Editorial: Tangney in Nassau 4th District

Darlene Tangney, 53, is an energetic activist against drunken driving who has worked her way up in politics from PTA leader to school board member. She brings experience from lean-times school budgeting to her challenge of incumbent Denise Ford. Both are from Long Beach.

Ford, 60, has represented her district for eight years. She's a registered Democrat who runs on the GOP line and almost always votes with that caucus.

Tangney, also a Democrat, believes she can find savings by bringing a fresh perspective. She would ask unions to cooperate and says a similar approach helped move Long Beach schools toward more modest raises. Ford also wants unions to enter discussions with the administration. Both are reluctant to vote for layoffs, but they would do so before raising taxes.

Ford wants to see the specifics of any police precinct consolidation before commenting on it, while Tangney is concerned about potential cuts to the marine bureau and DWI enforcement.

Tangney seemed to better grasp the need to contain costs. Newsday endorses Tangney.