Water commissioners in West Hempstead, Cathedral Gardens re-elected

Voters in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties recently casted votes to elect or re-elect water commissioners in all Long Island commissioner-run water districts. Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Ray Rockensies and West Hempstead Water District Commissioner Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr. were both re-elected to serve three-year terms, which started on January 1.

The water commissioners were both recognized by the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, which consists of water commissioners representing 21 Long Island water districts who are responsible for providing potable drinking water to more than 620,000 consumers.

“Our commissioner-run water districts are unique in the water industry in that every commissioner is elected by the voters within each respective water district,” NSWCA President William Schuckmann said in a news release. “This ensures that the majority views and opinions of the residents in each community are reflected by the vote.”

There are three water district commissioners in each district and public elections for one position are held annually. Each year, district residents vote for one commissioner of the three commissioner positions.

“Every vote counts and every vote is counted,” Schuckmann said. “Given the impact of environmental issues such as water quality, conservation, and economics, this is more vitally important today than ever before. I’m pleased to welcome our new commissioners and returning colleagues from both Nassau County and Suffolk County as NSWCA members.”

Compiled by Nakeem Grant