Bob Lincoln has announced that he will seek re-election as commissioner of the Great Neck Park District. Mr. Lincoln issued the following statement for the Great Neck Record:

"As a life-long resident of Great Neck, Mr. Lincoln emphasizes how valuable an asset our parks are to the community and how important it is to keep our park facilities in good repair. Over the past six years he has worked with his fellow commissioners and staff to develop and implement many improvements designed to maintain the district's aging infrastructure, which had suffered from years of neglect. Examples include the restoration of Great Neck House, renovation of the Allenwood ball field and tennis courts, new playgrounds which comply with current safety codes, a replacement program for the aged stray animals at several parks and continued beautification of our public waterside estate, Steppingstone Park. Bob Lincoln remains committed to ensuring that sufficient funding is devoted to capital repairs, the benefits of which have now become visible. He also advocated state legislation, which enables the Park District to maintain a repair reserve fund which saves the expense of bonding small and medium sized capital projects.

"Mr. Lincoln also points to the expansion of recreation programs for all residents. These include evening entertainment for families at the park district's neighborhood parks, an extended ice skating season, kayacking, movies at the Village Green and, most recently, an evening dinner cruise to City Island from our marina. Enhancements have been made to the park district's cultural programs which include the summer concert series at Steppingstone and performances at Great Neck House. He states that the best measurement of the park district programs' success is the continually increased attendance by residents and their positive support.

"At the same time Bob Lincoln understands the impact of property taxes. He explains that one of their biggest challenges is how to meet ever increasing expenses while keeping taxes within reason. The park board, he says, has purchased new equipment which enables the maintenance staff to work more efficiently and to perform many jobs in-house at a lower cost. The co-generation system at Parkwood reduced the electric bills, which paid for new, more efficient mechanical equipment. Additionally, he says that the park board constantly seeks ways to share resources with other municipalities in the community. He points out that Firefighters' Park was totally refurbished through a joint effort with the Village of Great Neck Plaza. He also states that the park board fully understands that the public depends on us to spend their money wisely.

"Bob Lincoln has also stated that, despite the many challenges the park board faces, he is more motivated than ever to the job of park commissioner. Mr. Lincoln says that he looks forward to serving the residents by protecting the park district's beautiful parkland and open spaces as well as providing recreation for residents of all ages, backgrounds and interests. And he says that he promises to continue the open manner in which the park board continually seeks input from the community.

"Mr. Lincoln states that he fully understands the needs of our parks. It is his desire to continue working to accomplish our mission in the most efficient and cost effective way possible."

Mr. Lincoln told the Record, "I hope that the voters agree and that they see fit to return me to office."

Bob Lincoln is employed as the deputy superintendent of the Nassau County Vocational Education Board. He is a board member of the Great Neck Student-Aid Fund as well as the Great Neck Historical Society. He is a member of the Vigilant Fire Company where he has volunteered for 42 years and has served twice as the chief of department.

The election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 12.