A special election will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, to elect a new state senator for the 7th senatorial district, filling a seat vacated by Michael Balboni (recently appointed New York State homeland security chief). The candidates are Craig Johnson, Democrat, and Maureen O'Connell, Republican.

Voting is 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the same polling places as for general elections, except for certain areas of the Village of Great Neck. For voters in the Village of Great Neck who live north of Arrandale Avenue, south of Steamboat Road and west of Middle Neck Road, call the Nassau County Board of Elections at 571-2411 for your polling place.

Please be sure to go out and vote. Let your voice be heard; make sure your vote is counted.

State senator is an important position, both locally and on a statewide level. Our lives can be dramatically affected by our state senator. This has been a short, yet intense campaign for a very good reason --- the vote this coming Tuesday counts in so many, many ways, affecting not only the quality of our day-to-day lives, but our overall well-being.

Please take the time to check out both candidates. The Jan. 11, 18 and 25 issues of the Great Neck Record have all devoted space to this election. Check our paper, read your mailings, read everything you can so you know just what each candidate stands for and who you want to be your next state senator.

Be informed and then be certain to go out and vote for your choice on Feb. 6.

This is an important election!

Every vote counts!

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman