As you may be aware, we have a very important special election coming up on Feb. 6. This is an exciting opportunity. Port Washington's own Craig Johnson (D), our local Nassau County Legislator, will be running for the New York Senate Seat recently vacated by Michael Balboni who left to join Eliot Spitzer's (D) team in Albany. I'm writing today to ask for your help in supporting Craig. Craig is not only a dear friend of mine, but more importantly, he is a tremendously talented and dedicated public servant.

As a Nassau County legislator, Craig has been a leader in the ongoing effort to restore fiscal stability to Nassau County. Working with County Executive Tom Suozzi, Craig has brought Nassau County back from the brink of bankruptcy and has passed three consecutive no-tax increase budgets. Craig has been our independent voice for common-sense reform and conservative budgeting. He supports dozens of community groups and has made preserving our parks, open spaces and environment a top priority. Craig was instrumental in getting Christopher Morley Park to host the Oasis summer camp program again this past summer. As many of you are aware, he was also instrumental in bringing Food Allergy Guidelines to all Nassau County Schools to help keep Nassau County's children safe. Why should we elect Craig to the Senate? Craig's record shows that he will lower our taxes; he will fight for more affordable healthcare; he is committed to protecting the environment; he cares about the rights of women and children; he is an advocate for medical research, and he will bring integrity back to Albany! The Special Election is Feb. 6-- less than two weeks away!! His opponent, Republican Maureen O'Connell, is campaigning hard, and will put up a strong fight. With only weeks to go it is up to those of us who believe Craig Johnson can do wonderful things for Nassau County and New York, to get the word out -- or more accurately, to get out the vote! Thus, I am asking you to do something that will benefit you, your family and your community. If you would not ordinarily make it to the polls for a special election like this, please do it anyway

Please make a note in your calendar now to go to your regular general election polling place on Tuesday, Feb. 6 anytime between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and vote for Craig Johnson.

For more information on Craig, please visit www.craigjohnsonforsenate.com

Jill R. Mindlin