The quality most needed in a comptroller, according to Howard Weitzman, who is hoisting the Democratic banner for the position in the fall election, is an independence that transcends partisan politics. "The job of the comptroller," he says, "is to represent the best interests of the taxpayers and to serve as a check and balance for the executive and legislative branches of the county government." He goes on to add that it has been a long time since Nassau County has had a chief financial officer willing to take a stand in opposition to the tide and make tough decisions to curb wasteful practices. "People who know me, know that I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in," he states. FULL STORY

A swastika was spray-painted on the side of the North Shore Sephardic Synagogue in Great Neck Plaza last Thursday night, May 31. Police report that the same night, another swastika symbol, this time with the words ''Jews stink,'' was spray-painted on the wall of a nearby building at a small shopping center. Both were labeled ''bias incidents'' by Nassau County Police. FULL STORY

This event, which has quickly become a Father's Day tradition, will once again be held on Sunday, June 17, at Hempstead Harbor and Bar Beach Parks in Port Washington. FULL STORY

The second annual Long Island Gold Coast Pro-Am Tournament to benefit the United Community Fund of Great Neck and North New Hyde Park will be presented by Sy Luba Heating and Air Conditioning on Aug. 12. FULL STORY