Some things never change, especially with Mr. Tenenbaum. This is not the first time that he has attempted to besmirch me and the Plainview Water District. Mr. Tenenbaum has once again attempted to distort the facts and circumstances and use scare tactics by deceiving the public with claims of alleged illegal actions and investigations. He has done this in the past in order to seek out his revenge for my not having supported him to run for Water Commissioner approximately 15 years ago and then running on his own for election only to lose by a landslide margin against former Water Commissioner Donald Rosen.

I am proud to say that I served as Water Commissioner for 16 years and have been retired several years, presently residing in Florida. It is extremely sad and disappointing to see Mr. Tenenbaum so overwhelmed by vindictiveness that he would mislead the public on the quality of our water conditions in the past.

During my tenure as Water Commissioner, I proactively and promptly addressed all environmental concerns. It is interesting to note that in over 16 years as your former Water Commissioner, comprising approximately 800 public meetings which I attended at the district office, that Mr. Tenenbaum attended no more than three meetings prior to his running for office and none after losing in approximately 1986. The lack of my support obviously fueled his animosity toward me.

In attempting to recall incidents that took place over 10 years ago and without sufficient time and ability to refresh my recollection by reviewing records that may be in existence, the conditions that Mr. Tenenbaum alludes to were in place approximately 30 years prior to my becoming Water Commissioner and existed in accordance with the code at the time that they were installed. However, the standards changed and when both the district and myself became aware that such standards had changed, we immediately took steps to update the condition and had the tanks tested and eventually removed.

Under my tenure and with the consensus of my fellow commissioners, the Plainview Water District initiated proactive planning measures and approved capital improvements that protected the integrity of our water supply. Moreover, my fellow commissioners and I implemented a comprehensive water conservation program that resulted in a significant reduction in pumpage and preservation of our most precious natural resource.

Mr. Tenenbaum uses the expression Úquot;imagine what could have happened.Úquot; The fact is that nothing did happen and that when the issue was brought to our attention they were immediately addressed and remediated. The facts are simple that our engineers retained by the Water District had the former tanks tested and found no leaks. In fact, the Commissioner of Public Works for the Town of Oyster Bay stated in a memorandum that we did nothing illegal and that the tanks were safe at that time regardless of the fact that we subsequently removed them. Even Mr. Tenenbaum states in his letter that the tanks were not illegal and there were no signs of leakage. An inspection of the tanks found no leaks and they were subsequently removed. At no time was the Plainview Water District supply ever in danger.

Mr. Tenenbaum accuses me of performing a charade and uses the old expression Úquot;I hate to think of the consequences that might have arisen, etc...Úquot; What charade Mr. Tenenbaum alludes to is beyond my comprehension, and as children so often say Úquot;Are you serious?Úquot;

In closing, though I am retired from duties as Water Commissioner, the concerns of the community are always on my mind and I am in constant communication with the Water District and continue to be kept abreast of the concerns of the district.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year.

Bernard Chetkof