Editorial: Re-elect Michael A. Montesano in 15th Assembly District

Parts of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay

Incumbent Michael A. Montesano, 57, of Glen Head, is a Republican, a lawyer and a former New York City police detective who has served as board president of the North Shore School District.

In office since a 2010 special election, he supports mandate relief for school districts and municipalities and wants to reduce the size of state government by eliminating or consolidating agencies. He would also like to see the Assembly alter its power dynamics with term limits for its leadership.

His Democratic opponent is Mario Ferone, 19, a junior studying political science and economics at Stony Brook University. A 2010 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview, Ferone says he would like to provide a voice for young people who are not being heard by government.

He also believes the state should take further steps to help with job retraining and education funding.

At the same time, he does not appear to be running a full-time campaign.

Newsday endorses Montesano.