Until Jan. 1, 2004, the Town of North Hempstead elected its four council members at large, i.e. each member represented the population of the entire town. Since 2004, they have been elected from separate districts. How is this new system working? How could it be improved?

The League of Women Voters of Port Washington/Manhasset, Great Neck and Westbury is sponsoring a public meeting to address these issues on Thursday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, 48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset. Each of the members of the current town board has been invited to attend including Supervisor Jon Kaiman.

The council members will be called upon to comment on the following questions: 1) How have the Councilmanic Districts worked so far; what strengths or weaknesses have you experienced or observed in this system? 2) How do you acquire the information you need to make informed, appropriate decisions on issues, especially those that do not fall within your district, but which require your vote? 3) What changes, if any, might you propose that could help council members function more efficiently?

This should be an interesting and productive meeting and pertinent to all residents of North Hempstead. The league cordially invites all members of the public to attend.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that does not support any candidates. Its purpose is to encourage citizens to be informed and to participate in government.