When the Nassau County Legislature meets next on May 15, it will have a new legislator sitting in the seat once held by my dear friend and colleague Barbara Johnson. This new person may be new to his position, but he's certainly not new to the process.

Craig Johnson is Barbara's son. He won the special election on May 3 in a resounding fashion, capturing nearly 60 percent of the vote. I think one could read Craig's victory a number of different ways. I believe voters agreed that his experience as a bankruptcy attorney will come in handy as we figure out a way to rectify the county's budget difficulties. They also remembered the many wonderful things Barbara did for the district, which encompasses the Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn area. Lastly, one cannot forget the incredible strides the Democratic Majority has made during its first 100 days in office.

I mentioned in a previous column some of the achievements we've put in place, but since then the Legislature has passed a few more items that will benefit residents of all ages. Just last week a bill that I introduced back in 1995 was finally passed in an unanimous vote. Nassau County will now have an Educational Research Center that will create a central place where volunteers who want to give back to their community can do so in the classroom. The center will allow teachers to tap into a database of working or retired individuals who could bring to life a class' study with their real life experience.

Another law I'm very proud of is a clear and permanent agreement on personal services contracts. In the past there was only a personal agreement, or Memorandum of Understanding between the county executive and the presiding officer of the Legislature. However, when I look office, that agreement ended.

I believe Nassau residents deserve more oversight than that, which is why the Legislature passed a tough, stringent law last week. This measure would ensure that the Legislature has the chance to review all contracts over $25,000 before they are handed out...no matter who the county executive or presiding officer may be.

The county's budget gap is and will always be our number one priority. However, creating a more honest, open and responsive government is a promise the Democratic Majority intends to uphold. I think what we've accomplished so far is a good start.