Moshe Zeines, a candidate for Lakewood Fire Commissioner, provided the following statement to TLS.

792 registered voters in Lakewood have recently requested and will receive shortly, mail-in ballots for the upcoming Board of Fire Commissioners election.

I, Moshe Zeines, am a candidate in the election and I urge all of you to vote for me, either by mail-in ballot or in person next Motzei Shabbos at the municipal building until 10:00 pm.

This past Thursday night the current Board of Fire Commissioners approved and adopted an amended budget which will be voted on by the voters during the election. The budget calls for no tax increase at all, contingent on the voters voting “yes” to the referendum question asking to release and use the restricted funds. I urge everyone to vote “yes” to the budget and “yes” to all of the referendum questions so that there will be no tax increase this year.

The Fire Commissioners of the Lakewood Fire District are the translators of the Fire District’s overall commitment to excellence through the establishment as well as strict adherence to high standards of performance. They are responsible for the purchase of trucks, equipment, and insurance. While the chief and his assistants are personally “on scene” fighting the actual fire, the commissioners guarantee that they have the necessary up-to-date resources to combat the flames.

The volunteers are there for us, me and you, 24/7 year-round. I remember being shocked when I first heard from one of the assistant chiefs that all the volunteers are on call at all times. I was sure that they take shifts, saving some time to themselves. But no, all of the volunteers are ready to give their all for the people of Lakewood. Keep in mind that not all the volunteers live in Lakewood, yet they all care so dearly for our town.

I believe that all of our volunteers are entitled to be shown gratitude at least one day a year. In the last 2 years, the commissioners have hosted a brunch to show the volunteers and their families that they are recognized and cared for.

The commissioners regularly sponsor training for the firefighters, to express they care the firefighters are adequately prepared for their job. Similarly, the commissioners have sponsored numerous pieces of safety equipment for the firefighters thereby ensuring the safety of both the people of the town and the safety of the firefighters.

I believe that a homogeneous board will continue to advance the Lakewood Fire Department and I am running for the Board of Fire Commissioners so I can be that additional positive voice.

Your vote for me, Moshe Zeines, either by mail-in ballot or in person on election day, will give me the opportunity to strengthen the entire fire department.

Thank you.

(Editor’s note: All candidates are welcome to submit a campaign statement.)