Charles D. Lavine for New York's 13th Assembly District

Inludes City of Glen Cove, North sections of Town of Oyster Bay  and central west section of Town of Oyster bay and central east section of Town of North Hempstead

Glen Cove Democrat Charles D. Lavine, 75, is no stranger to taking on big fights for his constituents. Lavine supports recent legislation barring the state from cooperating with out-of-state investigations into legal abortions performed in New York. On crime prevention, Lavine proposes more funding for public schools to allow them to remain open for longer hours in economically challenged neighborhoods, helping to keep kids in the classroom and out of trouble. He calls it an "expensive proposition," but says there should be a greater emphasis on trying to reach young people when they are still young.

Republican Ruka Anzai, 45, of Jericho, an information technology professional, wants to repeal cashless bail, make the property tax rebate permanent, and "refund" the police. But she's a newcomer with little public service experience and lacks the depth of knowledge Lavine has acquired in 18 years in the Assembly.

Newsday endorses Lavine.