Douglas M. Smith for New York State Assembly 5th District
Republican Assemb. Douglas Smith is running for reelection in Assembly District 5. Credit: James Escher
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Although he’s in the Republican minority, Douglas M. Smith of Holbrook has established the kind of influential role that would make a useful niche for any Long Islander in the Legislature.
As the ranking GOP member on the chamber’s education committee, Smith’s job is to wade into the granular intricacies of the state’s funding formula for school districts statewide. With longtime budget expert Robert Megna heading the Rockefeller Institute of Government effort to update the Foundation Aid formula for schools, 2025 could be a big year for reform in that area. Smith already has met with Megna to discuss crucial details. Understanding the process is key to advocating for the Island's needs.
Last year Smith, 34, helped push back against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s starting budget position of linking declining enrollment to cuts in annual state assistance.
Going forward, Smith sees as important factors to be considered in the new formula: a widely perceived need to upgrade physical security in all districts, a long-overdue update of demographic data in measuring fund distribution, and funding for students with disabilities.
Now completing his third full term, Smith has a Democratic challenger this year, 57-year-old Michael A. Reynolds of Lake Ronkonkoma, whose experience includes Teamsters union membership and involvement, managing trucking and distribution operations, and teaching in public schools as well as private consulting. Reynolds says that in school funding, there is a need to control expenses and cap top salaries. This is his first run for public office.
Both candidates see environmental issues and water quality as key, especially in the struggle to clean up Lake Ronkonkoma so it is suitable for swimming. On transit funding, Smith stresses as do many others a need to crack down on fare evasion; Reynolds calls for a fare hike for New York City Transit and better management accountability. Smith shows he’s given some thought to the ups and downs of removing trash by rail and the need for jurisdictions to come together on a new solid waste plan.
The incumbent shows a continuing willingness to work with the Democratic majority in Albany and community leaders to get results.
Newsday’s editorial board endorses Smith.
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
