You should know about Chuck Cutolo, chief counsel to the Democratic contingent in the Nassau County Legislature. In this time of flux and crisis in the county government, it is even harder than usual for decision makers to maintain perspective and a sense of humor about themselves and the events around them. Here, in the middle of the swirl, is a man who has a lot to say about perspective and humor and government and Kermit the Frog and the Godfather. He says them all in his new book, entitled Notes From the Hidden Years: Reflections on Spirituality, Politics and Other Stuff.

Chuck Cutolo is one of the best legislative directors in America. Period. After 17 years on Capitol Hill, including 13 as L.D. for Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, Chuck grew weary of the Long Island to D.C. commute and returned to Nassau full time. After a stint at the Catholic Charities organization, he ended up as the Democratic counsel when the County Legislature opened its doors in 1996. Hiring Chuck is still the single smartest act by the Democrats in that body.

The "hidden years" refer to his career of writing well-received speeches, articles and legislation - all published under the names of others. This book is Chuck's take on both the most public and the most personal aspects of our lives. So that the words are his and his alone, Chuck had the book published himself, though future additions may well be picked up by an established house.

His book is a series of short essays and a few other items, such as thoughtful memos to legislators. There is a wide gamut, and the entertaining essays can be read in any order depending on one's mood or fancy. Some are about confronting hardships, such as his beloved wife's illness and his brother's death. Others describe fascinating but unreported episodes from his Senate years, such as the eloquent Dale Bumpers' turning the tide on a Senate vote with a chart and a speech for the ages. A few offer advice to legislators ("Don't Hit..." and "never overstate your case".) Others are inspirational, such as a series of prayers Chuck wrote for a special church service, or the essay describing a debate between God and a yet unborn soul about the merits of being born.

Taken together, the essays paint a three dimensional portrait of a kind of person that's hard to find in our public life. It's hard to imagine some of our local decision-makers reading a newspaper, let alone reflecting on their place in any cosmic scheme. Chuck is a throwback to our Revolutionary generation, which obsessively valued integrity, vision and reflection in public officials.

Entire feature stories can be written about Chuck Cutolo and his energetic wife Denise Pratesi, who is a teacher, drama coach and do-er of good deeds in her own right. They are active members of an active congregation at St. Brigid's Church. Each day they feed the squirrels, birds and other animals wandering their Westbury backyard. Faith in action That's the way Chuck conducts himself in county government, too.

Because the essays are every short and often deal with change and angst, teens might especially enjoy them. In fact, a South Shore youth ordered a batch of copies for their program. Of course, Chuck checked to see if the group had ever received county aid of any type. Since it had, Chuck donated the books to avoid even a hint of any conflict of interest. Chuck Cutolo will not give anyone a reason to question his integrity, even if it blows a good sale.

You can order a copy through Denise Publications at 334-4755. Look for it in local libraries, too.