After four decades of dedicated service and commitment to the Plainview Water District, Commissioner Sam Panciroli is retiring and his fellow commissioners, superintendent, and water district employees recently paid a tribute to him at a farewell luncheon held at Chef Wong's in Plainview.

Back in the mid 1950s, Panciroli began his career with the water district as a water purveyor. It was the responsibilities and duties he held as a water purveyor that helped him in his future role as superintendent and then commissioner of the water district.

Panciroli's accomplishments and contributions to the water district and the Plainview community are numerous. Under his guidance, the water district has increased its scope of water conservation education to help protect the environment.

"After 46 years with the Plainview Water District, the time has come for me to step aside," stated Commissioner Panciroli, "I have come to think of the water district as a part of my family and the decision to retire was not easy. Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet a number of quality people, both at the water district and in the community. I will never forget those of you who have played such an integral part in my life, and will try and remain in contact with most of you. I'm extremely proud of what I've accomplished at the water district over the past half century and hope that the water district continues its role as a provider of the safest and highest quality water on Long Island."

During the festivities at Chef Wong's, Panciroli was presented with a number of gifts from associates with the water district, including a plaque commemorating his years of service and gift certificates to local retail stores. He also received a surprise gift from United States Congressman Gary Ackerman - an American flag that was flown over the nation's Capitol building.

With Panciroli's decision not to seek re-election, Kevin Langberg announced his candidacy for water commissioner. Langberg brings to his campaign a commitment to the community that is reflected in his 35 years of living in and serving the Plainview-Old Bethpage community.

"I have dedicated a significant part of my life to protecting the quality of life for my family, friends and neighbors through my community and government work," said Langberg. "As commissioner for the water district, I will be able to ensure that the water quality and quantity is maintained at its current level. Over the years, I have worked diligently for the safety of the environment and our water supply. While working closely with former Assemblyman and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Lewis J. Yevoli, Judith Jacobs, presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislation and former Plainview Water District Commissioner Bernard Chetkof, I have played an integral part of state legislation providing safeguards for our drinking water and have helped preserve 2,000 acres of land in Oyster Bay Cove. I am honored to have the support of Lew Yevoli, Judy Jacobs, Bernie Chetkof and current water district commissioners Sam Panciroli, Joel Kessler and Edward Shulroff in my campaign for water commissioner."

Langberg has served as legislative assistant to former town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Yevoli and currently he serves as deputy clerk of the Nassau County Legislature. Through his work, Langberg has gained invaluable experience with the inner workings of local government that he feels will help ease his transition to commissioner of the water district.

Langberg and his wife, Geralyn, are products of the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District. Their son, Alec, currently attends the district's Stratford Road Elementary School.

Martin Cohen, also a resident of Plainview, is running against Langberg in this year's election for the commissioner of the Plainview Water District.

Martin was the Town of Oyster Bay's Environmental Control Commission chairman for five years and also a member of the board for five years. "I had laws passed to protect the town's water supply," said Cohen. "Those laws make people responsible for their animals and protects our water from animal droppings."

Cohen has always been very interested and involved with environmental issues and has saved taxpayers a great deal of money by supporting local recycling issues. "I have been involved with the environment long before people knew the meaning of the word," he said.

Having taught at Regional High School in Hicksville for 34 years, Cohen learned to be articulate and clear. He hopes to get great use of those traits as commissioner of the Plainview Water District. Cohen taught biology, ecology and oceanology among other subjects in Hicksville. He was also an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College and taught at New York University.

Cohen wants to be the commissioner of the Plainview Water District to keep the water pure, clean and healthy.

The Cohen family is very large and many of Martin's three children and 19 grandchildren have lived in Plainview at some point in time. "I am married to a wonderful woman named Barbara who puts up with all of this running around," said Cohen. The two have been married for 45 years.