There are serious issues of safety, water quality and representation confronting our community and it is important for Manhasset to vote on Dec. 14 in the Manhasset Lakeville Fire and Water District election. Fortunately, a person dedicated to our community, Brian Clemency, is a candidate. Brian is a Manhasset HS and Notre Dame graduate, an EMT and firefighter with our local volunteer fire department and a medical student.

Lt. Clemency wants to change the policy allowed by his opponent, the incumbent, that prohibits the district ambulance from responding to calls during the day. Hundreds of schoolchildren and our seniors currently risk the chance that an ambulance response will come from miles away instead of a distance of a few blocks. Brian wants to enforce well head protection rules so pollution doesn't reach our wells. He understands that post-September 11, 2001 new security measures must be taken to protect our water supply. The time to take significant action on these issues has long passed.

Manhasset currently does not have a resident sitting on the Fire/Water District board. Our community must have representation on this important governing body. Please help elect Brian Clemency of Manhasset on Dec. 14 at the Bayview Ave. firehouse.

Edward K. Kitt