Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi introduced the high school students selected from throughout the county to represent their peers on the new 37-member County Executive's Youth Council.

The council members will work closely with lawmakers and legal professionals to assess youth issues and services in the county, provide direct input and feedback on legislation and design positive solutions to youth issues. The council is a partnership between Nassau County, Hofstra University and the Nassau County Bar Association.

"The youth of Nassau County are an invaluable resource to our elected officials because they offer a fresh perspective on issues affecting them personally. It is essential that young people have the ability to make their voices heard and are included in the decision-making process," Suozzi said.

Student representatives on the council will outreach in their communities by holding regular meeting to assess current programs, inventory neighborhood resources such a available computers and physical fitness facilities, and gauge the primary youth issues of the area. The council will meet in Mineola once a month to pool the findings from their communities and discuss solutions. Volunteers from the Nassau County Bar Association and Hofstra University will work directly with the youths and positive solutions to problems they have identified as the most vital.

In addition, the council will act as a think-tank for lawmakers and county department heads to consult on issues that affect younger constituents. Speakers from various professions will address council members on relevant topics throughout the year, in addition to running public speaking and organizational training. The students are invited to attend leadership training and ropes courses with the Hofstra University Army ROTC on August 24.

The local students who have been named to the Youth Council include Jessica Forbes and Amanda Platia of Elmont and Steven Panariello of Franklin Square.

For more information on the County's Executive's Youth Council, contact Christopher Worth at 571-4224.