Nassau County Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) recently held a legislative "Listening Tour" for Locust Valley, Mill Neck and Matinecock at the Locust Valley Public Library Community Room. Ms. Yatauro has held a series of these listening tours for the sole purpose of listening and addressing residents' needs in her district.

Some of the topics covered at the recent meeting are outlined below. Legislator Yatauro said, "I encourage you to please call my office if ever you have suggestions or need assistance with a particular issue."

The first discussion related to public safety. Ms. Yatauro introduced POP Officer Anthony Rempel from the 2nd Precinct who spoke about some of the issues of concern for the community. Officer Rempel explained that the 2nd Precinct is very aware of the ongoing problems on and around 13th Street in Locust Valley. The 2nd Precinct cannot divulge too much information, but Officer Rempel assured everyone that they are being very proactive at that location.

It is important to note that the police very much appreciate the community's help with this and other related situations. A representative from Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Mary McCaffery's Office suggested that the schools should be involved, as should religious organizations. It was suggested that the religious organizations could even go to homes to outreach and educate parents.

Another issue of concern brought up was the speeding and noise on Bayville Avenue in the area of Mountain Avenue in Bayville. The representative from Public Works said he would take a look at that particular stretch of road to see what might be done to alleviate the situation.

And finally, although car break-ins are down in the area, be cognizant about not leaving valuables visible in your car. It is very tempting to smash a windshield and grab a purse or shopping bag. It is important that we all act as good neighbors and watch out for each other. If you see something that looks suspicious, call the police.

The Nassau County Deputy Commissioner of Consumer Affairs provided some valuable information on how to be protected against unscrupulous contractors and others seeking to take advantage. Before hiring a contractor to do work on your home, call the Nassau County Consumer Affairs Office at 516-571-2600 to make sure the contractor is licensed. If the contractor is licensed, then Consumer Affairs will have more power to deal with them if need be. If a contractor is not licensed, Consumer Affairs has no recourse.

Another issue mentioned regarded the "Do Not Call" list. Be cognizant of the fact that even if you are on a "do not call" list, if you have done business with a company, that company and its affiliates can call you. This leads to identity theft warned the commissioner. Try to stay off pre-approved credit card lists and other similar lists, and if you receive a pre-approved credit card, shred it.

Another tip was related to supermarkets. Through investigation, Consumer Affairs has found some overcharging of items, as well as expired items in some of the supermarkets in Nassau County. Pay attention to dates on packages, and watch as your items are scanned at the checkout counter.

And finally, watch out at the gas pumps. Make sure the pump is set on zero before the attendant begins pumping. Often times, an attendant will ask the consumer to move up a little, and the reason may be so that you, the consumer cannot see the pump clearly. Always check to be sure that the pump starts at zero and that the correct octane is chosen.

If you have a question regarding your taxes or assessment, please contact Dolores Sedacca in the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 571-0574. Ms. Yatauro said, "She is very accessible and happy to make sure that your assessment is correct and that you are receiving all proper exemptions to which you are entitled."

Mr. Bob Giliberti is a social worker at the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. Please call his office at 571-5814 if you have any questions relating to senior citizen concerns. For example, this office may be able to help you with services such as Medicare and prescription cards. They may also be able to assist you with food stamps, heating needs, housing, meals on wheels, and leisure passes for parks and bus discounts.

Legislator Yatauro said, "Again, please feel free to contact my office with any questions you may have by calling 571-6218."