"I'm seeking re-election in the Seventh Senatorial District because I want to keep the "good times rolling," says Republican incumbent Michael Balboni in his characteristic upbeat way. "We have a better economy, a cleaner environment and safer streets," he says proudly. Elected in a special election held last November to replace the seat left vacant by State Senator Michael Tully who died suddenly in August of 1997, Balboni had spent the previous eight years as a member of the Assembly. His state senatorial district consists of Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington, Roslyn, the Willistons, Mineola, New Hyde Park and parts of Westbury. He mentioned that this particular district is noted for its "bright, smart, involved constituents who are on top of issues." qualities which he says make his job more interesting. "I get a lot of good ideas from them," he says in his affable way. FULL STORY

On Tuesday, October 6, Port residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against a $5.9 million-plus bond that would finance the expansion and renovation of the existing 28-year-old Port Washington Public Library on Main Street. If approved, according to information on a flier published by the library, the average Port Washington household, with a home assessed at $10,000, would have to pay approximately $45 more a year in taxes for the next 20 years. The vote - be it passage or defeat of the bond - will only affect plans for the existing library building. It will not affect separate plans to construct a parking lot next door, nor will it affect a movement to preserve the former Baker Funeral Home/Mackey-Baker house. FULL STORY

The CIGNA Knickerbocker Cup event described as North America's largest and most prestigious match race sailing competition takes place Sept. 23-27 with 12 world-class skippers, six of whom represent syndicates that will challenge for the America's Cup next year. Skippers include such names as Ed Baird, Peter Holberg, Peter Gilmore, Francesco de Angelis of Italy, Luc Pilot of France and Matt Hayes of Australia. FULL STORY

The PYA 10-year-old baseball team won two games over the weekend to lift their record to 3-1. FULL STORY