Ex-Huntington official named to judicial screening panel

Former Huntington Town board member Stuart Besen was appointed by Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy to the New York State County Judicial Screening Committee. Besen will be responsible for determining qualifications of persons seeking appointments to Suffolk County Court, Surrogate's Court and Family Court.

Besen's three-year appointment is nonpaid. "I'm honored," Besen said. "The county executive gets only one appointment for all of Suffolk County . . . and he thought enough of me to interview judges to make sure we have the best judiciary."

Besen, a lawyer, was defeated for re-election to the town board in November. He's now a $50,000-per-year special assistant town attorney.

- Deborah S. Morris