By Cris Italia
New to the OFD, DiCeglio admitted last year that although he may not have the experience and years on the job, he is a businessman, and running a fire district is a business. Coming off a successful campaign last year, DiCeglio has decided to take a run at incumbent Jay Tavalaro and veteran Anthony McCarty in a three-way race.
Tavalaro
DiCeglio, who is running out of the Southside Hose Company 2 firehouse, says his experience as president and CEO of URAC Corp., a utility consulting firm, gives him the edge to help balance a $4 million budget. URAC's primary responsibility is securing refunds for taxpayers, from overcharges made by utility companies. One of DiCeglio's main concerns is whether the OFD is overspending and whether taxpayers' dollars are used in the right way. "This is a business position," he said during last year's campaign. "There are some numbers in the budget I have questions about, but I don't have access to everything right now. I'd like to work with it and take a closer look."
Both Tavalaro and McCarty, running out of the Salamander firehouse on Foxhurst Road, have seen a friendship end because of their intentions to run for commissioner. Tavalaro, a commissioner for more than 15 years, is said to be "out of touch" with firefighters, and when he was asked to step down, he refused. Salamander decided to have a private election between the commissioner and McCarty, and the incumbent lost in a close race.
DiCeglio
"It ruined our relationship," McCarty said regretfully. "Sometimes you get very comfortable in your position -- that's why I think there should be a two-term limit. If you can't accomplish what you set out to do in 10 years, then it's time for a change."
McCarty added that although he is running for commissioner, that doesn't mean he thought Tavalaro did a bad job. "He implemented a tremendous amount of change," he said. "I have nothing but respect for him, but he started making too many demands. You can't make decisions on your own when there are four other commissioners."
McCarty
Tavalaro denied McCarty's charge. "I don't know what he's talking about," he said regarding the status of their relationship. Tavalaro added that although he is confident that he is the best candidate he is not sure whether he will go through with his campaign for a fourth term. "I'm not sure yet if I want to run," he said. "It's been 15 years and we have accomplished so much."
In his time as a commissioner, Tavalaro has worked to keep the Oceanside firefighters well protected. "We always made sure we had our firefighters equipped with the safest gear," Tavalaro said as he referred to the fireball explosion on June 29 at the Oceanside Institutional Industries, on Long Beach Road, which injured 24 firefighters. "Our equipment held up that day protecting our firefighters."
At age 62, Tavalaro has served more than 43 years as a volunteer firefighter, far more than his opponents. He also served 27 years in the New York City Fire Department, and retired a Lieutenant. "I'm the better candidate just on experience only," the commissioner said. "We have worked hard to have the lowest tax rate and keep it affordable to live in Oceanside."
Tavalaro did not comment on the lost election at Salamander and declined to comment on claims that he is "out of touch" with firefighters. If he runs he says he would focus on getting more help for Rescue One. With an increasing need for EMS service in the Oceanside area it is important to have more volunteers for that unit. A point McCarty also believes in. McCarty said the unit handles over 800 calls a year and that number will continue to increase.
With more than 26 years as a member of the Oceanside Fire Department, McCarty has held every position. He has written district policies and helped the department stay in line with OSHA guidelines.
"I'm brutally honest," McCarty said. "Some say that is to the betterment and some say it is to the detriment of the department." McCarty says he has proven over and over again that he can do the job at hand. He believes that as commissioner, he can continue to improve on his career at the OFD.
He shares DiCeglio's concern over the fire district's budget, but he believes that when it comes to firefighters, they should have the best equipment. "You want to be sure when we respond to fires that we have the right equipment and the safest equipment to save lives and fight fires," McCarty said. "You want to have the most stable equipment. You don't want to have a firefighter worrying about something that will go wrong with a hose."
McCarty runs a medical supply company. "I have individuals and families that rely on the decisions I make," he said. "I know what I do has an impact on many people's lives."
Because of his knowledge of the ins and outs of the district, McCarty believes he has the edge in this year's commissioner's election. "Doug is a good guy," he said, "He has zeroed in on several topics, but it is not possible for him to do this job." McCarty cites DiCeglio's lack of knowledge of the district. "He's only been with us for about two years," he said. "You can be good at business, but this district is more than just a business."
DiCeglio does have the support of the Republican Party, something he lacked last year. In fact, he was at odds with the Republican party last year. While backing Napoli, DiCeglio charged that pressure from the Republican party resulted in the Sands Shopping Center's decision to take down his campaign signs. He admitted last year after defeat that he was "surprised with the politics involved, and even though I never had any involvement outwardly [with the Republican Party], I certainly won't have any at all from now on."
Even without a Republican party endorsement, McCarty is confident that his experience and the respect he has gained among members of the community will come through on Dec. 9. "I bring a lot of experience and knowledge, along with some fresh ideas, and I pledge that I will only run for two terms," he said. "I'm going in there with an open mind for the public and the firefighters. As commissioner, my primary concern will be for taxpayers first, and then our members."
Despite several attempts, DeCeglio could be reached for comment. The fire district commissioner's election will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Oceanside Fire Department headquarters, 65 Foxhurst Road. The election is open to all members of the Oceanside community.
