Who we're endorsing: For Town of Huntington Supervisor
Again this year, we are releasing our endorsements to your inbox before they are published in print. This edition highlights our pick for Town of Huntington supervisor, an open seat, and links to other races in which we have already endorsed ahead of early voting starting Oct. 23.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Long Island candidates did not come to our office for in-person meetings. Instead, the board interviewed candidates by Zoom.
The race: Town of Huntington Supervisor
Town of Huntington Supervisor candidates Eugene Cook, Rebecca L. Sanin and Edmund J. Smyth. Credit: James Escher
Independent Eugene Cook vs. Democrat Rebecca L. Sanin vs. Republican Edmund J. Smyth
Chad Lupinacci, elected Huntington Town supervisor in 2017, didn't make it to this Election Day ballot. Lupinacci is finishing his term, politically derailed by personal controversy, after a longtime aide accused him of sexual misconduct.
The result is an open race among the Republican, Deputy Supervisor Edmund J. Smyth; Democrat Rebecca L. Sanin, who’s president and chief executive of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island; and town board member Eugene Cook, who’s running on the ad hoc "Stop LIPA" line.
Our pick
Residents should seize this opportunity for a fresh start to move forward the town of more than 200,000, and its varied villages and hamlets, by choosing someone who will streamline and modernize services, upgrade technology, guide development, and alleviate parking and traffic challenges.
Cook follows his own drumbeat, and the three-term town board member has his supporters. Cook disagreed with Smyth’s vote to accept the LIPA deal, and warns about the fiscal future, vowing to hold the line on taxes and to borrow for projects only as necessary.
Entering the electoral fray for the first time is Sanin. She makes a persuasive case for upgrades in the town, saying justly that residents should not find it necessary to pay "expediters" to get building permits. Sanin recognizes the woeful lack of data and metrics that would help town officials better govern and, channeling voter dissatisfaction, emphasizes the need for a 311 nonemergency system and information technology upgrades.
Smyth could be a steady hand on the tiller. "There's not going to be any surprises or drama in my administration" compared to the last couple of years, he told the editorial board. He's well-versed in town operations. He calls infrastructure his top priority and credibly defends the town's settlement of the property-tax appeal lawsuit involving LIPA's Northport power plant.
The Town of Huntington needs an expansion of vision and initiative at the top of Town Hall. Find out who we think has it here.
Election reads and resources
— See which races we've already endorsed in on your ballot in our interactive endorsement guide here.
—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 this weekend.
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.
