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I would like to introduce myself; my name
is Anthony DiDio, I am running for the one-year term of Fire
Commissioner of the Bellport Fire District. I have previously held a
position of Commissioner of the Bellport Fire District for 15 years
during that time I was instrumental in purchasing the Fire Boat,
brush trucks, Unit 3 and 5 and redesigning the current Fire
Department building. During my tenure, the Central Exhaust System in
truck bays and Commercial Washer and Dryers were also purchased.
During those past 15 years, I also held position of Chairman of the
Board of Fire Commissioner for 2 terms.
Having been an active
member of the Bellport Fire Department for 55 years and now a Life
Member, I held positions of 2nd Lt,1st Lt, Captain of Engine company
as well as secretary and Treasurer of said company. In 1979-1980 I
held position of Fire Chief and now am an active member of the
Bellport Benevolent Association holding positions of President for 4
years, Vice President for 2 years and currently on the Board of
Trustees for the past 15 years and received the George Boyce award
for Outstanding Dedication to the Bellport Benevolent Association.
2019 I received the Edward Bishop Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Currently I am a member of Brookhaven Town Chiefs Council, Fire
Chiefs Council of Suffolk County and NYS Association of Fire Chiefs.
As being retired and an active member of the Bellport Fire
Department I feel I can commit the time and energy necessary to
perform the duties of Fire Commissioner. With my past experiences I
can be an asset to the position of Fire Commissioner now vacated.
I would appreciate the Bellport Fire District residents’ vote
for the one-year term on December 14, 2021, 6-9 pm at the Bellport
Fire Department.
Anthony DiDio
Bellport, NY
Hello, my name is Richard Terwilliger. I
am currently a Commissioner and am running for reelection for a 5
year term of office that I currently occupy. The Board of Fire
Commissioners consists of 5 members that serve 5 year staggered
terms and are publicly elected by the residents of the Fire
District. The Fire District is a local government taxing authority
and is separate from the Bellport Fire Department. The District’s
responsibilities are to provide and maintain the buildings,
facilities, insurance, and equipment that are used for fire
protection.
I joined the fire department in June 1971 and
was assigned to the Hook & Ladder Co. I was elected 2nd Lt. in 1972
and rose through the ranks to serve as Chief of Dept. 1983 & 1984.
In 1998 I was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners and have
served since. I have witnessed first-hand how the Department and the
District have evolved from “what was” to what we have now. I have
always been in favor of upgrading equipment as it is needed. There
is no safety equipment that has been requested by the Firefighters
that has not been approved by the Board. The Board and I have always
been “pro” firefighter when it comes to gear and protective
equipment which is inspected annually by authorized dealers and
checked by members.
To imply that our district is not up to
date is incorrect. I have never heard anyone deny a request saying
“it’s been this way 30 years”, as suggested by my opponent. Between
2019 and 2021 the Board completed a major communications upgrade to
accommodate radio frequency changes and replace aging equipment that
was no longer supported by the manufacturer for repair or parts.
This much needed upgrade cost $291,000.00 and was paid with
available funds the District had available. A new Chiefs vehicle has
been ordered, and plans are being made to replace 2 engines that
will be 25 years old in 2024. This should have little or no impact
on our taxpayers as the Bond the community approved in 2008 for our
building addition will be retired. The current Board has worked very
well together to provide what is needed without ever piercing the 2%
cap.
While on the Board, I have been able to use my
experience and knowledge for the betterment of the District while
continuing to be an active firefighter.
I am asking that you
re-elect me for another 5 year term to continue my work to protect
our members and the community while being aware of the impact to our
taxpayers. There are times when years of experience and dedication
to the Bellport Fire District are invaluable.
Please vote for
me on December 14th at the Bellport Firehouse between 6-9pm.
Richard Terwilliger
Bellport, NY
It’s that time again for Bellport Fire
District Commissioner Elections! December 14th from 6pm-9pm.
In this election there are two seats up for grabs: One year term for
a vacated seat and a five-year term. Residents are encouraged to
vote in this election, your vote will make a difference.
A
little about my background, I have been a member of the Bellport
Fire Department for 19 years, served as Captain from 2006-2010. I
have moved into an administration role since 2010 and was elected to
the Bellport Village Board serving as trustee since 2016. My current
term in the village expires in June of 2022 which I plan to continue
my momentum for another 2-year term. This experience in the
municipal world empowered me to make a run for Fire District
Commissioner. I have the background and experience to excel the fire
district into the 21st century and beyond.
Fire District
Commissioner is a position I do not take lightly, many
layman/residents have no knowledge of what the Fire District is or
what they do. This position has only one requirement…..”A resident
of the fire district. The Fire Commissioners are responsible for the
administration of the district affairs, personnel, protective gear,
apparatus, taxes to name a few. I feel that I would be a natural fit
in this role.
I will be supporting Robert Paulsen for the one
term to fill the vacancy; I would be honored if you would consider
myself for the 5-year term. The 5-year term will be a contested one,
the current commissioner has a long history on the board many years
and has done a terrific job thus far. I feel its time for change,
what was good 25 years ago and the saying “it’s been this way for 30
years” is no longer acceptable to me. The fact that we do not have
terms limits in these elections is astounding to me…. We need to
advance our thinking and look at the big picture. We need to evolve;
we need to offer cutting edge technology and personal protective
equipment to ensure our first responders are safe and make it home
to their loved ones all the time. I have the knowhow and the ability
to get the district up to date.
In closing I am asking for
your continued support. I will be canvassing over the next few weeks
and look forward to discussing the particulars with anyone who is
interested. It’s your vote that can make the difference! Vote
December 14th 6-9PM at the Bellport Fire House 161 South Country
Road Bellport. You must be a resident of the Bellport Fire District
in order to vote. If you are unsure contact me. If you need a lift
on the 14th Ill have a service pick you up and return.
December 14th
Robert Paulsen 1 Year Term/Steven
Mackin 5 Year Term
Steve Mackin
Bellport, NY
Dear Superintendent Losquadro and
Councilman Loguercio;
I can’t thank you enough for finally
repaving Station Road from Montauk Highway to Woodside Avenue.
I travel that stretch at least eight times a day. The conditions
of Station Road were deplorable, and were causing much damage to my
car. I am sure I’m not the only one whose car suffered damage from
the severe road conditions on this neglected road.
It has
been just two months since the road has been repaved. However, it
seems that the road is back to being neglected. There are remnants
of accidents that happened weeks ago still in the way of traffic. A
car windshield is still wrapped around a tree from an accident a
month ago. Sewer drains are getting blocked with rubbish and leaves.
I ask that you keep this highly-traveled road on a regular cleaning
schedule so that it doesn’t return to the nightmare that it once
was.
Joseph Varsalona
Bellport
Our American Flag at Bellport High School
at half staff represents the thirteen lost at Kabul. The monument
represents six former students lost in Vietnam and another lost in
Iraq. Never forget them!
Ron Kinsella
Brookhaven Hamlet