Ann E. Welker for Suffolk Legislative District 2

The 2nd District covers East Hampton Town and most of Southampton Town.

Democrat Ann E. Welker ran two years ago on the promise that protecting the environment would be her priority. She has delivered and deserves a second term.

Welker was a co-sponsor of the landmark Working Waterfront Preservation Program, which allows commercial waterfront property to be sold with the requirement it continue to be used for maritime purposes. Welker, 62, of Southampton and a former town trustee, collaborated with fishermen, baymen and oyster farmers on the law that can help preserve 60 miles of the valuable shoreline in her district. She is also focused on water quality, supporting Proposition 2 that provides extensive funding to encourage homeowners to install advanced septic systems.

She also has a keen eye on resurfacing projects and traffic studies for the South Fork as part of the legislature’s capital budget working group.

GOP challenger Raheem Soto, 46, a journalist and policy analyst of East Quoque, wants to ensure a better return of the area’s tax dollars to the district. Issues he is passionate about largely fall outside this position’s scope, but his search for creative ways to fund down payment assistance and create an online county spending tracker are welcome.

Newsday Opinion endorses Welker.