Stephen McGann, a Manhasset resident for the past 11 years, is seeking election to the Manhasset Park District's board of commissioners. Voters will choose a successor to the retiring commissioner, Michael C. Adams, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Bayview Avenue Firehouse

"My full-time job requires a mix of property management and financial expertise," McGann said during a recent interview, "and I believe these are the types of private-sector skills that would prove an asset to the Park District board."

Park District commissioners serve three-year terms and oversee the lots nearest to the Rail Road station, numerous business and shopper parking facilities on both sides of Plandome Road, and three passive parks.

Since graduating from the US Naval Academy with a BS degree in engineering and fulfilling his five-year commitment as a commissioned officer, McGann has worked in the real estate industry, currently serving as an executive at a commercial real estate firm in Manhattan.

"As a daily commuter on the Long Island Rail Road, I see first-hand what the Park District is doing right and areas in which it can improve," McGann said.

McGann would also like to initiate more frequent public forums between the board of commissioners and the community. "In the property management industry, we always check in with a tenant every six months to hear their thoughts," he said. "The LIRR's Manhasset station rehabilitation, which lasted more than two years, and its ongoing bridge upgrade near Manhasset's secondary school would have gained more public support if the community was given periodic updates, he said.

McGann, who is perhaps best known around Manhasset as a football and lacrosse coach, is married to Michelle Adams, daughter of the outgoing commissioner, Michael C. Adams. They are the parents of three children: Ryan, a Chaminade High School freshman; Brendan, who is in the seventh grade at Manhasset's Middle School, and Brigid, a third grader at the Shelter Rock Elementary School.

The polls are open between 5 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The election is open exclusively to registered voters residing within the Manhasset Park District's boundaries, which includes all of Manhasset with the exception of the Village of Plandome and part of the Village of North Hills.