In what is becoming an increasingly bitter, partisan battle, Nassau County Legislator Ed Mangano, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democrat Thomas Suozzi for the county executive’s seat. The race appears to boil down to three key issues: property taxes, a recently imposed 2.5 percent energy tax and the county’s troubled property-tax assessment system. Mangano is challenging Suozzi’s handling of all three issues, while Suozzi fires back that the county has consistently balanced its budget while improving its bond rating, which reduces the interest the county must pay when it bonds money for any number of projects. more

In the race for Hempstead town clerk, incumbent Mark Bonilla, a Republican, is being challenged by political newcomer Anthony Rattoballi, a Democrat. more

For residents of Nassau County, dealing with the county clerk is something that needs to be done only sparingly — when registering a business, closing on a home or filing litigation. But thousands of people use the services of the office every day, and while it is politically low-profile, it is vital to the county’s operations. more

The cloudless sky and beautiful autumn weather belied the reason that 30 or so people were gathered outside Oceanside High School on Oct. 6: to help raise awareness for suicide prevention by sending … more

Some Nassau County legislators govern districts that are considered “safe,” meaning they consist mostly of voters registered with that legislator’s party, almost ensuring his or her re-election. And then there is District 4, represented by Denise Ford. more

Two years ago, Lawrence resident Howard Kopel challenged Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside) in Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District race. Kopel came up nearly 700 votes short in his bid to unseat the 10-year incumbent. The two will face off again on Nov. 3. more

Just eight weeks after installing — and then uninstalling — a state-of-the-art red-light camera in East Rockaway, Nassau County has been given the green light to reinstall the system, which is designed to catch red-light runners, at the intersection of Atlantic and Ocean avenues. more

Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Bellmore Family Street Festival, sponsored by the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce, has been postponed, and has been rescheduled for the weekend of Oct. 24-25. more

Your chance to get a taste of southwest Nassau County is coming up as the Peninsula Counseling Center plans its annual fundraiser. There will be 45 restaurants, bakeries, caterers and wineries participating in A Tasteful Evening at the Woodmere Country Club on Oct. 19. more

Q. We want to add a floor to our one-story home, and also want a den addition. Will our taxes go up a lot? We know they’ll increase, but we’re concerned they’ll be too high for us to do the addition. more