Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano (17th L.D.-Bethpage) recently announced that he will be taking on the popular "Talk of the Town" program originally established by former Assemblyman Marc Herbst more than eight years ago.

"Talk of the Town" is a traveling public forum that provides residents with a convenient environment to discuss issues of concern. "Members of my district will be able to meet with me and discuss issues that are important to them," said Mangano. "The forums will be general in their nature, but I will follow up on the issues individually and organize individual meetings [if necessary]." He added that information on topical issues will also be disseminated at the meetings.

Taking over where Herbst left off, said Mangano, will enable him to "continue a program that was received very well by the communities Marc Herbst represented." Mangano added, "Marc and I worked very closely when he was an elected official to remain in contact on issues that he was working on. As part of those discussions, we agreed that continuing 'Talk of the Town; would be an asset and something I am happy to do for the community."

Herbst said, "I am thrilled to have Ed continue this successful program. I am certain he will build on my efforts to reach out to all residents."

Currently, Mangano's district includes the communities of Hicksville, Bethpage, Muttontown, Brookville, East Norwich and parts of Old Westbury, Syosset and Jericho. With redistricting of legislative districts currently in the works, the 17th L.D. will most likely be reconfigured to include Plainview, Plainedge, part of Levittown and the Nassau portion of South Farmingdale. The number of residents residing within the newly re-appropriated 17th L.D., however, will remain pretty much the same.

Mangano will hold his first "Talk of the Town" on April 2 at Levittown Hall in Hicksville from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All are encouraged to attend and voice their concerns. For more information or for a schedule of upcoming "Talk of the Town" dates and locations, call Legislator Mangano at 571-6217.