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 10 through 18 of the Suffolk County Legislature.

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

The legislature can and must play a central role in advocating for and, in some cases, pushing forward innovative projects large and small — where they make sense — that will start to make a dent in the region's housing needs, while also being attuned to open space issues. And the body also must address Suffolk's very specific needs along its coastline.

In every district, infrastructure — from roads to sewers — is key. The county should do more to coordinate with towns and villages to move forward. Lawmakers also would be wise to address the county's sagging information technology infrastructure, including the lack of adequate broadband on the East End.

To find out the district in which you reside, click here.

The races: Suffolk County Legislature

Suffolk Legislature, District 10 (Great River, parts of Bay Shore, Bohemia, Islips, Islandia, Hauppauge): Democrat Carla Simpson vs. Republican Patricia Bergin- Weichbrodt

Suffolk Legislature, District 11 (West Islip, Brightwaters, parts of Bay Shore, Islip, Islip Terrace, Fire Island and Deer Park): Democrat Astrid Fidelia vs. Republican Steven J. Flotteron

Suffolk Legislature, District 12 (Southern Smithtown, NE Islip, western Brookhaven): Democrat Michael G. Siderakis vs. Republican Leslie A. Kennedy

Suffolk Legislature, District 13 (Smithtown west to parts of Commackand E. Northport): Democrat Kevin M. Mulholland vs. Republican Robert Trotta

Suffolk Legislature, District 14 (Suffolk Legislative District 14 covers Copiague to parts of Babylon, Lindenhurst, North and West Babylon): Democrat Nancy R. Delaney vs. Republican Kevin J. McCaffrey

Suffolk Legislature, District 15 (Suffolk Legislative District 15 covers Southwest Suffolk, north to Babylon-Huntington border): Democrat Jason A. Richberg vs. Republican Jarod B. Morris

Suffolk Legislature, District 16 (Central western Suffolk County, parts of Huntington, Babylon and Islip): Democrat Susan A. Berland vs. Republican Manuel Esteban Sr.

Suffolk Legislature, District 17 (Western portions of Huntington and Babylon): Democrat Thomas P. Donnelly vs. Republican Stephen C. Becker

Suffolk Legislature, District 18 (Suffolk Legislative District 18 covers Northwestern Huntington, Northport, Greenlawn, part of Huntington Station): Democrat Mark A. Cuthbertson vs. Republican Stephanie L. Bontempi

Don't see your district? The rest of the Suffolk County Legislature endorsements are here, and you'll receive our endorsements in the Nassau County Legislature later this week.

Our picks

Suffolk Legislature, District 10

Simpson has impressive credentials and the potential to become a strong political voice. However, Bergin Weichbrodt is better informed on many vital issues.

Newsday endorses Bergin Weichbrodt and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 11

Flotteron enjoys tackling quality-of-life issues, and the everyday needs of constituents. He argues the county has to "get our financial shape in order" and says he'll continue to push for less borrowing and more prudent financial decision-making. Fidelia's voice is a welcome addition, and she's more open-minded than Flotteron on marijuana sales and vaccine mandates.

Newsday endorses Flotteron and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 12

Kennedy, an "old-school nurse" with decades of experience in that field, sensibly rejects anti-vaccine "theories," and urges health care workers, cops and others who deal with the public to get the shot. Siderakis declined to be interviewed.

Newsday endorses Kennedy and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 13

Trotta is a retired Suffolk cop, but Suffolk's Police Benevolent Association goes to extraordinary lengths to get him out of office. He is the only active candidate looking to represent the interests of taxpayers, not police unions.

Newsday endorses Trotta and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 14

McCaffrey has long been a budget watchdog. That role will be particularly crucial in the coming years. Delaney is not actively campaigning.

Newsday endorses McCaffrey and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 15

Richberg knows the importance of expanding access to sewers in his southwest Suffolk district, creating a better and fairer housing system, and improving the relationship between police and those they serve. Morris is not actively campaigning.

Newsday endorses Richberg and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 16

Berland knows hard fiscal choices lie ahead and supports new development where appropriate. She's Democratic majority leader and chairs the veterans and consumer affairs committee. Esteban Sr. offers a mix of clarity and muddle.

Newsday endorses Berland and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 17

Donnelly sees his responsibilities through a "pragmatic" lens, with attention to public safety, quality of life and other resident concerns. Becker said he'd use his business sense to address the county's fiscal stresses but lacked specifics.

Newsday endorses Donnelly and here's why.

Suffolk Legislature, District 18

Bontempi cites environmental preservation as a key priority, but says the right programs will need to be supported by putting the county on "its best fiscal footing." Cuthbertson is an inside player with knowledge of how the system works, but far from a reformer.

Newsday endorses Bontempi 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.