Three Vying For Fire Commissioner's Seat In Fairview

The difficulty with the election process for the Fire District’s throughout the state is mult-faceted and seems almost intentionally convoluted. Here in Greenburgh, we suffer from the same maladies as other fire districts in the State. The date for the election is the second Tuesday of the month, which is December 2 this year, set by State law. The official times to vote are also set by state law, which is a somewhat incomprehensible three hours per day! Incomprehensible given the bedrock this country was founded upon. While we have been unable to find anyone who believes this is a good idea, we wonder why it has been allowed to continue for so long?

This election cycle finds three residents in the Fairview Fire District running for one open seat, vacated due to a 5-year term ending. While many people we’ve spoken with have not heard of or from any of the three candidates, it appears each candidate has not done a good job of reaching out to the community. This is ironic as many critics of the fire department and fire district have been quick to say there is no transparency from the Board, the Chiefs or the Fire Department. While ABG disagrees as meetings are always open to the public and Board members forthcoming with information when queried, everyone is entitled to their point of view. An argument could be made that these candidates just seems like more of the same.

ABG has acquired the following information about the three Fairview Fire District candidates. While we have not interviewed them, and do not typically endorse candidates, as we learn more, we will share what we find with our readers. Due to the limited scope of the petition ballot process, the short period of time from that point until the elections, there has been little time to schedule a debate or public forum to hear from these candidates. We invite them to send us a position paper and their intended plans should they be elected. The information presented below was acquired by ABG staffers from numerous civic organizations and reprinted without formatting is in alphabetical order.

Todd Cammisa
Dear Neighbors,
   I am running for the position of Fire Commissioner for the Fairview Fire District. Given my schooling and extensive work experience I am more than qualified and capable for this position and your consideration.
   I am a Greenburgh resident and have been for over 40 years. In 1984, I graduated from Westchester Community College with an Associates and Applied Sciences degree in Electoral Technology. I recently retired from the fire service having served with distinction for 24 years. During this time I garnered valuable knowledge, on interior firefighting, OSHA regulations, and NFPA standards.
   For the past 10 years, I have attended the Cornell University School of Industrial Labor Relations. While there I studied extensively on all phases of collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, interest arbitration, mediation, improper practices with PERB, the Taylor Law, and GML 207A statutes and laws.
   On December 9th I am asking for your vote.
Polling places will be open from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Station 2 on Dobbs Ferry Rd. and Fire Headquarters at 19 Rosemont Blvd.

Sincerely,

Todd Cammisa

56 Woodlands Ave.

White Plains NY 10607

Email: TVC127@gmail.com
Cell: (914) 450-3762

Keith Guerra

   Keith Guerra is a viable candidate to become the next Fairview Fire Commissioner.  He is a 26 year resident of the Town of Greenburgh in the Fairview Fire District.  He values the community in which he lives and has been involved in it for many years.   He served dutifully as a Police Detective for the Greenburgh Police Department and retired in 2008.  In addition to being a public servant, Mr. Guerra also volunteered his time coaching the youth in his community.  He was involved as a volunteer with the Elmsford Little League, as a coach and a Board Member.  He also coached two different sports in the Town’s Youth Recreation Leagues.

   During his tenure with the Police Department, Mr. Guerra helped to start the first ever Police Youth Camp, and Police Youth Court in the Town.  He also worked closely with the Police Union and was part of the Contract Negotiating Team which collectively bargained 3 Union Contracts. 

His experience working with unions carried over into his next job, as the Director of Public Safety for the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York.  While there, Mr. Guerra also managed a 2.8 million dollar budget for a Department of 42 Law Enforcement Officers.  His experience managing such a large budget, which involved purchasing of Vehicles, Equipment and Training for the members of the department, will serve him well if elected as the new Fairview Fire Commissioner.

   Mr. Guerra cares about his Fire District.  He has worked with members of the Fire Department, and has also worked with the Town Supervisor and Town Council.  He believes the Chief and Firefighters in the Fairview Fire District are professionals, who are great at what they do.  If elected, he will work diligently to search for ways to improve the department’s efficiency. 

Note: no contact information provided.  

Claire Pizzuti

CLAIRE PIZZUTI
INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY LEADER, EXPERIENCED LAWYER
COMMITTED TO FAIRVIEW TAXPAYERS
Claire Pizzuti is a 30-year resident of Fairview/Greenburgh, a lawyer and business woman who is active in civic affairs. She is committed to protecting the taxpayers and providing transparency in the decisions of the Fire Commissioners.
Claire Pizzuti works for our community
· Active in civic affairs of Fairview/Greenburgh
· Lawyer with 40 years of insurance industry experience
· Board of Directors and Treasurer of Hilltop Farms Civic Association
· Member of the Fairview Fire Monitors Committee and chosen without opposition by the Committee to be a candidate for Fire Commissioner
· Volunteer with the Greenburgh Auxiliary Police Department for 7 years, 4 years as Sergeant
· Certified by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council as a Peace Officer in 2008
· Member of the Greenburgh Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) for 5 years, 3 years as Sergeant
· New York State Emergency Medical Technician
The taxpayers in the Fairview Fire District have been kept in the dark too long regarding policy decisions and expenses that affect our tax base. The fire taxes in Fairview are among the highest in New York State. Our residents deserve more transparency. The Fairview Fire Department provides excellent service to the community and we must try to lower our taxes without sacrificing services.
Claire Pizzuti will be a Fire Commissioner who will serve the needs of the public and the firefighters.
VOTE for CLAIRE PIZZUTI on Tuesday December 9, 2014 from 3:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Election Districts 41,44,45,46,47,48,63,64,67,78 at Fairview Fire Headquarters 19 Rosemont Blvd.
Election Districts 42,50,51,61,77 at Fire Station 2 Dobbs Ferry Road and Worthington Road

Note: no contact information provided.