No endorsement in Nassau Legislative District 3

The district needs an engaged, committed leader, who understands critical countywide issues and gives residents the attention they deserve.

Democrat Carrié Solages, 42, of Lawrence, is completing his fifth term. But while Solages began his tenure as an enthusiastic lawmaker, he more recently has not been as involved. Beyond his push for testing and vaccination sites in the district, Solages has not offered the dynamic voice he once gave constituents. And the legislator's 2018 guilty pleas to noncriminal violations related to an alleged domestic violence incident remain concerning. Solages declined to speak with the Newsday editorial board.

North Valley Stream Republican Bernadin Fleurima, 55, is a Seventh-day Adventist pastor who says he has served as a resource "anytime there's a problem." His attention to the area's economic needs, from small businesses and housing to jobs, is welcome. But he lacks the knowledge and skill set to serve at the county level.

Newsday declines to make an endorsement in this race.

Nassau Legislative District 3 covers Valley Stream, North and South Valley Stream, Elmont, South Floral Park and Inwood.