The month of June 2002 will be one of the biggest months in Long Island's history. The Belmont Stakes held at Belmont Park in Elmont on June 8 and the U.S. Open Golf Championship beginning on June 15 at Bethpage State Park -- are both located in Nassau County.

Whereas it is common knowledge that Bethpage State Park is located in Nassau County, many do not realize that Belmont Park, the third jewel in horse racing's coveted Triple Crown, takes place every year in Elmont right here in Nassau County.

Every year we hear reports about how much New York City financially benefited from the running of the Belmont Stakes and we never hear of the benefits to Nassau County. We are starting to change that!

Nassau County is the nation's first suburban county and we have been blessed with many strengths. Low crime, low unemployment, miles of south shore beaches, north shore waterfronts, many open spaces, parks, nature preserves and incredible diversity, make us one of the greatest places to live on earth. Now we are the host to these two world class sporting events.

These events will provide a tremendous boost to our local economy as millions of tourists and other visitors from around the world are expected to visit Nassau County. In fact, it is estimated that over $80 million will be injected into the local economy as a result of the record number of tourists that will visit our county.

Local restaurants, merchants, and hotels are all expected to benefit as a direct result of these sporting events. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming month as a time for Long Island and Nassau County to shine as one of the best spots in the country.

Horse racing has a rich history on Long Island that dates back to 1665, when then New York Governor Richard Nicolls had the first ever formal measure racetrack in North America built near present day Garden City. This tradition continued for centuries on Long Island as in March of 1903 the most ambitious and expansive racetrack construction ever in the history of North America began where horse racing began, in Nassau County. Two short years later, on May 4, 1905 the original Belmont Park opened.

The sport of horse racing experienced its ups and downs as the 20th century progressed, however one thing has remained the same: Belmont Park is still the most important racing venue in North America.

I am very much anticipating the month of June in Nassau County. I invite all residents to join me in enjoying these exciting events here in Nassau County and witness history in the making.