(Editor’s Note: The Plainview Water District provides service to all of Plainview and Old Bethpage. The following was submitted by the candidates.)
Joel Kessler
Joel Kessler brings to his campaign for Commissioner of the Plainview Water District a strong commitment to the Plainview-Old Bethpage community that is reflected by his lifelong residency in Plainview. He is a member of Young Israel of Plainview, served on the board of trustees of the Plainview Jewish Center and coached boys’ basketball for the Police Athletic League. Kessler currently works for Nassau County at the Office for the Physically Challenged, where he assists disabled individuals and senior citizens.
Kessler and his wife, Peggy, have taken great pride in living in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community. His three children, Lee, Molly and Timothy all attended schools in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District.
Kessler is seeking his fifth term as Commissioner. In the past three years under his leadership, the district did not face a tax increase or a rate increase in 2009 and 2010. During his current term, the design and rehabilitation of numerous plants throughout the district has taken place to improve infrastructure that will ensure the highest quality of water to the community. Kessler was also a leader in achieving a legal settlement with the major gasoline suppliers regarding the additive MTBE. “This is a major achievement in protecting the quality of our water,” stated Kessler.
John C. Tassone
John C. Tassone is an eager and determined resident, committed to ensuring that the water supply for Plainview – Old Bethpage is protected now and in the future.
Both the public and private sectors must adhere to the rules and regulations of State and local environmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County Health Department. Tassone has the knowledge and experience to ensure these guidelines are met to effectively protect the community’s water supply.
Tassone is currently the head of construction for the Town of Oyster Bay, Department of Public Works Engineering Division. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: administering all capital improvement projects in the town, serving as the Town of Oyster Bay Coordinator for the United States Environmental Protect Agency Phase II Storm Water Management Program, administering the groundwater monitoring and groundwater treatment facility contracts for the former Old Bethpage Landfill and serving as a member of the Contract Change Order Committee for the Department of Public Works. Tassone is also knowledgeable with regard to general municipal law for bidding capital contracts.
In addition, he has many professional and social affiliations. He is currently the president of the Long Island Sanitation Officials Association, a member of the American Public Works Association, a member the New York State Solid Waste Association as well as a soccer coach for the Plainview-Old Bethpage Soccer Club and a coach with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Little League.
