Former Nassau Assistant District Attorney Steve Irace, a Garden City Republican, has announced his candidacy for the US Congress in the Fourth District. According to Irace, "I know I can do a better job than what's being done. My goal is nothing less than to reform the way politics are conducted in Washington now."

Although he admits it's certainly a big task, Irace said using better ways to communicate and to articulate issues to the voters could do it. This, in turn will include, involve and empower each voter to assist in making better decisions, he said.

"Democracy is not a spectator sport. It's a participation sport - and you only get good at it if you practice," he said. Irace vows to constantly provide voters with all the information they need to make the critical choices necessary in these tough times. His goals are to creatively use all available sources, including the news media, to articulate and communicate such issues directly to his constituency so that together they can do what's best for the district and county.

Irace said the most critical issue this country faces now is that of homeland security. With 23 years of service as a district attorney, he has the experience in law enforcement and security to help make the world and streets safe again.

"I feel too many career politicians are spending too much time worrying about securing their own dynasty, getting re-elected and not devoting enough time to us," he said. "I will never permit us to be beaten by such a system."

In order to get the job done in Washington, Irace said people have to put aside their personal agendas. They need to go to Congress for a few terms to contribute their unique knowledge and life experience to the task of governing the country, bringing their original insights to the problems of the day.

"Our country is under attack from without and within as never before. It's time for our brightest and best to step up and come to the aid of their country. That includes me as a candidate, and you as involved, empowered and committed voters," he said.

"In all my years as a prosecuting attorney here I did the tough work for you that helped to keep our streets and home safe. Every day I made the difficult decisions that directly affected peoples' lives - both those of the aggrieved and injured victims and those concerning the years of time to be taken from peoples' lives while in jail," Irace said.

"Now we no longer feel the same comfort and safety in our homes and streets that I fought so long and hard to maintain. This is not because of any failure of our local criminal justice system but because of sick and vicious outsiders. This threat is the clarion call that I ask you to send me to Washington to answer.

"America's enemies have exploited our generosity and the freedom we have given them to pass among us. They knew all too well that they were operating in the land of the free. What they're only now realizing is that the land of the free is also the home of the brave. Let me help you teach this to them. Elect me and together we will do what's best for our fourth district and for the security of our country," he said.