Who we're endorsing: For New York State Assembly in Nassau
Long Island needs Assembly representatives willing to fight for all of us. Below is our final set of endorsements of this election season for Nassau's seats in the New York State Assembly.
This is the culmination of a process that began in September that included interviews, via Zoom or by telephone, with nearly 70 candidates. We asked each candidate about a range of issues relevant to the seat for which they are running, from major topics of wide-ranging interest to issues that are specific to the district they hope to represent.
This is an election cycle unlike any other. It is being conducted during the coronavirus pandemic, and features an unprecedented surge of early voting and mail-in voting all around the country, all of it occurring amid unfounded attacks on the integrity of the process. Do not let that dissuade you from doing your duty as a citizen of this country. Please vote, by whatever means is best for you.
Races to watch
Assembly District 12
Keith Brown and Michael Marcantonio running for New York State Assembly, District 12. Credit: James Escher
This seat is vacant after both primaries to fill the seat vacated by Andrew Raia were canceled this past spring.
Keith Brown and Michael Marcantonio are both attorneys. Marcantonio has built his reputation via his passionate fight against accepting the settlement LIPA offered on the power plant's taxes. His fire is admirable but his tone, at times, earned him more enemies than friends and the position he supported was recklessly rigid. Meanwhile, Brown's specialties of land-use and zoning, on which he also lectures professionally, have given him an expertise that could improve the legislature's role in this critical area for Long Island.
Newsday endorses Brown and here's how he can be an effective Republican in the Assembly.
Assembly District 14
Kevin C. Gorman and David G. McDonough running for New York State Assembly, District 14. Credit: James Escher
Kevin Gorman has run his share of unwinnable races. Gorman is running against David McDonough, who has ably served his district for nearly two decades. McDonough seems to rest on past accomplishments, rather than push new ideas.
Newsday endorses Gorman. Here's why he finally may have found his moment.
Assembly District 16
Gina L. Sillitti and Ragini Srivastava running for New York State Assembly, District 16. Credit: James Escher
It would be difficult to find a candidate as attuned to her district as Gina L. Sillitti. Her work with the Nassau County Legislature, Board of Elections and the Town of North Hempstead has her ready to fill this open seat.
Ragini Srivastava has a compelling personal story as an immigrant from India and successful small-business owner, and she has an admirable commitment to giving back to her community.
Srivastava lacked knowledge on several key issues. Newsday endorses Sillitti.
Assembly District 18
Taylor R. Darling and Cherice P. Vanderhall running for New York State Assembly, District 18. Credit: James Escher
First-term Assemb. Taylor Darling had a full plate of issues even pre-pandemic. That included returning the Freeport Armory to village control and installing a monitor for the struggling Hempstead school district. These were challenges not heading toward solution under the Hempstead Democrat’s predecessor, Earlene Hooper.
Opponent Cherice Vanderhall serves as village attorney for the Village of Hempstead and knows the district and the issues.
Newsday endorses Darling for achieving positive outcomes this term.
Our picks by district
New York State Assembly districts on Long Island.
Find out your district by searching here or by typing in your address here.
New York State Assembly, District 12 (eastern Huntington, northwest Islip, northeast Babylon): Democrat Michael A. Marcantonio vs. Republican Keith Brown. Newsday endorses Brown and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 13 (Glen Cove, parts of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay): Democrat Charles D. Lavine vs. Republican Andrew A. Monteleone. Newsday endorses Lavine and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 14 (southeast Hempstead): Democrat Kevin C. Gorman vs. Republican David G. McDonough. Newsday endorses Gorman and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 15 (parts of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay): Democrat Joe Slackman vs. Republican Michael A. Montesano. Newsday endorses Montesano and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 16 (most of North Hempstead): Democrat Gina L. Sillitti vs. Republican Ragini Srivastava. Newsday endorses Sillitti and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 17 (parts of North Hempstead and central Oyster Bay): Democrat Mark A. Engelman vs. Republican John K. Mikulin. Newsday endorses Mikulin and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 18 (parts of central Hempstead): Democrat Taylor R. Darling vs. Republican Cherice P. Vanderhall. Newsday endorses Darling and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 19 (central Nassau and western Oyster Bay): Democrat Gary B. Port vs. Republican Edward P. Ra. Newsday endorses Ra and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 20 (southwest Hempstead and Long Beach): Democrat Gregory S. Marks vs. Republican Melissa L. Miller. Newsday endorses Miller and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 21 (south and central Hempstead): Democrat Judy A. Griffin vs. Republican Patricia M. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. Newsday endorses Griffin and here's why.
New York State Assembly, District 22 (northwest Hempstead): Democrat Michaelle C. Solages vs. Republican Nicholas M. Zacchea. Newsday endorses Solages and here's why.
Election reads and resources
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The lines to vote on Long Island have been a sight to behold. It’s been inspiring to see this mass affirmation of what it means to be a citizen of this country. But it shouldn’t be this frustrating.
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All of Newsday's 2020 endorsements: These are the candidates Newsday's editorial board thinks best serve Long Island's needs this election season.
