Plainview residents recently re-elected Joel R. Kessler, 46, to the Plainview Water District Board of Commissioners at an election held Dec. 11. Kessler will be sworn into office during a special ceremony in early January. With his re-election, Kessler will continue to make the quality and safety of the district's water supply his first priority, while also making decisions regarding the district's budget and other fiscal maters.

"Several years ago, I joined the board of commissioners in order to ensure that the water supply was protected for future generations," said Commissioner Kessler. "My work isn't completed, so I'd like to thank the Plainview-Old Bethpage community for re-electing me once again, to serve on the board. My fellow board members and I face many challenges in the near future, including the fight to hold automotive gasoline companies responsible for spills that may negatively impact our drinking water. I'm proud of what the water district has been able to accomplish over the past few years and we will continue to aggressively pursue these efforts, as water is our most precious natural resource."

Kessler and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 15 years and have three children, Lee, Molly and Timothy.