Who we're endorsing: For Suffolk County Legislature

Again this year, we are releasing our endorsements to your inbox before they are published in print and this edition highlights our picks for districts 1 through 9 of the Suffolk County Legislature.

In half of Suffolk County's legislative districts, voters don't have much of a choice this year. In nine of Suffolk's 18 districts, the editorial board was unable to interview one of the candidates, and none of those appear to be actively campaigning

The absence of competition is unfortunate, and deleterious to the electoral process. This is a year when control of the legislature could change hands from the Democrats to the Republicans, and when the county faces critical issues that require skilled and motivated lawmakers.

While issues across the districts vary, some common themes emerge: Affordable housing. Economic development. Climate change. Water quality.

But none of that will matter if the county can't meet its budgetary needs at the coming critical financial juncture. While federal stimulus funds provide a temporary boost, at some point soon, Suffolk will have to deal with a far darker reality.

Lawmakers must be ready.

The races: Suffolk County Legislature

Suffolk Legislature, District 1 (Middle Island eastward North Fork to Fishers Island): Democrat Albert J. Krupski Jr. vs. Republican Remy Bell

Suffolk Legislature, District 2 (Shelter Island and South Fork, Montauk west to East Moriches): Democrat Bridget M. Fleming vs. Republican Robert J. Carpenter III

Suffolk Legislature, District 3 (South-central Brookhaven, Bellport east to Moriches): Democrat Kate M. Browning vs. Republican James F. Mazzarella

Suffolk Legislature, District 4 (Central-eastern Suffolk, Selden, Centereach, part of Ronkonkoma): Democrat Dawn Marie Sharrock vs. Republican Nicholas J. Caracappa

Suffolk Legislature, District 5 (northwestern Brookhaven, Setaukets, Stony Brook): Democrat Karina Hahn vs. Republican Salvatore SB Isabella

Suffolk Legislature, District 6 (northeastern Brookhaven, Coram, South Beach,Miller Place, East Shoreham, Middle Island): Democrat Sarah S. Anker vs. Republican Brendan R. Sweeney

Suffolk Legislature, District 7 (Patchogue, Medford, Gordon Heights,Middle Island, Fire Island): Democrat Robert T. Calarco vs. Republican Dominick S. Thorne

Suffolk Legislature, District 8 (East Islip, part of western Brookhaven, Holbrook, Oakdale, Sayville): Democrat Peter A. Russo vs. Republican Anthony A. Piccirillo

Suffolk Legislature, District 9 (Central Islip, eastern Brentwood,part of Islandia): Democrat Samuel J. Gonzalez vs. Republican Maxima Castro

Don't see your district here? The rest of the Suffolk Legislature endorsements will arrive in your inbox tomorrow followed by endorsements in the Nassau Legislature later this week.

Our picks

Suffolk Legislature, District 1

Among the most crucial local issues for the North Fork is protecting water quality, and Krupski knows that well.

Newsday endorses Krupski and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 2

Fleming, who has served in town and county government, has the experience needed. She is also working on a run for Congress in 2022.

Newsday endorses Fleming and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 3

In just a few months, Mazzarella has taken an active role in budget and policing conversations and he knows his district well. Browning found a loophole in a law voters clearly approved to cap legislative careers and ensure fresh perspectives. She was a capable legislator and says she has more to do in stopping overdevelopment and preserving wetlands. But it's time for someone else to take the district's reins.

Newsday endorses Mazzarella and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 4

Sharrock, a Middle Country school board member, is a dynamic presence with fresh ideas such as developing more union worker apprenticeship programs and expanding mental health access particularly for adults in the wake of the pandemic. Caracappa offered little new.

Newsday endorses Sharrock and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 5

Hahn works and pushes nonstop on many fronts at once. She chairs two important committees — economic development and planning, and environment, parks and agriculture. Next year, during her all-but-assured sixth and final term, she plans on running for Congress.

Newsday endorses Hahn and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 6

Anker has become more knowledgeable and effective over time. Sweeney's desire to close the loophole that lets term-limited legislators run again after a break makes sense and he should stay on a path of public service.

Newsday endorses Anker and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 7

Calarco built a solid record since his first election to the seat a decade ago. As he seeks a sixth and final term, Calarco, 42, says his top district priority is the sewer project to connect 500 homes in south Patchogue. Thorne lacks the incumbent's versatility on government issues.

Newsday endorses Calarco and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 8

Piccirillo has challenged Democrats who officially control the county, his own Republican caucus leaders and other powerful players, including police unions.

Newsday endorses Piccirillo and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 9

Gonzalez relentlessly listens to and advocates for his community. This past term, he was the lone "no" vote in the legislature on the county's police reform plan, fueled by concerns from his constituents.

Newsday endorses Gonzalez and here's why.

Election reads and resources

— Enter your address here to see our choices to date for candidates running in your district.

— Early voting has begun: Here's how to vote.

—There are five proposed amendments to the state constitution on your November ballot. Learn more about them here.

Follow @NewsdayOpinion on Twitter and on Instagram to see more from the candidates. Stay tuned for our next special edition newsletter soon.

Endorsements are determined solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.