Two candidates, one a former Nassau legislator, seek open seat in water and fire district

Former Nassau County Legis. Lisanne Altmann is re-entering politics, running for commissioner of the Manhasset-Lakeville water and fire districts against Mark Sauvigne, a Manhasset Park District commissioner.

The district said Altmann, a Democrat, and Sauvigne, a Republican, are candidates for the open commissioner seat. Incumbent Andrew DeMartin is not seeking re-election. Fire district elections across Long Island are Dec. 9.

Altmann hasn't served in elected office since 2007, opting not to run for re-election after 12 years as a county legislator. Judi Bosworth, now North Hempstead Town supervisor, succeeded Altmann in the legislature.

A return to public office "will allow me to focus on a lot of issues," Altmann said in an interview. She said her background on the legislature's planning and environment committees would serve her well, citing her ability to devise a budget and her goal to study the quality of the local water supply.

Altmann, who has worked for LIPA and is a lead account manager for PSEG Long Island, says she wants to work with nearby water districts to study saltwater intrusion, water conservation and preserving the aquifer. "We're surrounded by other water districts that have needs," she said. "It's important for us to all work together."

Sauvigne is also the chairman of the Manhasset Park District. A Munsey Park resident and a government bond trader for Mizuho Securities in Manhattan, Sauvigne said he aims to improve communication between the district and its residents, citing recent outrage over a district-installed antenna tower. That tower, near Munsey Park homes, was taken down amid community opposition.

"The biggest mistake that's been made is in the communications and transparency," Sauvigne said. "I've learned that's what's important. The community needs to be heard."

DeMartin, of Great Neck, said he is "looking to explore other things with my life." DeMartin said he has been given more duties as North Hempstead's public safety commissioner, now overseeing the town-run Port Washington Parking District. He said his time as fire and water district commissioner was marked by "stellar performance records."

By Scott Eidler

scott.eidler@newsday.com@ScottEidler

Scott Eidler is a deputy editor for the towns department at Newsday. Scott has worked at Newsday since 2012 and previously covered municipal government and education.