Veteran firefighter runs for M-L commish

Timothy Meyer

After 10 years of service with Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, Daniel Ross decided to take the next step and run for the position of commissioner.

“I am someone who has a unique balance and can offer a fresh perspective,” said Ross, who currently holds the rank of first lieutenant. “I am not a politician and have no one to answer to in regards to special interests. As far as money goes I am not looking to gain any money from this. I want to help the community and take my knowledge of the fire department and help expand the water district. We need to make sure money is used right and everyone who dedicates their time is taken care of.”

Ross, a longtime resident of Manhasset, will be competing for the position of commissioner against John Nash, Daniel Ross and incumbent Andrew DeMartin on an election that will be held on Dec. 13.

The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District is comprised of the villages of Russell Gardens, Thomaston, Lake Success and the southern portion of Great Neck Plaza. It also serves the villages of North Hills, Munsey Park, Plandome Manor, Plandome Heights and Flower Hill.

Seeing a need for the district to be financially stable, Ross wants to take a closer look at the pension system for the district.

“I would like to have an audit to ensure that the proper funding is in place,” said Ross, who previously worked as a financial advisor. “I want to make sure the funding matches our pension requirements and make sure the actuary we’re using is accurate. My background in finance allows me to have a better understanding of numbers and where money is invested.”

Actuaries are financial experts who help companies properly invest their money as well as help develop pension systems, Ross said.

About five years ago Ross ran for commissioner and wrote in his name on the ballot “almost as a protest” but was never actually on the ballot.

“I’ve thought about running for many years now,” Ross said. “I have seen a conflict of interest among the years, and I am tired of seeing it perpetuating itself. There needs to be a fair and impartial board and I feel I could help make it more impartial.”

Helping people and being a firefighter is something Ross has always enjoyed throughout his life, he said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter for as long as I could remember, Ross said. “The idea of helping people in a time of need has always been appealing, and its at times when its tough when I’m at my best. I want to give back to the community unselfishly, and if I don’t do it who will?”

Ross is currently the general manager at Grand Prix Jeep Chrysler in Hicksville, a position he has held since April.

After working at Deutsche Bank from 2004 to 2009, Ross said he left because he said he wanted to challenge himself more, and pursue something more entrepreneurial. In 2010, Ross and his business partner formed Dark Horse Investors, a not-for-profit company that helps give monetary aid to college students seeking to start up their own business.

“We go to the colleges and seek out people about our program and they submit ideas to us for new businesses,” Ross said. “Based on the merits of their ideas, we’ll review their ideas, discuss and if it all works out we give them capital and pair them with mentors of expertise in their respective fields. Having worked at a financial institution we saw how people have ideas they want to pursue but get sucked into a career before they can find the finance for their ideas. We get to people before that happens and give them a chance to pursue their dreams, rather then follow a pay check from week to week.”

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