After 24 years with the Garden City Park Water and Fire District, Joe Renta would like to bring his expertise to the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District.
Renta who is currently the plant operator for the Garden City Park Water and Fire District, is running for commissioner on the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water district based on his experience.
“I don’t think there is anyone I know of who has the credentials that I do,” Renta said. “Most people running for the position are either businessmen or firefighters. I just feel I bring so much more to the table. 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.”
Renta will be competing for the position of commissioner against John Nash, Daniel Ross and incumbent Andrew DeMartin in an election that will be held Dec. 13.
Renta said the greatest challenge the district faces is making sure the infrastructure in the district is properly maintained.
“There is a lot of upgrading that needs to be done and a lot more testing,” Renta said. “New things have to be made in order for it to be safe for the homeowner. To me, we should always have safe water not just for our children, but for our children’s children.”
“The Fire Department should have state of the art equipment to maintain their excellence in serving the community,” he added. “Our firefighters risk their lives for our community, and should never be overlooked, but thanked.”
If elected Renta said he would also work towards finding ways to ease taxes on the residents while maintaining quality service for the district.
“I will try to lower the water rates, as well as face the rising health-care costs,” Renta said. There are families involved here so you don’t want to hurt them either. We need a leader that can provide the highest quality water and fire services to our community, while keeping taxes to a minimum. It’s a delicate balance.”
Renta first started working for the Garden City Park Water Fire District in 1988 after he lost a job at an oil company. He started out as a laborer and moved throughout the ranks over the next two decades.
“It was a civil service job and I saw it as an opportunity to do something for the community,” Renta said. I wanted to try it and throughout my time I got all my licenses and have done everything that was asked of me.”
An on and off again resident of New Hyde Park for more than 20 years, Renta is married to his wife Carol, and has two children Brian, 17 and Kristin, 12.
With his children a bit older now, Renta said he has more time to dedicate to a commissioner position and its something he has thought about doing for years.
During his time at the Garden City Park Water Fire District, Renta earned the highest license granted by the state Department of Health in regards to water treatment.
“You have to have 10 years experience before you can even apply for the license, and go through a two-week, eight hour a day course to take the test,” Renta said.
Renta is currently the president of the Merillon Athletic Association, and has been a past Grand Knight of the New Hyde Park Knights of Columbus.
Reach reporter Timothy Meyer by e-mail at meyerj.tim@gmail.com.
