Wantagh Fire District, and a 21-year member of the Wantagh Fire Department. My fire department history speaks for itself, serving in every capacity from lieutenant to assistant chief, and commissioner for the past 10 years. After being elected as your commissioner, I continued to serve the fire department as an active firefighter/EMT. I feel it is a necessity as an administrator to have a working knowledge of the people under you. As your commissioner, I have worked hard to assure fire and EMS protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at minimum cost to the residents. I am proud to say, that the Wantagh Fire District is one of the largest districts in Nassau County, with one of the lowest tax bases.

The job of fire commissioner is one that requires many long dedicated hours, which I have certainly displayed. The ability to forecast, budget, manage, motivate and make informed decisions are qualities needed to ensure that fire and EMS coverage continue, without overtaxing our residents. As your commissioner, I have some personal accomplishments that I am very proud of. In January of 1994, I was responsible for the Insurance Reform Act, that resulted in a savings of over $50,000 per year. I was instrumental in developing the current fire prevention curriculum, as well as the Medic Program. In January of 2003, I organized the 6th Battalion Fire Districts Association. I am happy to report that it was this organization that met with the county to fight for the taxpayers, and volunteer firefighters. I have also had the pleasure of being the commissioner in charge of the Explorer Program, which acts as a recruitment program for the fire district, while giving our teenagers an opportunity to learn fire and EMS skills. These are just a few of my personal accomplishments. The Board of Fire Commissioners, as a whole, has made great improvements in 10 years.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the residents of the Wantagh Fire District will be called upon to cast a ballot for the position of fire commissioner. In December of 1993 the residents of the Wantagh Fire District came out in force, and helped me win my first election. I again ask for the support of you, the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. In return, I am committed to serving this community, and assuring that the Wantagh Fire District continues to provide the best fire and rescue protection in the county.

Mr. Licata writes:

My name is John Licata and I have been a homeowner in Wantagh for the past 24 years. I am married and have three children.

I have worked for Consolidated Edison Co. for the past 34 years and in the last three years have served in the capacity of supervisor, field-testing tools and equipment. I also perform purchasing of equipment on a department level.

In 1992 I joined the Wantagh Fire Department and have served 11 dedicated years. I served in the capacity of lieutenant and captain of Engine Company 7 for five years and have been active in some eight different committees and response teams. In addition, I presently hold the position of company secretary of Wantagh Fire Department Volunteer Company 2.

I am capable of performing the job of fire commissioner and if elected will dedicate myself to that position.

Registered voters residing within the Wantagh Fire District are once again reminded that elections for the position of fire commissioner will be held in all local firehouses on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 9 p.m.