The Hicksville Water District will hold commissioner elections on Tuesday. Sept. 2 at Hicksville Fire Department headquarters, located on East Marie Street, from 3-9 p.m. All registered voters of the Hicksville Water District are eligible to vote.

This year, two residents, Warren Uss and Thomas Cunningham, are vying for one open seat being vacated by Richard Humann who is retiring after serving as water commissioner for 24 years.

Humann was elected to his first term in 1984, just months after the first water treatment system was installed in the Hicksville District. During his tenure, Hicksville Water District experienced its most progressive span in history, including the installation of 14 treatment plants of its 16 wells.

Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi, who has served with Rich during his entire tenure stated today, "There's not a more dedicated, community-minded person than Rich, and he will be surely missed."

"He is a man of integrity who always put his community first," said fellow Commissioner Karl Schweitzer. "He was the first to welcome me to the board in 2003 and continued to be an asset and confidant during my tenure."

In order to meet the needs of its residents, the Hicksville Water District sought to change the date of its elections from August to the second Tuesday in December. The request for a new election date was picked by New York State Senators Craig Johnson and Carl Marcellino and Assemblyman Rob Walker and the change was approved by the Senate and Assembly and awaits Governor David Paterson's signature. Once signed by the governor, the change will go into effect in 2009.

"Changing our election date would keep us in line with a standard voting day and help us improve upon administrative procedures and financial practices while at the same time encouraging greater community involvement. Our overall goal is to implement changes that will have a positive impact on the community by asking voters to come and vote for their special districts (fire and water) on one single day," added Schweitzer.

Both Uss and Cunningham are encouraged to submit bios and headshots to Hicksville Illustrated News editor Victoria A. Caruso at vcaruso@antonnews.com by Aug. Friday, Aug. 22 to ensure placement in the Aug. 29 edition. Questions, call 403-5116.