The November 4, election, which returned a majority of Democratic legislators to office, provides evidence that Nassau County residents like what they have been seeing during the past few years. To their credit, voters saw through the political rhetoric and misrepresentations to the reality that currently exists: a county that is slowly but surely being restored to its former status as one of the best in the country.

But we would do well to never forget what got us here in the first place. The Democratic majority was elected to institute change in a county that had been - up until then - ruled by one party government. Clearly, the voters decided they had had enough.

As I look back, it's apparent that it was the beginning of an historic time in Nassau County government.

Eight years ago when I was elected Nassau County Legislator in the 16th District, I was filled with hope and promise about the challenge that was ahead. There were few clues, at that time, of the financial trouble that was brewing and the devastating effect it would have on the county.

The year was 1995, the Democrats were the minority in the legislature, County Executive Thomas Gulotta and the Republican majority were running Nassau into the ground, and residents were in the dark about the dire fiscal situation that was looming.

Four years later, in 1999, Democrats won control of the Nassau County Legislature and began their efforts to turn things around. The Democratic majority lobbied Albany for assistance and in 2000 the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) was appointed to oversee Nassau's finances.

But without a Democratic County Executive at the helm, someone whose goals were consistent with ours, the majority found its hands tied in many ways.

Then, two years ago, County Executive Thomas Suozzi was elected to office, thereby ensuring that Nassau County could begin its resurrection. Thus far, we have made tremendous strides toward fiscal recovery. Nassau's credit rating is on the rise, we have adopted a balanced budget for 2004 that cuts expenses and raises revenues through innovative initiatives, we have new contracts in place that will save the county millions over the next few years, and we are now able to borrow money on our own.

Still, there is more to do to ensure that Nassau County is never again on the brink of financial disaster as it was before the Democratic majority and County Executive Suozzi took control.

Now, after being elected to office for the fifth time, I am still filled with hope and promise for the future. I still look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I am optimistic and confident that our goals for Nassau County reflect the same goals as those of the voters of this great county. That is why we were re-elected. To make sure those goals are realized.