Politicians get chatty

Herald, Hofstra launch online 'talk show'
      Never been involved in politics because you think your voice won't be heard anyway? Well, now you can "speak" directly with government officials, as well as other community leaders, thanks to Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University. The two have teamed up to launch a live, online chat room in which you can ask questions, express views and immediately get a response to your concerns, suggestions and opinions from someone in power .
      Starting March 22, the final Thursday of every month will be a time when Internet surfers can ride a wave to political change. From 8 to 9 p.m., politicians such as Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who is the room's first guest, will answer your questions about, "When is this going to happen?" or "When is that going to stop?"
      Called "Neighborhood Chat," the online get-together will be an opportunity to discuss with the congresswoman, and a future array of guests from the local to federal political arenas, about issues that matter to you.
      "No subject is unapproachable," said Suzanne Shareef, Hofstra's associate director for university relations. "It's a really great opportunity to speak with people who might not normally be accessible."
      The McCarthy chat, which will be moderated by Conrad Herold, an assistant professor in economics at Hofstra, is completely flexible: a tete-a-tete, rap session or whatever shape emerges from an open, live forum. So it's not politics as usual, but politics as unusual.
      McCarthy (D-Mineola), who is in her third term representing Long Island's Fourth Congressional District, is eager to discuss either topics she has yet to tackle or her specialties: gun control, education, healthcare and tax relief.
      "Excited is the one word I have for taking part in the Herald/Hofstra chat room," McCarthy said. "It gives me one more way to hear from Long Islanders, and one more way for them to ask me questions, or make comments."
      In chats to come, local community leaders from all walks of life will be featured, said Esther McKenna, program coordinator and a former editor of the Rockville Centre Herald. "It's a great way to get involved," she said.
      McKenna also noted that the Herald and Hofstra plan to partner in a variety of programs and activities that will be announced as they are finalized.
      

      To join the chat room from 8 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 22, log on to:

      www.liherald.com or www.hofstra.edu or www.house.gov/carolynmccarthy and click on the political chat room link.