The Syosset residents have a tough task at hand when they have to vote for the commissioners of the Fire District. The three hopefuls all have histories that will help them as commissioner, from fire fighting to business management.

But who will residents choose?

Robert Swanson has been a member of the fire department for 47 years and has held many positions, one of them being the superintendant of the Syosset fire District.

In April 2011 Swanson became Commissioner when a seat became vacant. He finished the term and is now running for his first full term.

“I’m still learning and hoping to increase my knowledge as commissioner,” Swanson said.

Swanson is running unopposed.

One of the things Swanson has learned is that cost effectiveness is a major issue.  “Costs need to be contained and taxes [kept] to a minimum,” he said.

Swanson may be running unopposed, but the other two candidates are not. Incumbent Frank Vasile is being challenged by Richard Roseo.

Vasile has been a member of the Syosset Fire Department for 19 years.  In 2006 he was selected as commissioner and is now running for his second 5-year term.

As an ex-vice president of a bank, Vasile has a background in both finance and leadership which he thinks will be beneficial for the department, district and residents.

“Even though this is a fire department its still a business and it’s a $7 million a year business that needs to be run effectively,” he said.

As a commissioner, Vasile has helped reduced the budget 28 percent and has kept the budget to a minimum without sacrificing service.

“I’ve been very mindful of the economy and the difficult times and trying to operate with the lowest budget possible,” he said.

His challenger, Richard Roseo may not have the experience of a commissioner, but he has plenty of experience as a chief. Roseo started with the department in 1987 and had worked his way up to chief status by 2003.

Like his competitor, Roseo has a history in business. He opened a small business after college and is using that entrepreneurial knowledge to his advantage in his campaign.

“We want to get the best cost value for the tax dollar and having been the Chief, I know what we need to do for the fire department, “ he said. Roseo is adamant about stretching the tax payers dollars as far as possible.

“Obviously you can't cut too much because then you affect the effectiveness of the fire department,” Roseo said. “It’s a matter of smart spending.”

Voting is on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 2-9 p.m. at Syosset Fire Department Headquarters on Cold Spring Road.