Voting for the commissioners of the West Hemsptead Water District will take place at the George Washington Elementary School, 347 William Street in West Hempstead, and at the Washington Street Elementary School in Franklin Square on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Polls will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Only residents who get their water from the West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District will be eligible to vote.

This year, there is a contested election between candidates John Sparacio and Jerome Monaco. The West Hempstead Civic Association presented a questionnaire to both candidates. Here is what they had to say:

Why have you chosen to become a candidate for Water Commissioner?

Jerome Monaco: "As a resident and parent in the West Hempstead Water District, my main concern is the discoloration and odor [of the water]. As residents, I feel we should be able to receive answers to our concerns. It's time for the residents to choose their commissioner and not the political parties."

John Sparacio: "I am 52-years-old and a lifelong resident of this district. I am married with two adult sons who also live in the district. I strongly believe we need a water commissioner who has experience in the area. I am a water pollution control plant supervisor and have been in the water delivery and water treatment field for the past 30 years. I believe that it is extremely important for someone who has experience in the field to be water commissioner."

What expertise will you bring to the office of Water Commissioner?

Jerome Monaco: "I have 35 years of experience as a United States Customs Officer with over 25 years of managerial experience; I am a recipient of the vice president award for reinventing governmental processing and the United States Customs Service award for manager of the year. I also am an owner of a security management firm.

John Sparacio: "Through my experience with Nassau County, I've been in the water pollution control field for approximately 20 years. I worked in a treatment plant and I know the procedures and operations that go into running this type of operation. Also, for the last 10 years, I've done all the purchasing of remediation and ground water equipment for the Nassau County Water Resources.

What are your goals if you are elected Water Commissioner?

Jerome Monaco: "Review, analyze, and implement security in the water district; develop an outreach program for the residents; establish accountability for the elected commissioners and employees; develop a maintenance program for the water district."

John Sparacio: "First and foremost is an improvement in water quality. In addition, we need a district that is more responsive and accountable to its residents. I believe that the district must do whatever is necessary to improve water quality and keep its residents informed.

How much time will you be able to devote to the office?

Jerome Monaco: As a retired U.S. Customs Officer and a self-employed individual, my hours are flexible and afford me the opportunity to perform my duties as Water Commissioner.

John Sparacio: As much time as necessary to accomplish my goals. I'm very thorough in everything I do and I don't short-change anything. I would give 110 percent.

Will you be involved in water-related organizations, such as the Long Island Water Conference and the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioner's Association, and if so, how?

Jerome Monaco: "Yes, I will attend such meetings and conferences. I will bring back my findings to the water district and its residents."

John Sparacio: "I will immediately join the Long Island Water Conference and the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association. I will be active in the affairs and attend meetings and seminars to bring back to the district and the residents the knowledge and information I obtain."

How will you address efficiency at the water district?

Jerome Monaco: "Establishing time schedules and work phases of projects within the district."

John Sparacio: "Again, I can fall back on my work experience of knowing the operational procedures and guidelines. I would follow all guidelines that are involved in the district's efficiency and if need be create new ways to be efficient. The district must be more responsive to its residents."

What are your environmental concerns relating to water quality? How will you address those concerns?

Jerome Monaco: "Purity and security of water supply. With my prior experience as manager with the United States Customs Service, I have the experience to review, analyze and implement."

John Sparacio: "The purity and safety of our water is my first priority. I will scrutinize testing procedures and do whatever is necessary to improve water quality. In addition, we all must do more to conserve water. Water is a rare commodity to be used most efficiently. I'm going to have to try, through the district, to let everyone know and get everyone involved in conserving water."

How would you report progress at the water district to the community?

Jerome Monaco: "Establishing a quarterly newsletter, which will be mailed with the water bill. In addition, publicize the weekly public meetings held every Friday at 9 a.m. at the water district."

John Sparacio: "I would suggest either through a newsletter or a notice in the billing system telling the residents of the progress and/or changes that have been or will be made. I would recommend whichever way is more economical."

To summarize, why would you be an effective Water Commissioner for the West Hempstead Water District?

Jerome Monaco: "I'm not affiliated with any political party. I'm a concerned resident and parent and would like to improve the health of the environment."

John Sparacio: "I have to go back to my experience. I am a water pollution control plant supervisor. I will make the district accountable and responsive to the resident's needs and concerns."