Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) will be hosting a forum with the Islamic Center of Long Island designed to establish a dialogue between law enforcement, government officials and the Muslim community. The event, OPENING COMMUNICATION CHANNELS, will take place Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Long Island, 835 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY 11590.

As chairman of an Assembly Task Force on Public Safety and a member of the advisory board of InfraGard, a public-private partnership with the FBI, McDonough strongly believes in the importance of having open discourse between the different layers of government, law enforcement and the public.

“Communication, inclusiveness and understanding are the greatest public safety tools we have,” said McDonough. “It is vital that members of the law enforcement community and the Muslim community understand the constraints facing one another. This forum will give the principal parties a chance to communicate with each other on an array of topics, highlight their expectations, discuss long-term goals and fortify the channels of communication.”

Local law enforcement, government officials, the FBI, Secret Service and Homeland Security will be participating and senior representatives from each mosque on Long Island have been invited to attend.

“Mutual respect, trust and inclusiveness are vital components to a safe and thriving community. This forum will ensure those attributes are nurtured and I look forward to conducting this worthwhile event,” McDonough said.

THE EVENT WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Members of the media are encouraged to attend.