Edmund J. Smyth for Huntington Town supervisor

Huntington Town is grappling with how to manage its budget while encouraging economic growth, fostering housing revitalization, and providing services for residents. It’s a difficult task faced by numerous Long Island municipalities that will likely be made more difficult in the coming years as governments deal with rising costs for health care, construction and other essentials.

The candidates for town supervisor — Republican incumbent Edmund J. Smyth and his Democratic Party challenger Cooper Macco — are both well-versed in these topics.

Smyth, who previously served as the town’s deputy supervisor, was elected to his first term as supervisor in 2021. He says Huntington businesses and housing will benefit from smaller advanced sewage treatment plants and new hookups in Huntington Station. Macco, a bankruptcy attorney, says the town needs a comprehensive master redevelopment plan rather than piecemeal approvals of projects without knowing the overall impact to infrastructure, including sewers and roads. Both candidates want to see underutilized East Jericho Turnpike properties redeveloped. Macco calls for more transparency in how town government functions while Smyth said residents already have access to information.

Smyth successfully navigated tricky political waters over the last several years as he advocated for the Melville Town Center overlay district in the Huntington Quadrangle area — which could ultimately produce up to 1,500 housing units. His leadership on the issue, combined with a willingness to compromise and address legitimate concerns, such as those from first responders, deserves applause.

Macco, 39, of Halesite, said he favors building a parking garage in downtown Huntington to raise revenue as well as increased collection of fines for unpaid meters. He suggests an annual parking pass for town residents. Smyth, 54, of Halesite, said construction costs make a garage prohibitive.

Macco does raise an interesting point about transit-oriented housing when he says that hybrid work schedules lead to increased demand for affordable units farther from the city but close to train stations since workers don’t need to commute as much. Smyth says housing near Long Island train stations doesn’t necessarily lead to increased railroad usage, but he rightly recognizes the need to continue Huntington Station’s revitalization efforts. Residents need to hear more ideas from Smyth about how to turn underused properties into housing working-class Long Island families can afford.

Smyth said the reason Huntington, under his leadership, has kept under the tax cap is simple: he says no to unnecessary expenditures requested by the town’s departments.

Long Island needs governmental leaders who can resist splurging from within, but are also willing to expand economic development opportunities. While Smyth says “no” to his own department heads, voters should say “yes” to his fiscally sound priorities.

Newsday Opinion endorses Smyth.