Editorial: Pearson in Nassau 14th District

Incumbent Joseph Belesi won this district two years ago in an upset race that returned control of the legislature to Republicans. It's always one of the hottest races in the county and this year's contest between two Farmingdale residents is no different.

Belesi, 64, is a former Nassau County detective and union leader with a deep understanding of policing and labor contracts. While he is unhappy about the proposed closing of two precincts, he says it doesn't have to lead to a reduction in police services. He would prefer law enforcement unions make contract concessions to close the budget shortfall rather than force the county to make layoffs.

Democratic challenger Eva Pearson, 40, served for five years in the Air Force during the first Gulf War. She is a child behavioral therapist and psychologist and an instructor at Adelphi University. She opposes precinct closings and says labor costs can be contained by reforming pension calculations.

Pearson is critical of the Mangano administration's lack of transparency in its efforts to privatize Long Island Bus and the county's waste treatment plants. She says such arrangements will lead to higher fares and fees and less accountability. While Belesi says he won't allow a "fire sale" of the sewage system or a bus contract that cuts routes and raises fares, he had not demanded openness from the GOP administration and has always voted in lockstep with the majority.

Pearson is a well-informed newcomer, the type of feisty, independent thinker much needed in Mineola. Newsday endorses Pearson.