Who we're endorsing: Suffolk County Executive

After a dozen years as Suffolk County executive, Steve Bellone’s tenure is coming to an end. While county finances are in good shape thanks largely to an infusion of federal aid, he will leave behind numerous challenges and several notable disappointments that must be faced immediately by his successor.

Fortunately, voters have a choice of two capable candidates, who both visited Newsday's headquarters for interviews. Republican Edward P. Romaine has been the Brookhaven Town supervisor for 11 years, and before that served as a Suffolk legislator and county clerk. Democrat David L. Calone is a private investment manager and lawyer who has some experience as a federal attorney and in the state attorney general's office, and who has served on several county committees, notably as chairman of Suffolk's planning commission.