Steve Flynn to lead M-LFWD

The Island Now

Steve Flynn, a Plandome public works official, won Tuesday’s election for commissioner of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District, ousting two-term incumbent Donald T. O’Brien,

Flynn received 552 votes, or  55 percent, while O’Brien, received 449 votes, or 45 percent. 

Flynn will fill a three-year term on the district’s commission.

The  three commissioners oversee an $18.6 million budget and ensure that residents receive clean, reliable water as well as prompt fire safety services. 

The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District takes in all of Manhasset except for Plandome, half of Great Neck, and some of northern New Hyde Park. 

Flynn did not respond to requests for comment after the election.

During his campaign, Flynn said his job in Plandome afforded him “extensive knowledge of the water distribution systems.”

“I understand costs and options with water systems, and I have worked within budgets to get the right systems at the right price,” he added.

In an earlier interview, Flynn described himself as superintendent of the Department for Public Works in the Village of Plandome.  

The village website lists him as the Highway and Water Department foreman.  Elizabeth Kaye, the clerk-treasurer for the village, said the two titles are used interchangeably by village officials. 

During the campaign, O’Brien criticized Flynn’s lack of familiarity with the commission. 

“[Flynn] has a limited understanding because he has only been to two meetings and there is a lot going on,” O’Brien said. The  water district holds one meeting per week, as does the fire district. Flynn did not respond to a request for comment about the number of meetings he has attended.

Flynn pointed to his 27 years as a volunteer firefighter in Manhasset, which included positions of second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain. 

“I bring the right blend of fire and water background coupled with the love I have for this town as a 46-year resident,” he said.

Though the commission oversees both the fire and water districts, which cover the same geographic area, the two are technically independent of each other. They serve approximately 45,000 people, who use 7.4 million gallons of water a day, according to the water district’s website. 

The position of commissioner is part-time and pays $100 for each of two weekly meetings for a total of approximately $800 per month. 

Flynn will inherit the ongoing project to complete the new Munsey Park water tower, which O’Brien said will go on line by the end of the year.

The tower is behind schedule, since its initial deadline for completion was November. 

“I was not part of the process in erecting a new tower in Manhasset over the past few years, but if I was involved I would make sure that our residents were informed of the process and its transparency was paramount,” Flynn said. 

BY MAX ZAHN

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