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Our endorsements, 2006 Each election season, we try to bring our readers information about the candidates so that they can add it to their storehouse of knowledge about these individuals, and make an educated and informed choice at the polls. We hope we have done that this year, and that readers are looking carefully at each candidate, most of whom work very hard to be a part of the democratic process. Whether you like them or not; whether you vote for them or not, is secondary to the fact that as a result of their stepping forward and becoming a candidate, you, the voter, have a choice at the polls. We acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and wish them each good luck. Despite that, choices have to be made. We have studied the candidates and the issues and make our endorsements for 2006. Babylon Town Council As Councilman Dave Bishop steps down, voters will be asked to select his replacement. Two quality candidates have stepped up to the plate- Democrat Jacqueline Gordon and Republican Mark Gallo. Both these candidates have a history of service to their communities and to their country, and we applaud them both for that, as well as for running a clean, honest and vigorous campaign. Gordon is a woman who has a clear vision of what it takes to get things done and Gallo understands the need for a diversity of opinions and ideas in government. Our endorsement, however goes to Democrat Jacqueline Gordon who, we believe, will be a dynamic addition to Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone's team, as well as an independent councilwoman with a vital role to play. New York State Legislature Undoubtedly, there are many problems at the state level, and these have a direct impact on us here on Long Island, this fragile strip of oceanfront land that we call home. Our endorsements, without reservation, go to incumbent Senators Owen Johnson (R-4th) and Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (R-8th) and Assemblymen Andrew Raia (R 9th) and Bob Sweeney (D- 11th). When you look at the legislature as a whole, you recognize that Long Island makes up a small part of a very large and diverse state. The influence of well-seasoned and experienced politicians is what has enabled us to have an effective voice amidst the clamor for state services and state dollars. And, that voice is more important than ever. Couple that with the fact that with one exception, these incumbents face opponents who do not display a clear understanding of the issues, and our endorsements become that much easier-and important- to make. We look to send them back to Albany for us. The one exception is Jim McDonald, who is running against Senator Owen Johnson. McDonald is well versed on the issues and has shown his dedication by going up against his party's leadership to give voters a choice in that district. He should have been recognized for putting his money where his mouth is and been given better treatment by his party. While we do not give him our endorsement, we acknowledge his good intentions, his energy, and his independence. He's just no match for Johnson whose record reflects his ability to serve his constituents well and whose clout in Albany will continue to keep Babylon at the forefront. When it comes to bringing in school aid, Johnson, Fuschillo, Raia and Sweeney have fought the good fight for Long Island, and when it comes to voting for laws that protect the environment, expand health care and protect the rights of the elderly, they have worked together across party lines to get the job done. We have seen record increases in state aid to our school districts, expanding coverage for prescription drugs and generous real estate property tax reductions to help ensure that seniors are not driven out of their homes because of escalating taxes. Our hope is that next year they will continue in these areas as well as enact a civil confinement measure being held up by the Democratic leadership in Albany, that would protect our communities from violent sexual predators. We'd also like to see them implement a fairer and less burdensome method of financing public education. Congress The races at the federal level throughout the country have turned into a reappraisal of the Bush administration, its polices and in particular, the war in Iraq. Here on Long Island that has taken up much of the campaign rhetoric of incumbent Congressmen Peter King (R-3rd) and Steve Israel (D-2nd) as well. Our position generally supporting the war in Iraq and the Bush administration has been stated in this space before, and like voters everywhere we have looked at the candidates in terms of how they would address the issue of national security, terrorism and illegal immigration. Our endorsement goes, not surprisingly, to Congressman Peter King, a tough and outspoken defender of American values and American security. His approach is to use common sense in place of sentiment and political strength in place of political correctness. We believe his role is vital in Washington and warmly endorse his reelection bid. Perhaps surprisingly, we also endorse Congressman Steve Israel, a moderate Democrat who has criticized the Bush administration and the way in which it has handled the war in Iraq. But Israel has been responsible and specific in his criticism, unlike many other Democrats, and has convinced us that he understands the issues and knows what's at stake. Simply, we trust him and believe he can continue to be a voice of reason in Washington where voices of reason are also needed. Congressman Steve Israel gets our endorsement for reelection.
To each of those who have stepped up to the plate and given of their time, their energy and their money to ensure that voters have a voice and a choice at the polls, we say thank you. We hope that the electorate honors that commitment by getting out and voting Tuesday November 7th.
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