Fm:
Fair Harbor, NY
Mail:

Re: Town of Islip Services

Dear Congressman Lazio:

I have been a resident of Fair Harbor, Fire Island for many years and as such I am also a taxpayer. The fragile Island environment, the many jurisdictions governing the Island, and the literally miles of open water between here and the main part of Islip make Fair Harbor difficult to administrate. But make no mistake; Fire Island provides important protective features to the mainland that should not be forgotten. Major tax revenue is generated from business serving the Island, the ferry services, and various retail establishments. The recreational value of the beaches is no doubt an important asset.

All beach residents appreciate your untiring support for issues surrounding Fire Island.

Recently, evidence is mounting that the Town of Islip, under Pete McGowan’s governance, has decided to distance itself from the management and needs of the beach communities. Witness the termination of the Dune District, the lack of initiative to obtain FEMA/State grant monies for code improvements, and very important; the missing leadership to maintain beach safety by failing to obtain Public Beach Lifeguard Permits from the Suffolk County Health Department. This could possibly mean that Town of Islip and Suffolk County Law Enforcement will arrest bathers this summer with no life-guards on duty.

The public safety issue is very dear to our hearts. I have been informed that the community in fact has placed the Town on notice for the resulting risks to residents, including children.

I ask you to set aside your many Washington and district obligations for a moment and look into how the Town of Islip is handling its obligation to equally and equitably provide municipal services to the residents, taxpayers, and voters on the beach. I further urge you to use your influence and political knowledge to communicate with Senator Trunzo as well as Supervisor McGowan on these subjects.

Please give me a call at (xxx) xxx-xxxx (wkds), (xxx) xxx-xxxx (wkdy eves), or (xxx) xxx-xxxx (work) to discuss these and any other matters.

Your attention to my/our concerns is greatly appreciated.

 Sincerely,

Rick Lazio, U.S. Congressman
126 East Main Street
Babylon, New York 11702

Dear Congressman Lazio,

We are residents in Fair Harbor, Fire Island. We were recently made aware of the possibility that there will not be any lifeguard coverage on our beaches this summer.

Lifeguards are absolutely essential to the safety of our residents. Every year scores of swimmers are rescued from the dangerous surf. Some would surely have perished if not for the efforts of our capable lifeguards.

We, as taxpayers, must rely on our legislators to provide a secure environment for our recreation areas. Public safety is your responsibility. Our children deserve to swim in a secure environment. You must provide us with leadership that will lead us to a permanent solution. Nothing less is acceptable.

With this writing, I and my fellow citizens of the Hamlet of Fair Harbor are informing you that we hold you responsible for the safety of the public using our beaches. The municipal liability is staggering. Our citizens are outraged. Rise to the task. Enable us to regain confidence in our elected officials. Give us back our lifeguards.

The impending disaster can be headed off, but only with your help.