The Massapequa Parent-Teacher Association, chaired by Leslie Dowell, sponsored a "Meet the Candidates" evening at Berner Middle School May 3. The four candidates vying for two seats on the Massapequa Board of Education were available for questions.

The candidates are incumbents Arlene Martin and Maryanne Fisher, who are seeking re-election, and first time contenders Gary Bennett and Atila Ayan.

Martin has been a trustee of the board of education for six years, four of which have been in the capacity of board president. She has been a Massapequa resident for 44 years.

Fisher has been a trustee of the board of education for one year and has been a volunteer with the Parent Teacher Association for the past 16 years. She has been a resident of Massapequa for the past 47 years, and has two children attending Massapequa High School.

Bennett, the third candidate seeking election, has been a Suffolk County sheriff since 1983. He is the father of two children who have graduated from Massapequa High School. Bennett has been a resident of Massapequa for 23 years.

Ayan is the last candidate seeking election. He is a retiree of the New York City Police Department. Ayan has one child attending East Lake Elementary School, one enrolled at St. Rose of Lima School, and a 10th grader attending Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Ayan has been a resident of the district for 15 years.

The school budget vote with a separate transportation proposition is scheduled for May 18. At that time, residents may also cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. Residents may register to vote at the District Clerk's office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. any business day on or before May 13. For further information or for absentee ballots contact the District Clerk at 797-6160.