Newsday endorses Rose Marie Walker in Nassau's 17th District

Rose Marie Walker is completing her third term in the county legislature.

A Hicksville Republican, Walker, 64, is involved in her district. While she recites the party line on taxes (she doesn't want to raise them) and the county's fiscal health (it's better now than it was), she also puts a spotlight on the environment and economic development. She wants to work on improving water quality, pressing for upgrades to the Bay Park sewage treatment plant, and redeveloping Hicksville's downtown.

Democrat Daniel Devine is running on one key issue: the importance of trees. Horrified at Nassau County's decision to cut down 200 trees along South Oyster Bay Road for sidewalk and road improvements, Devine, 48, is calling for the county to employ a certified arborist and tree board. The Hicksville resident said he also wants the county to put all key records online. His ideas are important ones, but they're limited in scope.

Walker must use her clout and experience to act on the issues she's talking about and introduce new ideas.

Newsday endorses Walker.