Lakeview Votes Tonight For New Fire Commissioner

Lakeview residents will elect a new fire commissioner tonight as an incumbent decides to step down.

With his second five-year term drawing to a close, Grant Cartolano, one of the five commissioners currently serving the Lakeview Fire District and the only one whose position is up for election this year, decided not to run again.

This opens the door for a new face to fill the void left by Cartolano's departure from the commission. Lakeview resident Pasquale Rayano, who has been serving with the fire department for almost three years, has stepped up to the challenge.

Rayano, a 44-year resident of Lakeview who is married with two children, owns an auto repair business in the community. He said he had been contemplating running for commissioner over the past year, but was waiting to see if Cartalano was going to seek a third term.

"After speaking with him, he gave me his support and told me he had decided not run," Rayano said.

The five members of the Lakeview Fire Commission are responsible for creating the district's budget, caring for the buildings and equipment, and making sure the department has everything they need to effectively operate each day.

If elected, Rayano plans to improve communication in the district and services for the community. His other main focus, he said, is "to take care of the men and ladies in the firehouse, and help fulfill their requests."

Rayano is the only name on the ballot, but voters have the ability to write-in other candidates. To be elected the candidate must be a resident of the Lakeview fire district, which includes the hamlet of Lakeview and other parts of West Hempstead and Rockville Centre.

The election will be held tonight, Dec. 14, at the  headquarters at 895 Woodfield Road in West Hempstead. Polls will be open from 6pm-9pm. All residents living in the Lakeview Fire District, who are registered voters, can participate in the election.