Marianna Wohlgemuth has been an appointed representative for the Town of North Hempstead on the Board of Directors of the Water Authority of Western Nassau County (“WAWNC”) for well over 16 years and has successfully worked with three town administrations. She now questions why Supervisor Kaiman would take this unprecedented and punitive action against her participation at the Water Authority. She claims her qualifications shouldn’t be about unrelated civic activities/duties.
As a member of the authority she has played an active role in annual budget reviews, the engineering and construction phases of the new headquarter building in New Hyde Park and two iron removal plants in Franklin Square. Apparently Supervisor Jon Kaiman has said he would happily remove her from this position and would prefer a replacement that unconditionally supported his point of view regarding all town matters.
This position, when done properly, is a big commitment and Wohlgemuth takes it very seriously. She serves without financial compensation – no pension – no salary – no insurance benefits –but serves to make a difference. Her dedication has always been to the community, ensuring water rates remain affordable and the quality of water maintains a high standard.
John Ryan, Chairman of the Board was surprised by this announcement. He said, “In my fourteen years as a Board Member and two years as chairman, no one has been more dedicated and worked harder for her community than Marianna Wohlgemuth. She has been with the Water Authority from its beginnings and continues to play an important role in its management and oversight. She has and continues to provide outstanding public service.”
The WAWNC was created through legislation authored by Senator Tully and former Assemblyman DiNapoli whose sole reason was to provide rate-relief for the Jamaica Water Company (“JWS”) customers. Ms. Wohlgemuth was a founding member of the Waterbill Watchdogs, a civic organization with representatives from 11 different communities in Nassau County all served by JWS.
It is surprising that Supervisor Kaiman would risk losing a seasoned representative who is intimately familiar with the WAWNC system and eager to provide dedicated service simply because she doesn’t have the same philosophy as his on unrelated town matters.
Superintendent Mick Tierney stated “In my 30 years of serving the water industry I have never met an individual who is as conscientious and well prepared with regard to all facets of our water authority. Her vigilance toward providing quality service at the lowest reasonable cost has been instrumental in our success. Marianna’s support to both myself and the employees of the Water Authority of Western Nassau County is greatly appreciated.”
Kaiman was openly upset over Wohlgemuth’s current position regarding a potential town acquisition, through eminent domain, of the privately-owned Roslyn Country Club. Kaiman stated this acquisition will be revenue neutral yet has not provided any financial information to support this statement. This is similar to the Nassau County Coliseum debacle recently defeated by voters. Taxes will go up – necessary bonding comes with interest payments which will be made part of the town’s annual tax bill. The town doesn’t pay property taxes which means county, school and town taxes go up to make up loss of revenue. Not only will your tax dollars be used to pay for the purchase of the club, membership could be as much as $2,000 annually. Ongoing maintenance of the club will be a taxpayer responsibility forever. That is why Wohlgemuth has actively opposed this boondoggle.
Supervisor Kaiman’s position, with regard to Wohlgemuth, is sad and very disappointing and it is only hoped the town board members reconsider his decision. New Hyde Park needs Wohlgemuth on the Water Authority, she does a great job and they know it.
President of North Lakeville Civic Association, Marietta DiCamillo
