Editorial: Becker in Nassau 6th District
Francis Becker, Nassau County Legislator, 6th District. Credit: David Pokress
Incumbent Republican Francis Becker, 58, is an original member of the legislature, serving since 1996. A resident of Lynbrook, he is also one of the few members of the GOP caucus with the confidence, clout and conscience to rebel against Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt's abrasive leadership. One example: Last week he stayed in the legislative chambers to listen to opponents of the Long Island Bus privatization after Schmitt and his followers stormed off.
Becker is opposed to tax increases. He views union concessions as the best way out of the county's financial mess, and layoffs as the regrettable result if concessions don't materialize.
Democrat Anthony Gonzalez, 25, is secretary of the Valley Stream Democratic Club. He wants to keep young people in Nassau via affordable housing. He also argues, rightly, that the cure for Nassau's budget woes is new jobs and an increased tax base -- but Gonzalez has few immediate solutions and doesn't think the unions should have to renegotiate their contracts.
Becker is a steady legislator who has a realistic view of the problems and what can actually be done to solve them. Newsday endorses Becker.
