LIV HEMPEL
112 ATLANTIC WALK
SALTAIRE

Fellow Saltairians,

I am running for election as a village trustee.  I have no personal agenda.  My reason for running is to restore to the Board of Trustees the civility and cohesiveness that it needs but seems to have lost.

This is my 29th year in Saltaire.  I fell in love with it the minute I got off the ferry in 1973.  Saltaire gave me so much that I wanted to give something back.  In 1987, I joined the fire company and in 1992 I was appointed its secretary, an office that I still hold.  In 1994, I ran for election as a village trustee.  I was elected and re-elected twice.  I served for six years as Commissioner of Security and Labor. In addition to my service on the Saltaire board, I have over twenty years experience in government including sixteen years working in law enforcement for New York State and City. I also serve on the Village Planning Commission and as the Secretary of the SCAA.

During my three terms as a trustee, I reorganized the security department following the sudden death of our former chief -- working with part-time personnel only.  Under my supervision, Saltaire Security was computerized and more professionally organized.  I participated in the decisions that gave Saltaire its new fire house, electric courtesy/invalid cart, new ambulance and upgraded incinerator scrubbers.  I represented Saltaire at the Fire Island Law Enforcement and Safety Council and at other important functions and meetings where I established a good working relationship with (among others) our County Legislator, the Suffolk County Police Department, the Fire Island National Seashore, and the Village of Ocean Beach.  I participated in The Fire Island Association meetings as the Mayor's chosen delegate.  I continue to represent the Village in both these organizations.

In 1997, I became a full-time resident after I rebuilt my home following its total destruction by a fire the year before.  Living in Saltaire all year has given me a unique opportunity to observe all the workings of the Village.  Because I am retired, I can commit my full time to being a hands-on trustee.  Throughout the year, I bicycle or walk around Village and check the beach -- at the East end as well as the West.  I am available and easy to talk to.  I know what is going on and what needs to be done.  Living in Saltaire year-round has enabled me to understand the interests and needs of both the summer residents and the year-rounders.

As a trustee I worked hard to retain Saltaire’s very special flavor and uniqueness.  Unlike some on the present Village Board, I have never sought change for its own sake.  However, I realize that some change is inevitable and believe that the best way to preserve the particular character of Saltaire is to work to manage change to enhance, rather than diminish, what makes our community special and wonderful.

For a place as small as Saltaire, cooperation, civility and common sense are vital.  Lately, the Board has been more factional and less collegial than in the past.  If elected, I will strive to make the Board as effective and cohesive as when I served on it in the past.  We can do better.  With your support, we will.