LIV HEMPEL
112 ATLANTIC WALK
SALTAIRE

Dear Fellow Saltairians,

I am asking for your support in my campaign for reelection as trustee on May 26th.

I have been a member of the Village Board of Trustees since 1994. This is my 26th year in Saltaire, having first discovered it in 1973 and fallen in love with it the minute I got off the ferry. It has given me so much pleasure and happiness that I felt I had to give something back. I joined the fire company in 1987 and was appointed its secretary in 1992, a position I have held to date. In 1994 I decided to run for trustee because I felt I had something to offer as the only woman on the Board at the time. I believe that I have done a creditable job as Commissioner of Security and Labor. I have over twenty years experience in government, including six years as Village trustee, plus sixteen years working for New York State and the City of New York in law enforcement.

Over the six years I have been a trustee, I have had to reorganize the security department following the sudden death of our former chief, working with part-time personnel only. I am happy to say that the department is now computerized and functioning professionally. I also participated in, among other things, the decisions that gave you the new fire house, the electric courtesy/invalid cart, the new ambulance, and the upgrading of the incinerator scrubbers. I also represent the Village at various politically important functions and meetings, such as the Fire Island Enforcement and Safety Council, where I have established a good working relationship with the Suffolk County Police Department, the Fire Island National Seashore, and the Village of Ocean Beach, among others. I also participate in The Fire Island Association meetings as the Mayor's chosen delegate.

In 1997, following the reconstruction of my home after it was totally destroyed by fire in 1996, I became a full-time resident of the Village. Since I am retired, I have the time to commit to this trusteeship hands-on. Throughout the year, I regularly bicycle or walk along all the Village's walks and check the beach - at the East end as well as the center and the West end - to see what goes on and what needs to be addressed. Spending the entire year here has enabled me to understand not only the interests of the summer residents, which are also my interests, but also the needs of the year-rounders, which are also my needs. I feel that I can comfortably represent both sides. In addition, my living here year-round allows me the opportunity to observe the workings of the Village as a Board member and makes a trustee available to the Village administration whenever required. This puts me in a unique position vis-à-vis any other candidate.

I love this village and as trustee I try to retain its very special flavor and uniqueness. At the same time, I realize that some change is inevitable and that the best way to preserve the particular character and beauty of our village is to work to shape and manage such changes so that they enhance, rather than diminish, everything we care about in Saltaire.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, I have been faced with a wide range of issues affecting all of Saltaire. All of these needed to be addressed with an eye to the overall impact on the village as a whole. I look for ideas and input from people I trust and I have always been available to every Saltairian; I listen to them and act upon their suggestions whenever feasible. I try to base my decisions on common sense and informed and considered judgment; I represent no special interest but try to act solely in the best interest and for the good of the Village of Saltaire.

I want very much to continue in office in order to complete the work I have started and know so well. I would, therefore, very much appreciate your support and ask for your vote.