I am writing to support Rick Stein for the office of fire commissioner in the New Hyde Park Fire District. I have known Rick for 20 years and have found him to be an honest and dependable man of the highest integrity. I had the honor and privilege to serve on the New Hyde Park Board of Fire Commissioners with Rick, and I want you to know that there is not a better steward for the residents of this district than Rick Stein.
Rick has always been a strong voice on the board working to control the districts expenses while maintaining and in many cases improving the high quality of fire and EMS services that the residents of the fire district have come to know. In fact Rick has worked to reduce the taxes in the district four of the five years that he has been in office.
It is important to know the character and motives of the person you are voting for.
I know that commissioner Stein has a selfless desire to serve the residents of this district. He runs for this position with no agenda except to stay the course and make the tough decisions that keep the New Hyde Park Fire District among the best in the state.
I am not sure that I can say the same for his opponent Mr. Vaglica. Many of you might be surprised to know that Mr. Vaglica did not decide to leave the fire service as his literature might lead you to believe. In fact he was expelled from the fire service by the board of fire commissioners for misconduct. Not willing to accept the decision of an impartial arbitrator Mr. Vaglica sued the fire district in a court of law costing the district a significant amount money and resources to defend itself.
In the end the court agreed with the arbitrator and the Board upholding the decision to have him expelled. So I ask, what are his real motives for running? Is there an agenda other than for the greater good of the district? I will leave that for you to decide.
In closing I am proud to ask my family, neighbors and friends to support Rick Stein for re-election on Dec. 13 for his second term as fire commissioner for the New Hyde Park Fire District.
Voting is on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at fire headquarters on Jericho Turnpike between 1 and 9 p.m.
Walter J. Brooks
New Hyde Park
