In her first term, Democrat Kimberly Jean-Pierre of Wyandanch delivered for her district by sponsoring property-tax relief for Sandy victims, and supporting tougher laws on zombie homes. She brought home $4.5 million in capital funds for local needs. That includes $1 million she sought from the Assembly speaker to match other state and federal funding pledges for a microbrewery incubator in Copiague.
Republican Shawn Cullinane, 63, is Lindenhurst Village clerk and treasurer. He has a deep knowledge of the area and sincere concern about ending corruption and helping Sandy victims.
While Jean-Pierre, 32, is still finding her footing in the capital, she has already shown skill at producing for her district. In a new term, we’d like to see her demand better results from underperforming local public schools as she tries to increase education funding and understand Albany’s complex aid formulas.
Newsday endorses Jean-Pierre.