In a recent visit to Anton Community Newspapers, Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs discussed her tenure as Nassau County's Presiding Officer, a title which she relinquished in late 2007.

Although there have been some changes in the Nassau County Legislature over the past year, Jacobs wants residents in the 16th district to know that, although she is no longer the Presiding Officer, she is still your legislator.

After eight years serving as presiding officer, Jacobs decided it was time to pass the title on. "I was honored to be the presiding officer for eight years and I think if the president can only serve for eight years, then the presiding officer shouldn't serve for much more than that," Jacobs joked.

Although Jacobs said she does miss the presiding officer position, she has no regrets. "We accomplished so much over those eight years," she said. "The legacy of coming into the role of presiding officer when the county was on the verge of collapse and turning it around is great. I pleaded with leaders in Albany that we needed an oversight board in Nassau and they laughed at me. Three months later, we had NIFA, the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, and the rest is history."

She looks back at her accomplishments while serving as presiding officer with great pride. "We had to change the county around and new legislators had to vote on tough issues to keep the ship floating," she said. "We did it and NIFA was an extremely important partner in that process. We knew, as Democrats, that people had voted for us because they were fed up with being called the worst-run county in the nation and the most fiscally irresponsible county in the nation. People elected us because they didn't like the direction the county was going in. I never forgot that."

Jacobs said she hopes people remember her legacy as presiding officer fondly. "I hope people remember my work as presiding officer and remember me as passionate, and that I was committed to righting the ship of Nassau County. I never forgot that the people elect us," said Jacobs. "We are not better than anyone else, but rather in a unique position to be the leaders of change. I have always thought of the opportunity as an honor and a privilege."

Civic work, according to Jacobs, makes for a good politician as they have already been fighting for the community in which they live. Jacobs was instrumental in founding the Syosset Chamber of Commerce as well as a long list of other civic accomplishments.

Jacobs said she felt like it was time for someone else to take the post as presiding officer. It was a quick and smooth transition and Jacobs fully supports Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove), who was elected unanimously by fellow Democrats back in November.

After the decision was announced, Jacobs said that she was inundated with phone calls from concerned residents asking if she was still their legislator.

"I am still here to fight for the residents of the 16th district," said Jacobs. "I never forgot about my district and I always remembered that those are the people that elected me. Every improvement of a dangerous road is important to me. I live in the community and I know where the dangers lurk. I like that people can call me and not go through a long explanation of the problem, because I know."

So although Jacobs' workload will be lighter, she is still very active with the 16th district and she remains budget chair and is also on numerous committees.

Jacobs offered advice to Yatauro as presiding officer. "Always keep your door open, don't put yourself above anyone and be reachable."

"This is very exciting and I'm extremely honored. It will be a big job to fill Judy Jacobs' shoes," said Yatauro.

So for Jacobs it's business as usual in her district and back to work on the budget. She still has the same open door policy and encourages residents to call her at 571-6216 if they have any concerns or questions.