Opinion

It’s a new election season but a familiar story for the New York State Assembly: Democrats enjoy a huge majority and will continue to hold that edge when the ballots are counted. 
What’s changed is that the Senate is now in Democratic hands, too. In the last session, that meant progressive measures blocked for years by a Republican-controlled Senate were finally passed by both houses. That largely was good. State residents had waited far too long for things like voting reforms and climate change legislation. 
But sometimes those changes went too far. Bail reforms, for example, need some tinkering to hold without bail some defendants who could pose a danger to the community. 
Such safety issues are a common concern among many Long Island lawmakers, Democratic and Republican. The same is true of school aid, slowing the rise of property taxes, and concerns about being able to test for driving while impaired as part of any move to legalize marijuana. 
Democrat Steven Englebright, a 28-year Assembly veteran who often works with Republicans on legislation, told Newsday’s editorial board during an endorsement interview that "it’s a useful thing to have a regional caucus." But when he pitched one early in his tenure, then-Speaker Sheldon Silver, a fellow Democrat, was "menacing in his response," Englebright said, and held up two dozen of Englebright’s bills. The caucus fell apart. 
Now, a growing number of Assembly candidates are reviving the idea. Laura Jens-Smith, a Democrat running for the open seat in the 2nd District, is pushing the formation of a suburban caucus with bipartisan legislators from Long Island and Westchester and Putnam counties. Gina Sillitti, a Democrat competing for the 16th District’s open seat, said, "It’s a Democratic caucus and there needs to be people fighting for Long Island whose issues might not always jive with city issues." 
Republican Ed Ra, of Nassau’s 19th District, said he often talks to city Democrats about proposed legislation. His message: "This really could be better, this is how this really impacts Long Island." And Englebright’s Republican opponent, Michael S. Ross, calls the idea of a suburban caucus across party lines a "brilliant" idea, adding, "Why wouldn’t we want to work together?" And since much of the action takes place in committees, more moderate Democrats need the help of Republicans to make sure the interests of everyone in the state are included. 
Long Island needs that. When you make your selection this year for your Assembly representative, consider which candidate is willing, when necessary, to buck leadership to stand strong for Long Island. Red or blue, we share one island. Our representatives need to act like they understand that, too. 
— The editorial board

Editorials

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Long Island needs Assembly representatives willing to fight for all of us

LI needs Assembly representatives willing to fight for us

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Fred W. Thiele Jr. has a depth of knowledge on a range of issues that makes him one of Long Island’s top lawmakers. Thiele, 67, of Sag Harbor, is a fierce advocate for clean water and the environment, acts as a Long Island Power Authority watchdog, and provides exemplary constituent service. An Independence Party member who caucuses with Democrats, he was instrumental in setting up the South Fork Commuter Connection, a network of trains and buses to ease congestion. Now he’s readying another push for a laudable bill to use a tax on real estate sales to increase desperately needed affordable housing on the East End. 
Thiele’s opponent, Republican Heather C. Collins, 44, of East Quogue, is not campaigning. 
Newsday endorses Thiele. 
— The editorial board

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Fred Thiele to represent New York's 1st Assembly District

Newsday endorses Fred Thiele in 1st Assembly District

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Assembly races seldom feature two candidates as knowledgeable about their district as this one. Both have deep roots in the North Fork, and in regional governance. 
Laura M. Jens-Smith, 57, a Laurel Democrat, is the former Riverhead Town supervisor and former president of the Mattituck-Cutchogue school board. Republican Jodi A. Giglio, 52, of Baiting Hollow, has served 10 years on Riverhead’s town board and owns a construction management company. 
They have several policy differences. Giglio would handle the state’s budget crisis with spending cuts only; Jens-Smith says new revenue also will be needed. Jens-Smith has a nuanced take on new bail reform laws, noting crime is still low but that some corrections are needed; Giglio cites "lawlessness in the streets" in arguing reforms should be scratched and the process restarted. Both want the EPCAL site developed. 
They most clearly diverge in their philosophy on dealing with an Assembly majority dominated by New York City Democrats. Giglio has the edgier tone, saying, "we have to embarrass" them for what she calls "bad legislation." 
Jens-Smith proposes forming a bipartisan suburban caucus with Assembly members from Westchester and Putnam counties to find a consensus on how to address the common needs of suburban New Yorkers. That’s a more sensible, effective approach. 
Newsday endorses Jens-Smith. 
— The editorial board

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Laura Jens-Smith to represent New York's 2nd Assembly District

Newsday endorses Laura Jens-Smith in 2nd Assembly District

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Two years ago, Joseph P. DeStefano, 60, went to Albany to put his expertise as a fire commissioner and sheriff’s office dispatcher to use for his constituents. He has. 
The Medford Republican says representing Long Island via a suburban coalition working across the aisle is more important than partisan politics, and he’s right. And his mental map of every dangerous road and faulty stormwater drain at home is invaluable when he’s fighting for his constituents. 
Medford Democrat Steven Polgar, 37, who works in insurance, has a track record of volunteerism and strong convictions on transforming the economy via a transition to renewable energy, and addressing Brookhaven’s water quality and landfill issues. But DeStefano’s fight for the district is strengthened after a term under his belt. 
Newsday endorses DeStefano. 
— The editorial board

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Joseph DeStefano to represent New York's 3rd Assembly District

Newsday endorses Joseph DeStefano in 3rd Assembly District

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It’s been a busy two years for Steven Englebright. The environmental conservation committee chairman saw his groundbreaking climate change legislation signed into law, and got passed a bill toughening penalties for illegal dumping. Now the Setauket Democrat, 74, is pushing for second passage of a constitutional amendment establishing a right to clean water and clean air, the electrification of the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jefferson line with solar panels on LIRR rights of way, and use of the Lawrence Aviation site for a rail yard after electrification. 
Republican Michael S. Ross, 41, of Setauket, a former assistant district attorney, has similar moderate and informed views on the environment, the state’s budget woes and improving bail reform laws, but offers no reason to turn out the state’s environmental dean. 
Newsday endorses Englebright. 
— The editorial board

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Steven Englebright to represent New York's 4th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Steven Englebright in 4th Assembly District

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In his first term, Douglas M. Smith pried loose a long-promised $11 million from the Smart Schools Bond Act. Now every school in his district has a security vestibule. The Holbrook Republican, 30, also worked across the aisle to secure a promise from the DOT of significant improvements to a dangerous six-mile stretch of Middle Country Road. Now, with the pandemic sapping resources, those improvements must still be delivered. 
Alfred Ianacci, 65, wants the entire county sewered and fossil fuels phased out. They’re great ideas, but the Holbrook Democrat, who does purchasing for a construction firm, has no sense of how to pay for them. 
The district needs Smith to make sure the promised road improvements are delivered and all manner of other district needs are met. 
Newsday endorses Smith. 
— The editorial board

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Douglas Smith to represent New York's 5th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Douglas Smith in 5th Assembly District

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Philip R. Ramos epitomizes the notion of serving one’s community, first as a 20-year Suffolk County police officer and now seeking his 10th Assembly term. The Brentwood Democrat pushed for the Dream Act to give college students brought here illegally as children access to financial aid and scholarships, and is sponsoring a bill creating early-retirement incentives for teachers so districts can hire more teachers at lower salaries. He supports needed policing reforms like use-of-force standards and universal body cameras, and wants to tackle gang issues with a gang court modeled on successful drug courts and apprenticeships with local unions. Ramos, 64, also has obtained grants for renovating local parks and athletic fields, and paving roads. His opponent, Republican Ryan S. Skelly, 40, of Brentwood, is not campaigning. 
Newsday endorses Ramos. 
— The editorial board

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Philip Ramos to represent New York's 6th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Philip Ramos in 6th Assembly District

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The two candidates to succeed incumbent Assemb. Andrew Garbarino come from opposite ends of the experience spectrum. 
Jarett C. Gandolfo, 30, a Sayville Republican, was Garbarino’s chief of staff. Francis T. Genco, 67, an East Islip Democrat, has worked in town and county government and served on the East Islip school board. Both candidates say bail reform measures can be improved, and applaud voting reforms while saying more can be done. And while both emphasize the need to finally solve congestion at the Oakdale Merge, Gandolfo has a more granular knowledge of the South Shore district and its issues, from the need for sewer expansion to the growing problem of food insecurity. 
Gandolfo should bring that same energy and problem-solving drive to problems like the state budget. 
Newsday endorses Gandolfo. 
— The editorial board

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Jarett Gandolfo to represent New York's 7th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Jarett Gandolfo in 7th Assembly District

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For 18 years, Republican Michael J. Fitzpatrick has been the loudest and most reliable voice in Albany to demand fiscal responsibility, yet he’s gone unheeded. The St. James resident, 63, wants 401k-style plans for most newly hired public employees, a 2% cap on raises granted in contracts settled by mandatory arbitration, and the law changed to bar employees on expired contracts from getting automatic annual raises. 
Democrat Dylan G. Rice, 23, of Smithtown, says he’s sick of hearing that New York’s problems are "just the way things are," and wants to help bring change. He’s smart and passionate but his answers to the current state budget crunch, more taxes on the wealthy, already have able supporters in the Assembly. 
The state does need spending reform, and Fitzpatrick’s voice. 
Newsday endorses Fitzpatrick. 
— The editorial board

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Michael Fitzpatrick to represent New York's 8th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Michael Fitzpatrick in 8th Assembly District

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This unusually drawn district, one of the most gerrymandered on Long Island, has drawn two sharply contrasted candidates for the seat being vacated by Michael LiPetri. 
Ann M. Brancato, 78, a Democrat from Massapequa, has work experience in health care, human services, social work, job development and professional recruitment. She understands the value of preparation, and has done her homework on the issues that would confront an Assembly member. 
She has nuanced views on, for example, bail reform, acknowledging the need for changes but also now the need for tinkering. She has a plan for speeding up the timeline for treating the Grumman plume. Her idea for a corps of medical reservists who would come out of retirement to help during pandemics is intriguing, and she has several proposals for dealing with the state budget deficit, including higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol and a "workable" millionaires tax. 
Her opponent, Michael A. Durso, 40, a Massapequa Park Republican, is a carpenter who supports an expansion of vocational programs to address a shortage of skilled labor. But he does not exhibit a similar grasp of the issues, especially on fiscal matters. The reality is that Durso is likely to win this race in a district that, as Brancato says, "is so red it lights up on Valentine’s Day." But Durso would be wise — and his constituents would benefit — if he learned from Brancato that elected officials need to thoroughly research issues and take positions based on that knowledge. 
Newsday endorses Brancato. 
— The editorial board

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Ann Brancato to represent New York's 9th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Ann Brancato in 9th Assembly District

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Steve Stern is a lawmaker with ideas that can make a difference. The Dix Hills Democrat, who has served in Albany since 2018, is keenly aware of the problems of small businesses in his districts and the pain of those who are short on food. Stern, who turns 51 this week, understands the urgency of protecting our water quality. An elder care lawyer, Stern seeks to eliminate a new Medicaid home-care benefit with out-of-control costs to make sure there are no cuts in state education funding. 
Jamie R. Silvestri, 30, of Melville, an office manager for a financial services firm and the press secretary for Huntington Young Republicans, is making her first run for elected office. She espouses the Republican campaign strategy about the myriad ways Democrats are making the streets unsafe, causing New Yorkers to flee. 
Newsday endorses Stern. 
— The editorial board

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Steve Stern to represent New York's 10th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Steve Stern in 10th Assembly District

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After three terms in Albany, Democrat Kimberly Jean-Pierre, 36, of Wheatley Heights, has made the case for a fourth term by her record of providing reliable constituent services while delivering on her legislative agenda. She has sponsored laws requiring boating safety instruction, expanding insurance coverage of mammograms for women age 35 to 39 when medically necessary, and revoking the licenses of real estate brokers who discriminate. 
Republican Eugene M. Murray, 60, a retired NYPD sergeant from Amity Harbor, draws on his experience in advocating ways to defuse tensions between police and the community, converting underutilized commercial space into housing and repairing town bulkheads. Murray should consider starting his political career in a run for local office. 
Newsday endorses Jean-Pierre. 
— The editorial board

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Kimberly Jean-Pierre to represent New York's 11th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Kimberly Jean-Pierre in 11th Assembly District

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Northport Republican Keith Brown’s profession, attorney, is common in Albany. But his specialties, land-use and zoning, on which he also lectures professionally, have given him an expertise that could improve the legislature’s role in this critical area for Long Island. That’s one of the few ways Republicans can be effective in the Assembly. 
Brown, 52, is pragmatic rather than dogmatic and a listener on issues from transit-oriented development to protecting the environment, and he understands the importance of protecting our aquifer and waterways. 
When the battle with LIPA over the assessment of the Northport Power Plant was raging he listened and learned, and when the time came, rightly came out in favor of the negotiated deal and the protection it offered his school district and town. 
Democrat Michael A. Marcantonio, 33, also a Northport attorney, has built his reputation via his passionate fight against accepting the settlement LIPA offered on the power plant’s taxes. His fire is admirable but his tone, at times, earned him more enemies than friends and the position he supported was recklessly rigid. 
Some seasoning could help him develop his ability to build alliances, and temper some views that seem out of touch with his district. 
Newsday endorses Brown. 
— The editorial board

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Keith Brown to represent New York's 12th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Keith Brown in 12th Assembly District

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Charles D. Lavine descended on the State Capitol in 2005 as a "Fix Albany" reformer, after a tough primary against the Democratic establishment and he is seeking his ninth term. Alas, New York’s political swamp is unfixable but there are places where it can be drained. Early on Lavine, 73, of Glen Cove, was instrumental in getting a cap on property taxes and he will need to use his seniority and skills to fight off efforts to lift it. He supports legalizing sports betting and marijuana sales. Lavine’s new focus is to create a municipal water authority to supply North Shore areas serviced by New York American Water. 
Criminal defense attorney Andrew A. Monteleone, 47, a Syosset Republican, also is a critic of the water company but wants a study on whether some areas can join the Jericho water district. Monteleone would be an effective public official, but Lavine’s leadership and steady hand earns him another term. 
Newsday endorses Lavine. 
— The editorial board 
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Editor's note: Assemb. Charles D. Lavine supports legalization of marijuana sales. An earlier version of this endorsement editorial incorrectly stated his view on the matter.

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Charles Lavine to represent New York's 13th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Charles Lavine in 13th Assembly District

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Wantagh Democrat Kevin C. Gorman has run his share of unwinnable races. 
Now, he finally may have found his moment. 
Gorman is running against David G. McDonough, who has ably served his district for nearly two decades. The Merrick Republican seems to rest on past accomplishments, rather than push new ideas. McDonough, 83, touts his success as responding to constituents’ calls, and points to bills from terms long gone. 
It’s time for new blood in the 14th District, and residents have an optimal choice in Gorman, a Board of Elections employee who understands that constituent services in this era need a ramped-up response. Gorman, 69, supports State Sen. John Brooks’ plan to overhaul school taxes, and it’d be helpful for Brooks to have a strong Assembly ally. And Gorman’s support of affordable rental housing and other development efforts modeled after Mineola’s success is welcome. 
Perhaps most significant, Gorman’s experience at the Board of Elections, and his support of changes like no-excuse absentee ballots and automatic registration, would be valuable as state lawmakers will have to push for more ways to improve the voting experience. 
Newsday endorses Gorman. 
— The editorial board

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Kevin Gorman to represent New York's 14th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Kevin Gorman in 14th Assembly District

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Michael Montesano has spent a decade in the State Assembly, and yet he says he still has "unfinished business." 
He’s right. Montesano, 66, understands his district and speaks knowledgeably on its water quality and economic development needs. Unlike many members of his caucus, the Glen Head Republican says he’s willing to consider tax increases on those earning $5 million or more in income, or on high-priced secondary homes, to help close the state’s budget gap. 
Hicksville Democrat Joe Sackman, 43, focuses his attention on similar local issues and suggests establishing a state bank to help the state financially. He has big ideas but lacks the practical basis behind them. 
In his next term, Montesano should take the lead on pushing for big moves to address the state’s financial woes. 
Newsday endorses Montesano. 
— The editorial board

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Michael Montesano to represent New York's 15th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Michael Montesano in 15th Assembly District

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It would be difficult to find a candidate as attuned to her district as Gina L. Sillitti. Her work with the Nassau County Legislature, board of elections and the Town of North Hempstead has the Manorhaven Democrat, 42, ready to fill this open seat. 
Sillitti proposes revenue enhancers for the state budget like a billionaires tax and sports gambling, supports mandatory vaccinations that have been deemed safe, and wants to add to new voting reforms with no-excuse absentee ballots. She supports legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana, providing that problems with testing for driving under the influence are resolved and that local governments can control where dispensaries are sited. She wants to bring sewers to Plandome Road and increase community composting. And she promises to be a strong voice for Long Island in a chamber dominated by city Democrats. 
Republican Ragini Srivastava, 46, of Manhasset Hills, has a compelling personal story as an immigrant from India and successful small-business owner, and she has an admirable commitment to giving back to her community. She supports coronavirus-related tax credits and low-interest loans for small businesses struggling from the virus, but she lacks the knowledge of a range of issues demonstrated by her opponent. 
Newsday endorses Sillitti. 
— The editorial board

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Gina Sillitti to represent New York's 16th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Gina Sillitti in 16th Assembly District

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For Republican John K. Mikulin, outnumbered by a Democratic supermajority, the heart of the role is constituent service. 
This year a pandemic has made the Bethpage 32-year-old’s efforts to help even more crucial. Every call into the office gets answered and Mikulin often rolls up his own sleeves to, for instance, ensure that residents get their unemployment checks and other services. It’s a role he’s well-suited for, and his experience as a deputy attorney for the Town of Hempstead helps him understand how to help. 
Massapequa Democrat Mark A. Engelman’s idea to address budget woes by reversing raises given to state legislators in 2018 is inspired, but the rest of the plan from the 29-year-old contractor for app-based services needs to catch up to that gem. 
Newsday endorses Mikulin. 
— The editorial board

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John Mikulin to represent New York's 17th Assembly District

Newsday endorses John Mikulin in 17th Assembly District

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First-term Assemb. Taylor R. Darling, 36, had a full plate of issues even pre-pandemic. That included returning the Freeport Armory to village control and installing a monitor for the struggling Hempstead school district. These were challenges not heading toward a solution under the Hempstead Democrat’s predecessor, Earlene Hooper. 
Darling’s part in achieving positive outcomes on those issues makes her deserve a second term over Republican opponent Cherice P. Vanderhall, 39, of Baldwin. Vanderhall, who serves as village attorney for the Village of Hempstead, knows the district and the issues. Both candidates agree that until the Hempstead school district is no longer the driver of local patronage jobs, it won’t be able to rise above infighting. Darling’s monitor success makes her best able to continue needed oversight. 
Darling’s rising star, however, was marred earlier this year by comments she made at an Albany news conference questioning how "people who don’t speak English at all" are successful in local communities while "the people who built America" — meaning Black Americans — "can’t have businesses." 
The remarks came amid intense and heated criminal justice reform debates, but they hint at potential future schisms regarding when and how Black and brown constituencies boost each other or diverge. Darling, who is Black, has called the experience a chance for reflection. She has shown that she can be a fighter for those in need in her district, expanding opportunities for all. 
Newsday endorses Darling. 
— The editorial board

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Taylor Darling to represent New York's 18th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Taylor Darling in 18th Assembly District

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Edward P. Ra, 38, was first elected to the State Assembly in 2010 and has since moved comfortably into GOP leadership roles. He is the ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee. 
In the Democratic-run chamber, the Garden City South Republican recognizes the importance of working with the other side to understand and respond to a measure’s potential impact on all state residents. 
He refreshingly acknowledges that the state’s coronavirus pandemic budget gap needs to be met with some combination of cuts, revenue increases (he prefers new revenue like legalized sports betting) and federal help. 
His opponent, Democrat Gary B. Port, 58, of West Hempstead, has run for the seat before and knows the issues, but Ra brings a wealth of practical experience and has the potential to be a rising and reasonable voice in Albany. 
Newsday endorses Ra. 
— The editorial board

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Edward Ra to represent New York's 19th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Edward Ra in 19th Assembly District

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When Melissa Miller entered the Assembly four years ago, she was a fresh face who cared about accessibility and education, especially as the mom of a special-needs son. 
Miller, 56, has a good grasp on her district’s diversity, and its need for better storm preparedness. But she too often falls in line with the Assembly minority on larger issues. The Atlantic Beach Republican says she "never ever" favors tax increases, but also has "no idea" what she’d cut. That’s towing an untenable line. 
But Miller’s opponent, Hewlett Democrat Gregory S. Marks, lacks new ideas and experience. Marks, 29, points to a background in public health and pandemics, but has no special skills to offer. 
With more courage and independence, Miller could fight for her region and district. 
Newsday endorses Miller. 
— The editorial board

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Melissa Miller to represent New York's 20th Assembly District

Newsday endorses Melissa Miller in 20th Assembly District

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Judy Griffin has grown considerably in her first term in the legislature. 
Take, for instance, Griffin’s stance on vaccination, in which she went from supporting an exemption based on religious beliefs to placate angry constituents to voting to repeal it. The Rockville Centre Democrat is willing to break from her caucus. Griffin, 57, says if she were in the Assembly’s leadership, she would have handled bail reform differently. Griffin also displays a keen understanding of her district’s needs, especially for small businesses and schools. 
Patricia M. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Malverne Republican, is unable to detail issues that matter to the district beyond the coronavirus. Fitzpatrick, 55, lacks understanding of the scope of New York’s budget, or how to fix its gap. 
In a new term, Griffin can best show her independence by standing up for the region, while shining a spotlight on her district. 
Newsday endorses Griffin. 
— The editorial board

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Judy Griffin to represent New York's 21st Assembly District

Newsday endorses Judy Griffin in 21st Assembly District

Michaelle Solages brings passion and nuance to how she serves different interests in her district. 
On bail reform, she talks of living in "both worlds," with connections to marginalized Black and brown communities, and to law enforcement. The Elmont Democrat says bail reform was imperfect, but necessary. Solages, 35, is concerned about racial health inequities exposed by the coronavirus pandemic in her hard-hit community. 
An early hesitancy about Belmont Park’s redevelopment gave way to advocacy for a Long Island Rail Road station and community benefits. She is a champion of universal pre-K. 
Nicholas M. Zacchea, 81, is a Floral Park Republican who worked as a federal government auditor both nationally and overseas but he relies on studies and surveys rather than practical solutions. 
Newsday endorses Solages. 
— The editorial board

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Michaelle Solages to represent New York's 22nd Assembly District

Newsday endorses Michaelle Solages in 22nd Assembly District

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Newsday's 2020 picks for New York State Assembly

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