EDITORIAL: Newsday's endorsements for Tuesday's Assembly races

It's hard to get a fresh face in Albany. Almost all incumbent lawmakers get returned to office every two years. Tuesday's special election offers the rare opportunity to make a change.

The 15th Assembly District seat in Nassau was vacated when Republican Rob Walker of Hicksville left to serve in the Mangano administration. This district covers the northern portion of Oyster Bay, and parts of North Hempstead and Hempstead towns.

Democrat Matt Meng, 58, a community activist and auto garage owner from East Norwich, is running against Republican Michael Montesano, 55, of Glen Head. Montesano, a lawyer and former school board member, has a good feel for his community but he promises more state school aid without a realistic way to finance it. Instead, Meng wants schools to seek more efficiencies and better manage their money. His independent streak makes him more willing to upset the status quo in Albany. The editorial board endorses Meng.

Democrat Patricia Eddington of Medford left the 3rd Assembly District seat in Suffolk when she was elected Brookhaven's town clerk. The district includes Patchogue, Medford, parts of Fire Island and other South Shore communities.

Democrat Lauren Thoden, 27, of Patchogue, is a bright, up-by-her-bootstraps attorney who knows the district well. A key reason she's running was her satisfying experience providing constituent service in Eddington's office. Her work ethic, persistence and passion make her immensely appealing. Republican Dean Murray, 45, of East Patchogue, runs a small business. He has run for county legislature and managed campaigns. That experience has shaped a forceful advocacy for his cost-cutting ideas. Thoden's future is bright, but Murray is a bit readier now. The editorial board endorses Murray. hN