As editor of the Nassau Herald, it is my job to choose what goes in the paper every week. From cover to cover, I personally hand pick and place each and every article that you read. And while I do take suggestions and ideas from you, our readers, there is one place in the paper where your voice can be heard, and where you get to choose the topic that is discussed – the letters to the editor.

Each week, we get letters from our readers discussing, among other things, stories we have run, current topics of interest in the Five Towns – and even responses or comments about previous letters that have made their way into the Herald. Personally, I love this section of the paper, because it tells me what is on your minds and what issues are at the forefront of our community. To those who have written letters in the past, I thank you for taking the time to share with us what is on your mind, but to those who have not written to us before – I am writing this column to encourage you to do so.

As a reader of the Nassau Herald and as a resident of the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach, I am sure there is plenty on your mind. Whether it be something going on in the community that we here may not be aware of, or something that you simply want to get off your chest – sending us a letter and telling us what you wish is the perfect way to do that. Sometimes, a letter we receive sparks a future story, sometimes the letter will insight others to write and respond to what you have written – and sometimes – letters can create an ongoing chain of responses that lead to a positive change in an existing issue.

For example, we have received many letters regarding the recent stories Andrew and I have done on the train noise in Cedarhurst. We have also gotten many letters on the issue with the Peninsula Public Library. To me, the letters we receive on stories are more informative than the stories themselves – because they let us know what you think about the issue – which is exactly what I want to hear.

If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please do so by either e-mailing it to me at pwein@liherald.com, or mailing it to, "Letters to the Editor," Nassau Herald, P.O. Box 9001, Lawrence, NY 11559. In your letter, please include your full name, the part of the Five Towns that you are from, and your phone number, so we can call you and verify that you would like the letter published in the Herald. Please note that your phone number and address will not be published.

So remember, if you would like your voice heard in our newspaper, please take a moment and send us a letter. I am looking forward to reading what you have to say – and I am sure everyone else is too.