On Oct. 19, Nassau County legislators voted to enact two amendments that will tighten the reins on convicted sex offenders. The first gives the Probation Department the power to request that the court direct the highest level offenders, Level 3, to wear GPS tracking ankle bracelets while on probation to better monitor their whereabouts. The second provision bars registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of their victims' homes or workplaces, within 1,000 feet of schools or within 500 feet of parks. The new law will take effect 120 days after it is signed by the County Executive, which must take place within 30 days of the law's passage in the Legislature. more

Republican Dr. Fred Jones is challenging Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat, in the race for the 19th District seat held by Denenberg for nine years. The 19th L.D. includes Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick and parts of Freeport, North Merrick and Wantagh. more