The following two candidates, Michael Ehrenpreis and Arthur Kroll, are running for an open seat for a five-year term on Jericho's Board of Fire Commissioners. The seat is being vacated by Robert Biancanello, who is not seeking re-election. Although Victor Klein will be listed on the ballot, he has notified the board that he no longer wishes to run for fire commissioner. According to the district, there is no statutory procedure to withdraw a candidate's nomination petition and thus his name will remain on the ballot. Elections are being held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Jericho Fire Department, located at 424 North Broadway in Jericho.

Michael Ehrenpreis has been a resident of Jericho for 15 years and a member of the Jericho Fire Department for approximately six years. He attended Jericho schools and Tulane University. He was also an EMT in New York for three years.

Ehrenpreis said he is running for fire commissioner to bring a positive change to Jericho. If elected, he hopes to focus on finances, the new fire house and apparatus. "I am really interested in helping the members and helping the community as well," said Ehrenpreis.

If elected, Ehrenpreis said that he would be able to help the community using his experience. "Through my experience with EMS, in the public and private sector, I will be able to help the community out," said Ehrenpreis. "We need EMS gear for EMS and EMS-qualified firefighters to help the community. We have a paid paramedic program in Jericho, through civil service, and I feel I can help re-vamp it to help protect the community more. We need more paramedics and to change the hiring process. It is a big issue."

Ehrenpreis said there are other issues that need to be addressed including finances and the new firehouse. "There are only certain things I can do as a member," he said. "If I was elected, I would have a bigger influence in what would happen and positively change the way things are run. I can give a new perspective and do a great job if given the opportunity."

Arthur Kroll is running for Jericho Fire Commissioner and basing his campaign on his experience. He was been a resident of Jericho for 45 years and a member of the Jericho Fire Department for 43 years. He also held every rank in the fire department spending six years in the chief's office and 20 years as a commissioner.

Through his time as commissioner, from 1975-1995, Kroll said that he learned many valuable lessons and hopes to be elected again on Tuesday to once again serve Jericho. In 1994, Kroll sold his business and was forced to step down as commissioner as he didn't have the time to dedicate to the position. "I am retired now and I have a lot to offer," said Kroll.

Kroll attended many firematic schools and seminars and said he could share his knowledge as commissioner to benefit the public.

Kroll said he would take his fiduciary responsibilities very seriously as commissioner. "I would like to keep the fiscal policies and taxes as low as possible," he said.

On his agenda would be to get the most up-to-date equipment for the volunteers as well as establish an open relationship with the community. "I think the community should be more involved and I will strive to do that," said Kroll.