Glen Cove, New York – Residents of the North Shore got the chance to address issues vital to them at the first of three ‘Coffee Chats’ hosted by Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore). The town hall-style event took place at Southdown Coffee in Glen Cove on Saturday, May 3rd. Among the topics raised by constituents were concerns about due process, taxation, environmental protection, and funding for public education. Lavine reassured the audience that in addition to providing for all New Yorkers’ needs, the finalized budget will provide local school districts with enough money to maintain the high standards parents expect and students deserve. He also expressed his appreciation for those who took the time to express their concerns.

“I am extremely pleased with the turnout for this event, which enabled residents to bring any issue on their mind to my attention,” Lavine said after the event. “It’s crucial that governmental officials put themselves out there not only to keep the community informed about what we are doing but so people have the opportunity to feel that their voices are being heard,” he added.

Lavine will be hosting two additional Coffee Chats: this Saturday, May 10^th, at Empire Diner on North Jerusalem Ave. in Hicksville, followed by Saturday, May 17^th, at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library. Both events will take place between 10 AM-12 PM.