Appointed to the Senate Majority Task Force on Local Emergency Preparedness a year ago, in January 2002 the senator was appointed by the National Conference of State Legislatures to the Task Force on Protecting Democracy, a position that has kept him in regular contact with Homeland Security Director Thomas Ridge. Working closely with his constituents and local officials, Balboni keeps his district abreast of events, all the while working towards ''regionalization'' goals. FULL STORY

Without extensive political experience, the practicing attorney is challenging Balboni because he feels New York has failed its people. "Although New York led the nation in providing progressive and compassionate governmental services to its citizens throughout the 20th Century, at the dawn of the 21st Century, it's turned its back on residents," he said. FULL STORY

When I sat down to commemorate Special Olympics Coach Joan Grunebaum, I paused and I began to daydream. I imagined Joan walking toward me and in her friendly way Joan asks if she will see me at the gym on Friday night. FULL STORY

In their season home opener the Great Neck North Blazers were looking to rebound from a stunning 20-0 loss to Division against a formidable Lynbrook opponent. Equivalent to the Blazers, the Lynbrook Owls also came into the game donning a 1-1 record. The game was a pivotal one in Conference Three action, both teams are probably going to be vying for the last playoff spot in the conference, with Wantagh, Plainedge and Bethpage the heavy favorites for the top three spots. FULL STORY