Elections set for Fire Commissioner's posts in Massapequa and North Massapequa Fire Districts
by Tiffany Elliott

Commissioner Sheldon Moskowitz

This month residents will be asked to vote for the Massapequa and North Massapequa Fire Department commissioners, both of whom are running unopposed. In Massapequa:

On Tuesday, December 12 Commissioner Sheldon Moskowitz of the Massapequa Fire Department is running for his seat. He was elected to the board in 2000 to hold a one-year seat for an unexpired term and was reelected in 2001 to hold a five year term.

"We are one of the best fire departments in New York State because we're so well equipped and have some of the most talented firefighters in New York," said Moskowitz whose volunteer department serves more than 60,000 residents in Massapequa, Massapequa Park and East Massapequa.

Although the tax rate for 2007 will be going up two percent because of mandates, Moskowitz said that the Massapequa Fire Department's tax rate is still one of the lowest on Long Island. "As a board, we try to balance a low tax rate while making sure our department is as well-equipped as possible," said Moskowitz who has held many departmental posts in the 28 years he has been involved with the department.

George O'Brien,

The department, which serves more than 60,000 residents, will have a budget increase from $5,296,138 in 2006 to $5,402,738 in 2007 because of rising costs associated with fuel, healthcare and retirement. In North Massapequa:

The North Massapequa Fire Department's incumbent fire commissioner George O'Brien is also running unopposed for his third five-year term.

A resident since 1969, he became a member of North Massapequa Fire Department in 1970 and is currently active.

"I feel like I have a good grasp on the job I'm doing and I keep the taxpayers and the safety of my firefighters as my priority," said O'Brien when asked why he should be reelected.

O'Brien, who served as Captain of Hose and Engine Company # 2, is a retired utility company employee.

The North Massapequa fire department, which serves about 6,000 homes, had a $2.1 million budget in 2005.

Voting for both communities will be held December 12. In Massapequa, residents can vote at any firehouse from 2-9 p.m. and in North Massapequa at 1000 North Broadway from 4-9 p.m.

The board of commissioners for the fire department are volunteers, elected by the public, who are responsible for the budget, policy, training, equipment and regulations.

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