Our featured speaker was Gregory Peterson. Mr. Peterson has served as councilman, supervisor and presiding supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. After 26 years of public service, Mr. Peterson left public office in 1998 and became a principle with the law firm of Berkman, Henoch, Peterson & Peddy where he has concentrated in business law. In addition to holding elective office, Mr. Peterson was Chairman and CEO of Nassau Downs OTB, a member of the Nassau County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, and a former Assistant District Attorney. Mr. Peterson has announced that he is seeking the office of Nassau County Executive as the Republican candidate.

Mr. Peterson was to address the high burden of taxation, the current property assessment system, fiscal reforms and his vision for the future should he be elected Nassau County Executive. Unfortunately, shortly before the scheduled meeting, Mr. Peterson's 92 year old mother fell and broke her hip requiring surgery forcing him to cancel his appearance. Our prayers go out to his mother for a speedy recovery. The agenda items were addressed by another speaker.