EDITORIAL: Newsday's endorsement in the 16th Assembly District

Democrat Michelle Schimel says she was sold "a bill of goods" when she voted for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority payroll tax. That she supported the levy is not good. That she recognizes she was duped is, because she may not be such an easy mark next time.

Schimel, 53, of Great Neck, won her seat in a special election to replace state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in 2007. Opposing her is Scott Diamond, 31, a Republican from Mineola, a paralegal on contract with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Diamond wants the MTA reformed and the payroll tax abolished, and he makes good points about the culture in Albany. He misses the mark, though, when painting Schimel as an Albany insider. She is actually considered a real thorn in the side of her party leaders.

Schimel is a detail-oriented and passionate advocate for bringing jobs to Long Island, eliminating waste and fighting illegal firearms. Add the seasoning she's gaining and you could get a very potent legislator.

Newsday endorses Schimel.