James F. Mazzarella for Suffolk Legislative District 3

The 3rd District has been home to a lot of drama over the last two years.

In 2019, former lawmaker Rudy Sunderman was indicted on perjury charges for allegedly lying to the Suffolk County ethics board about his work with the Centereach Fire District in an effort to circumvent the county ethics code that prevented him from holding two public jobs. In March 2021, Sunderman pleaded guilty to filing a false disclosure form and resigned, though he continued to say the prosecution was political.

That left a vacancy, one that Sunderman's predecessor, Shirley Democrat Kate M. Browning, immediately sought to fill. But Browning's candidacy was controversial, because she already had served 12 years in office and was considered term-limited. Browning argued the law allowed her to take a break from the legislature and then return. The courts agreed, and she ran against Moriches Republican James F. Mazzarella in a May special election.

Mazzarella, 55, won that race but Browning is back to try again.

In just a few months, Mazzarella has taken an active role in budget and policing conversations and he knows his district well. Mazzarella said he is focused on efforts like "coffee with a cop" to bring the community and police together. He expressed pride in the recent approval of the Forge River sewer district. And Mazzarella has a nuanced attitude toward the need for both development in Mastic Beach and the reality that additional coastline retreat will be necessary.

Browning, 62, who directs Babylon Town code enforcement, thinks a 12-year term limit is too short. But in reality, Browning found a loophole in a law voters clearly approved to cap legislative careers and ensure fresh perspectives. She was a capable legislator and says she has more to do in stopping overdevelopment and preserving wetlands. But it's time for someone else to take the district's reins.

In a full term, Mazzarella should see through the new sewer district, advocate for Mastic Beach's revitalization, and deal with more recent district concerns, like the all-terrain vehicles that he says are potentially dangerous and causing havoc in the community.

Newsday endorses Mazzarella.

Suffolk Legislative District 3 covers South-central Brookhaven, Bellport east to Moriches