Editorial: Re-elect Michael Fitzpatrick in 8th Assembly District

It's worth sending Michael Fitzpatrick back to Albany for a seventh term simply to rattle cages on his signature proposals -- reform the state pension system to allow for the TIAA/CREF option available to SUNY workers, to reform the Triborough Amendment to stop automatic step pay raises when a contract expires, and to cap binding arbitration awards at 2 percent.

Fitzpatrick, 57, an uncompromising conservative and Republican from St. James who helped usher in the property tax cap, will make sure those ideas are discussed.

Democrat Jason Zove, 26, of Commack, a former aide to Suffolk County Democratic Legis. William J. Lindsay III, says it's time for a new voice in Albany, but he needs more seasoning before he could fill that role. He supports term limits for legislators and tougher laws to fight the heroin epidemic by tightening health insurer accountability, and would have an open door for teachers unions, which he says want a legislator who will listen to them.

Newsday endorses Fitzpatrick.