Kara Hahn for Suffolk Legislative District 5

Kara Hahn, Democratic incumbent candidate for Suffolk Legislature District 5 Credit: James Escher
Karina Hahn works and pushes nonstop on many fronts at once.
The Setauket Democrat, 50, chairs two important committees — economic development and planning, and environment, parks and agriculture. Recently, she advanced smart legislation to assure opioid company settlement funds will start and expand addiction programs, rather than reimburse the county for past expenses. Her proposals for capital improvements are realistic, taking into account how long those take to accomplish, as with wastewater treatment.
Hahn will look to convert vacated big-box stores and strip malls into much-sought housing, while touting the North Shore Rail Trail, which runs from Mount Sinai to Wading River. That could promote both recreation and transportation safety. Next year, during her all-but-assured sixth and final term, she plans on running for Congress.
Salvatore SB Isabella, the Republican nominee from Port Jefferson Station, is not actively campaigning.
Newsday endorses Hahn.
Suffolk Legislative District 5 covers northwestern Brookhaven, Setaukets, Stony Brook,
Port Jefferson, Terryville
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
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