Letter to the Editor: Melville FD Commissioner Candidate Phillip Foundos

The following Letter to the Editor was submitted to the Half Hollow Hills Patch by Phillip Foundos, who is running for Commissioner of the Melville Fire District. Elections will be held next week:

Dear Editor,

My name is Phillip Foundos and I am running for Commissioner of the Melville Fire District. I have been involved in the Melville Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years and currently serve as both an EMT and Firefighter. I love volunteering in my community and helping neighbors in need. I seek to continue serving the community, improving the department, and ensuring the health and safety of Melville by advocating for the residents and volunteer firefighters as a Commissioner.

I am the Senior Vice President and Chief Appraiser of a $40 billion bank. I oversee the commercial and residential appraisal divisions and manage the department’s $10 million budget. I manage the appraisal process for $28 billion of commercial and residential real estate assets to ensure the protection of the bank’s assets. My department consists of 26 full time employees that I manage on a daily basis. During my years at the bank, I have reduced operating costs, increased productivity and strengthened the bank’s appraisal process and documentation.

I am currently a Den Leader of Cub Scout Pack 22 of Dix Hills, where my two youngest children are pack members. They also attend Signal Hill Elementary School where I am a PTA member. I am the Finance Committee Advisor of my church and was previously a coach for the HHH Little League.

I will bring my years of experience as a volunteer firefighter, businessman and community leader to the position of Commissioner of the Melville Fire District. As Commissioner, I will work to improve and maintain the highest level of emergency medical service and fire protection that our community deserves. I will use my strong financial and business acumen and fiscally conservative philosophy to increase department efficiency and productivity while minimizing taxes on residents.

The election for Commissioner of the Melville Fire District is Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 1-9 p.m. The Polling location is at Melville Fire Department Headquarters, located at 531 Sweet Hollow Road in Melville. Please come down to vote and show your support for the volunteers that protect our lives on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much,

Phillip Foundos

Any candidate is welcome to submit a Letter to the Editor to paige.mcatee@patch.com

Images courtesy of Phillip Foundos