No endorsement in Nassau Legislative District 17
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2025
The 17th District includes Hicksville, Bethpage and parts of Farmingdale and North Massapequa.
In her nearly 16 years in office, incumbent Rose Marie Walker has been a steady, popular presence. The Hicksville Republican has tentatively moved forward on issues like housing in Hicksville. But each step forward comes with a step back.
That was apparent when Oyster Bay Town initially rejected a Bethpage mosque's expansion. After receiving Islamophobic and anti-mosque commentary from constituents, Walker, 74, strongly opposed the mosque's plans. The planning board's subsequent denial discussed a grandmother concerned about traffic and safety, later identified as Walker.
Walker's words and actions spoke volumes. Walker did not meet with the editorial board.
Attorney Ryan J. Johnson, 33, is concerned about the closing of Safe Center LI, and wants more legislative oversight. The Bethpage Democrat supports the mosque’s expansion, but lacks innovative ideas.
Newsday Opinion makes no endorsement.
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.
