Meet the Candidates: Manhasset-Lakeville Water/Fire District

The position of Water/Fire Commissioner in the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District holds a three year term. The election will be held on Tuesday, Dec.13 at Manhasset-Lakeville firehouses 1, 3, 4, and 5.

Andrew DeMartin

Andrew DeMartin, a veteran firefighter, a staunch advocate of firefighter safety issues on the state and local level, and currently North Hempstead 's Commissioner of Public Safety, is running for Water/Fire Commissioner of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District with a strong record of both executive and legislative experience.

The North Hempstead Town Board appointed Mr. DeMartin in May of 2008.  Mr. DeMartin is currently the Commissioner of Public Safety for the Town of North Hempstead, managing and overseeing six municipal departments including Code Enforcement, Division of Harbor & Marine and North Hempstead 's Animal Shelter among others.  As Commissioner, Mr. DeMartin has revamped dated policy and operation procedures to ensure that the highest caliber public safety work force responds to safety concerns of Town residents. 

As a member of the Legislative Committee for the Long Island Water Conference, Mr. DeMartin has been a vocal supporter for legislation that promotes a clean water supply in the district and throughout Long Island.

A 28-year volunteer firefighter with the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company, Mr. DeMartin is a past chief and current board chairman of the Board of Trustees for the fire company. A lifelong resident of Great Neck, Mr. DeMartin has been a fire officer of the Vigilant Fire Company and a member since 1983. For five years, he also served as chairman of the Eighth Battalion, which includes the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District. Mr. DeMartin was also the chairman of the Emergency Operations Center of the Eighth Battalion of Nassau County.

He describes himself as "community-minded," an attribute he takes a lot of pride in. "I am running for re-election because I have devoted my life to public service," said Andrew DeMartin. "Through the years, I have filled a variety of different roles within public service, and my special knowledge and experience if I am re-elected commissioner will benefit all residents. I would like to continue to serve with the utmost degree of dedication and commitment to the job."

Mr. DeMartin has also served as chairman of the Nassau County Fire Commission, overseeing a $13 million budget in the Fire Marshal's office. He has worked closely with the county legislature to protect important training funds for firefighters, studied the needs of fire protection in the county, and made recommendations for improvement in fire protection for individual departments.

Mr. DeMartin is a member of the American Water Works Association, the New England Water Works Association, and the Water Environmental Federation. In 2006, Mr. DeMartin received the prestigious Nassau County Bronze Medal of Valor for saving the life of a Great Neck resident during a car fire at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Middle Neck Road.

Married for 23 years, he is a devoted husband and father of three children. Mr. DeMartin is an active member of the Lakeville School Safety Committee and spends time coaching his daughter's sports, including lacrosse.

Information provided by Andrew DeMartin.

Joe Renta

As a resident of the Manhasset-Lakeville Water District for over 20 years, an employee of the Garden City Park Water/Fire District for over 23 years, and a community leader for many years with Merillon Athletic Association as current President, Knights of Columbus of New Hyde Park as Past Grand Knight, and recently the Notre Dame RC Church Pastoral Staff, I am uniquely qualified to be your next Water/Fire Commissioner.

Along with my wife Carol, son Brian and daughter Kristen, I have lived in and served our community for more than two decades.  Working for the Garden City Park Water/Fire District, I have attained extensive knowledge of water treatment procedures and insight into the day-to-day challenges facing a Water/Fire District in these difficult times.  My wife Carol works for the Great Neck Public Schools as a Teacher Assistant at Parkville, my son Brian is a senior at Great Neck South High School and my daughter Kristen is in seventh grade at Great Neck South Middle School.

My vast water and fire experience coupled with my community leadership, give me unique insight into the expectations and operations of our public utilities.  With my extensive knowledge of water treatment and distribution, as well as my background in sound fiscal management, I can ensure the efficient, economical provision of safe drinking water, and a fire and rescue service that is second to none, while keeping rates down.

I decided to run for Commissioner of the Manhasset-Lakeville Water/Fire District, because I feel that my experience and knowledge can be used to enhance the productivity of the District for years to come.  We should look into the infrastructure of our Water District to see if upgrade is necessary, since it’s over 100 years old, in order to avoid costly future repairs. The Fire Department should have state of the art equipment to maintain their excellence in serving the community. Our firefighters risk their lives for our community, and should never be overlooked, but thanked. Upgrading fire trucks and equipment as needed, will keep the fire departments thriving.

We need a leader that can provide the highest quality water and fire services to our community, while keeping taxes to a minimum.  I hope you agree that I have the experience and leadership necessary to serve the Manhasset-Lakeville Water/Fire District as its next Commissioner.

Information provided by Joe Renta.

Other candidates include: John Nash and Daniel Ross.