Voting for Westbury Water-Fire District commissioner will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Maple Avenue firehouse.

This year, Joseph Pascarella, Sr., a lifelong resident, is challenging current commissioner William Olson who is seeking re-election to a fourth, three-year term.

The Westbury Times asked both candidates the same questions; their responses are as follows:

Westbury Times: (WT): What are some of the issues facing the district today?

William Olson (WO): Ongoing threats of contamination to the public water supply system. We have experienced traces of the gasoline additive MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) during routine monitoring. As a result, the district joined a class action suit against the gasoline companies in an attempt to obtain funding for any future treatment that may be required. MTBE, however, is only one small aspect when it comes to groundwater contamination. Years of public abuse through the misuse of chemicals, illegal dumping of hazardous materials all contribute to the cost of treatment so that we can supply a safe clean product to the consumers. Due to the increasing costs of fuel, electricity and treatment the district needs to be proactive in an attempt to hold the line on expenses. Prudent fiscal practices, including maintaining a reserve fund for long-range capital projects reduces our need to bond projects and thereby saves the residents money.

Joseph Pascarella (JP): I feel some of the issues facing the fire district today are that it is hard to get volunteers to fill the quota needed. With Westbury being a diverse community, I would like to see more of the Hispanic population become involved. I would like to see the firemen and EMT training continue in order [for volunteers] to continue the fine job they are presently doing.

WT: If elected, what changes would you like to see?

WO: I would like to continue working with other elected officials to reduce the cost of unfunded mandates. Legislation is often adopted without the benefit of aid resulting in increased costs to the taxpayers.

JP: If I am elected, I would wait a few months to see how things are running and if I can improve or make any changes.

WT: Do you anticipate any challenges as fire commissioner?

WO: The biggest challenge facing the fire district is to continue to supply first-rate fire protection and emergency services to the community while holding the line on taxes. Emerging NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulations continually increase the cost of firefighting equipment, however are necessary to ensure the safety of the firefighters.

JP: I don't anticipate any challenges.

WT: How will your professional experiences come into play as a commissioner?

WO: I am a retired captain of the New York City Fire Department with over 25 years of service. As a professional fire officer I have the knowledge and experience to provide the necessary apparatus and equipment to the firefighters in the most cost effective manner.

JP: I am a retired Nassau County correction officer. Being a member of various [community] organizations, I feel I have the professional experience dealing with budgets and personnel that is needed as a commissioner.

WT: What makes you the candidate of choice? Why should constituents vote for you?

WO: I have been a commissioner for nine years and the chairman of the board for seven years. I have developed a thorough understanding of the water and fire districts and the uniqueness of such a district. As a retired person I am intimately involved in every aspect of the operation.

JP: I think it's time for a change. Not being a member of the fire department, I would be able to concentrate more on the needs of the taxpayers and their safety.

WT: What is your opinion regarding consolidation of special districts?

WO: I am opposed to the consolidation of special districts as it has not been proven that a reasonable savings can be realized. The consolidation of districts eliminates local control and efficiency. The residents of Westbury are best served by having the ability to contact their local elected officials when there is a problem. As an elected official from the community, I share the same concerns as my neighbors.

JP: I think consolidation is a good idea; however, [consolidation of] water districts would not save taxpayers a large amount of money. Each water district must conform to the community in which they serve and, unlike school districts, each water district is unique.

WT: Why are you running?

WO: I wish to continue my service to the community, hold the line on taxes, and provide clean drinking water and top quality fire protection to the residents of Westbury.

JP: Last year, Comptroller Howard Weitzman stated that the Westbury Water District was one of the worst run districts he had investigated. To date, little has changed. The present commissioners have yet to answer all of the issues Mr. Weitzman brought forth. Over $1 million was put aside to repaint the old water tower, which I understand is now contaminated and may have to be taken down. My first priority would be to reduce water taxes (water rates). [I would also] get legal interpretation of part-time employees (as done in school district and the county, anyone working 20 hours or less does not get health and insurance benefits); make sure all vehicles owned by the district are properly marked; update equipment inventory; work with county comptroller and district attorney to ensure that all violations are corrected immediately or as soon as possible; see if water district has any legal right to recoup money already paid out; allow new connections to water systems to be purchased by residents as long as they conform to Westbury Water District regulations; and require all outside contractors be licensed by state, county, village or Westbury Water District.

WT: Are you a member of the fire department?

WO: I have been an active member of the Westbury Fire Department for over 39 years. I have held every firematic office up to and including the office of chief of the Westbury Fire Department.

JP: No

WT: Are you involved in any specific community organizations?

WO: My involvement in the community has been dedicated to my 39-plus years in the Westbury Fire Department. I respond to fire and emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

JP: I am a past president of the Westbury Board of Education, Donatello Lodge, Sons of Italy and Dell'Assunta Society [as well as] past Nassau County Commander of the VFW and past commander of Westbury VFW Post 945. I am presently first vice chairman of the Nassau County Monument Committee. I serve on County Executive Suozzi's Veterans Advisory Board and I am a member of the Westbury Senior Center.