Steven D. Rhoads for State Senate District 5

Steven D. Rhoads has plenty of criticisms of the Democratic majority in the State Senate.

But, the Bellmore Republican said, he's always willing to work with members on the other side of the aisle — often behind the scenes — to get things done.

"It's not about who gets the credit for it," Rhoads said. "It's about the fact that it gets done to improve the lives of the people we represent."

So, when Rhoads, a volunteer firefighter, wanted legislation to provide free tuition for SUNY, CUNY and community colleges to first responders, he partnered with upstate Democrat Jeremy Cooney, who sponsored the bill. And he joined Cooney on another bill to establish first-time homebuyer savings accounts where deposits would be tax deductible.

The first bill is still pending; the latter bill passed the Senate, but not the Assembly.

Rhoads, 57, who is finishing his second term in the Senate, knows his district's ins and outs, addressing the slow pace of the Grumman groundwater plume cleanup and the planning needed to ensure the long-term future of the Cedar Creek outfall pipe. Rhoads has criticized the state's takeover of Nassau University Medical Center, but said he has "a tremendous amount of respect" for NUMC chief executive Thomas Stokes, calling him an "excellent leader whose heart's in the right place." Rhoads wants to make sure key services are maintained.

Wantagh Democrat Andrew Piddoubny is a state Supreme Court law clerk who speaks passionately about the importance of early intervention services, from which his twin 2-year-old boys have benefited. Piddoubny, 39, said he'd encourage additional development on the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility property, including senior housing or assisted living. His input on those issues is welcome.

But Rhoads has developed a nuanced voice and a strong skill set to navigate Albany that Long Island needs. 

Newsday Opinion endorses Rhoads.