DECEMBER 13, 2011 The 3 paid fire districts (Hartsdale, Greenville and Fairview) are independent of town government. The fire commissioners approve a budget, decide how much the taxes will be and determine policy for the district. The Fire Commissioners are elected by the voters. There is a contested election for Fire Commissioner in Hartsdale. There are uncontested elections in Greenville and Fairview on Tuesday.

The election in Hartsdale will take place this Tuesday, December 13th at the Hartsdale Fire Station, 25 South Central Ave, Hartsdale from 3 PM to 9 PM.

This year, the Hartsdale district has the only contested election, with incumbent Frances Stanley running against Mark Cohen and Richard Leo. It is their first contested election in over a decade.

James Robinson will be re-elected without opposition to the Fairview Fire Department and Helene Orce will win re-election without opposition to the Greenville Fire district.

Fire district taxes represent almost the same percentage of your entire tax bill as the town portion of your total tax bill. It's important to vote--especially when there is a contested election.

PAUL FEINER

PS: I think New York State election law should be changed so elections for Fire Commissioner are not held during the holiday season (right before Chanukah and Christmas). The timing of the election discourages turnout and voter participation.