With the retirement of Sal Lupis, longtime assistant superintendent of the Plainview Water District, the Board of Commissioners has announced the promotions of Al Bassetta to operations manager and John Speciale to distribution manager. These two valued employees will split duties previously handled by Assistant Superintendent Lupis.

Having joined the water district in January 1986, Bassetta will supervise all water supply operations. He is responsible for the oversight and management of all district supply, storage and treatment facilities with respect to operations, repairs, maintenance and capital improvements. He was promoted after several years as chief plant operator for the district. While employed by the water district, Bassetta has obtained a New York State Grade 2B Water Plant Operator's license.

As distribution manager, Speciale will handle the supervision of the water district's distribution system, which includes direct management of water main repairs and improvements, backflow protection, new service installations and fleet operations. Like Bassetta, he started with the water district in 1986. Prior to his promotion, Speciale was a senior water servicer. He currently holds a New York State Grade 1B Water Plant Operator's license.

"We are fortunate to have an exceptionally qualified staff, dedicated to providing our residents with an uninterrupted flow of high quality water," said Commissioner Edward Shulroff. "My fellow commissioners and I are confident that John and Al will continue to maintain the work ethic they've exhibited since being hired by the water district."