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The Massapequa Post's 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. We have studied the candidates and the issues and have made the following determinations and endorsements. 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 seaside land that we call home. Our endorsements go to incumbent Senators Kemp Hannon (R-6th District), and Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (R-8th District and Assemblyman Joseph Saladino (R- 12th). 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 a voice amidst the clamor for state services and state aid. And, that voice is more important than ever. Couple that with the fact that these incumbents face no opponent who has even the slightest understanding of the issues and our endorsements become easier to make. When it comes to bringing school aid, these lawmakers have fought the good fight for Long Island, and when it comes to voting for laws that protect the environment, expand health care and care for the elderly, they have worked together across party lines when necessary 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 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 Assembly's Democratic leadership in Albany. This would bring a measure of protection to our communities from violent sexual predators. Taking that battle to the Assembly, Saladino has shown leadership. He's worked to ensure that while the state continues to fight over this issue children, and families are served. He's held seminars teaching parents and educators how to protect children from pornography and predators on the internet, and is distributing a special software package to constituents in his district that helps parents monitor their children's computer usage. That is a politically realistic and responsible approach, we applaud. Saladino's opponent, Democrat Craig Heller, is an individual whose desire to serve, evidenced by his decision to accept his party's nomination again after losing a race for the Nassau County Legislature last year , is laudable. He's living in a strong Republican area facing strong Republican opponents but our hope is that he continues to consider public service and that his party gives him a better opportunity to run again-and win. 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). 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.
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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