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Endorsements, November '07 It is not easy to go before the public, outline a plan for governance, promote a political philosophy and ask for voters' support. Any candidate who assumes his or her role responsibly and seriously puts in a lot of time and money and makes a personal commitment in order to provide voters a choice at the polls should be commended. Without the willingness of citizens to do this, particularly those who face strong incumbents, the democratic system of government we enjoy in this country would be nonexistent. We remind voters of this every year when we make our endorsements because it is important to recognize all those who have stepped forward to be a part of this process. Whether we support them here, whether they win or lose on election day, their participation, and the difficulties that often carries with it, are without a doubt vital and admired. This year, voters are being asked to select who will represent them in Town and County government. Our choices have been made after conducting personal interviews and considering each of the candidates backgrounds and qualifications. TOWN OF OYSTER BAY Democrats have worked hard, with limited resources, to unseat Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto and his Republican running mates, Rose Marie Walker, Joseph Muscarella and Anthony Macagnone. There are some bright spots in the Democratic ticket, including Keith Scalia who is running for Town Board, and John Rennhack who is running for the legislature against Republican Peter Schmitt. The problem is that the Venditto team and Schmitt have earned the privilege of continuing to serve the people of the Town and the County, and they earn our endorsement for reelection. Venditto has, with the help of the entire board, been able to bring together the holy alliance in Oyster Bay: low taxes and quality government and services. He's improved parks, maintained and upgraded roads, addressed housing issues and moved forward with innovative new programs to control growth and development. We give him, and his entire ticket, our nod for reelection. N.C. Leg. Peter Schmitt is also a committed lawmaker who is just about the best kind of public servant we know- tough, decisive, and ready to tell his constituents what he thinks whether it is politically popular or not. Without reservation, we endorse his reelection again this year. OTHER ENDORSEMENTS This year, other strong and responsive incumbent legislators face challenges from weak candidates who have not been able to raise any significant issues. The other exception is in the 14th district where Republican Joe Belesi, a retired police officer faces Democrat Dave Mejias. In that race, which is critical in the fight for the majority in the legislature, Belesi has done his best to point to Mejias' lukewarm positions on such vital issues such as illegal immigration, a tax freeze and the County's potential role in helping to lower school taxes. While we have endorsed Mejias in the past, we believe his opponent, Joe Belesi deserves serious consideration by voters this year. He'd make a great lawmaker who is in step with the constituents of that district. A small portion of our readership is represented by N.C. Leg. Ed Mangano, a Republican, who is a hard worker with a wealth of experience in the County and who we warmly endorse for reelection. Alfred James,
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