Who we're endorsing: Nassau County Legislature

The challenges in Nassau County are big: affordability, dangerous roads, aging infrastructure that can't handle more intense and frequent storms, the opioid crisis, making sure homes are fairly taxed, and keeping Nassau University Medical Center solvent.

There is general agreement that the county has been slow to get opioid settlement funds into the hands of nonprofits that can put them to good use. Candidates note that the county has access to $60 million to be spent over four years, but has distributed less than $5 million so far. How can the process be improved while making sure the dollars are well spent?

There are other questions. When will county officials hire a qualified, professional assessor, and what steps will that person take to fix Nassau's broken assessment system? What will Nassau do to maintain its strong financial footing after federal pandemic- and infrastructure-related funds dry up? What's the best strategy to bring NUMC into an era of capable management and financial stability?

The legislature's internal operations are another issue. Richard Nicolello was a capable presiding officer, but he held tight to the reins of control. Whomever lawmakers elect to take the chair should allow bills to move to committees for review so that all have a chance of coming up for a vote. To do otherwise would deny all county residents the opportunity to have their needs addressed.

Not sure of your district? Find the new districts here.

See our picks for Nassau County Legislative Districts 15-19 below. 

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.