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The Suffolk County Legislature in session

The Suffolk County Legislature in session Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara

In half of Suffolk County's legislative districts, voters don't have much of a choice this year. In nine of Suffolk's 18 districts, the editorial board was unable to interview one of the candidates, and none of those appear to be actively campaigning.

The absence of competition is unfortunate, and deleterious to the electoral process. Races that are competitive not only give voters a say, but often make every candidate better, as incumbents and challengers alike have to be more thoughtful, energetic, nuanced, and prepared to make their case. The upcoming redistricting of legislative seats should strive to make districts more equally split by party preferences, rather than try to create "safe" seats.

This is a year when control of the legislature could change hands from the Democrats to the Republicans, and when the county will face critical issues that require skilled and motivated lawmakers.

While issues across the districts vary, some common themes emerge: Affordable housing. Economic development. Climate change. Water quality.

The legislature can and must play a central role in advocating for and, in some cases, pushing forward innovative projects large and small — where they make sense — that will start to make a dent in the region's housing needs, while also being attuned to open space issues. And the body also must address Suffolk's very specific needs along its coastline. In every district, infrastructure — from roads to sewers — is key. The county should do more to coordinate with towns and villages to move forward. Lawmakers also would be wise to address the county's sagging information technology infrastructure, including the lack of adequate broadband on the East End.

But none of that will matter if the county can't meet its budgetary needs at the coming critical financial juncture. Some candidates see Suffolk on solid financial footing right now; others think the county already is in fiscal distress. While federal stimulus funds provide a temporary boost, at some point soon, Suffolk will have to deal with a far darker reality.

Lawmakers must be ready.

ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.

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