LI's new congressional representatives must get things done

In all things, moderation.

This advice from ancient Greek civilization has stood the test of time, as witnessed by the Election Day results. 

While the balance of power in Congress remains in limbo, the electorate rejected the extremes. Voters rightly spurned some candidates who continue to deny the results of the 2020 presidential election in races for Congress, governor and, importantly, several secretary of state spots — the very position often responsible for elections. Some incumbents who voted to decertify the election results in January 2021 but since moved away from that position also were successful.

Voters made their decisions based on issues that mattered to them — perhaps most significantly, their pocketbooks. In all five states where abortion was on the ballot, voters supported reproductive freedom and rejected extreme positions.

Overall, the people can be said to have weighed in with a very affirming message: It's time to govern. It's time to address our nation's needs. It's time to get something done.

Hopefully, that will mean action through bipartisanship.

LI MODERATES

While Long Island voters produced a red riptide that is attracting national attention as the possible key in shifting control of the House of Representatives, their choices are mostly moderates who pledged to move beyond the discord.

While Donald Trump clearly seems to be positioning himself for another presidential run in 2024, and remains focused on political fights, old grievances, and rewriting his 2020 presidential loss, none of that seems to matter to most voters now. They're looking for leadership — not social media rants. They seek action — not unfulfilled promises. They're looking for plans for the future — not a relitigation of the past. 

On Long Island, three of the four men heading to Washington in January are relatively moderate Republicans. Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Long Island's sole incumbent — who represents the 2nd District, voted to certify the 2020 election, and supported the infrastructure bill in his first term — will be joined by Nicholas LaLota in the 1st District and Anthony D'Esposito in the 4th District. All three have pledged to work across the aisle. All three cited some similar priorities and spoke about similar issues, from infrastructure and the economy to the environment and immigration. And all three cited specific ideas and plans they'd like to accomplish.

If the GOP takes the gavel with few seats to spare, those three should exercise pivotal power in their conference.

The delegation must avoid ideological traps laid by Trump and extremists. Long Island's fourth incoming representative, CD3's George Santos, unlike his counterparts, has so far stuck to more far-right positions on such issues as abortion, without describing what he'll bring to or do for Long Island. Even after his election, Santos avoided talk of bipartisanship, instead speaking of a possible "showdown" with President Joe Biden. Yet, he said last week he's not extreme. If that's true, he'll need to show it.

SEEK SOLUTIONS

Long Island's congressional representatives need to boost the region with federal support, a fix to the immigration crisis, and real solutions to their constituents' economic pain, among other concerns.

That can start with infrastructure. Garbarino rightly points to funds he hopes to get to help make Ronkonkoma's Midway Crossing project a reality, along with fulfilling other needs like sewers and roads. While he did not get exactly what he wanted during his first term, such as direct grants for infrastructure, he sees that as a positive for the future. "It gives me something to fight for next time," Garbarino said.

LaLota has spoken of beach fortification and canal dredging. D'Esposito emphasized the need for flood mitigation and improvements to the rails.

Those would all be good places to start.

On immigration, Garbarino and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both spoke optimistically during the campaign about reaching a comprehensive agreement. A compromise on initiatives long rejected by one party or the other is possible. 

New York's incoming lawmakers including Santos agree on the need to restore the state and local tax deduction. "I think the number one thing a member of Congress from the 1st District ought to do on housing is getting our SALT deduction back," LaLota told the editorial board.

Beyond those issues lies a more fundamental mission, one D'Esposito returned to repeatedly, and which each representative should embrace. "I will make sure I'm a present, boots-on-the-ground representative," D'Esposito said.

With a constant presence, a willingness to work with others, a courage to push for local needs even in the face of disagreements with leadership, some reasonable yet meaningful ideas, and, yes, "boots on the ground," each of Long Island's representatives can give voters some of what they want. Two years from now, when they face reelection, they'll be able to say they governed. And they'll have gotten something done.