Douglas M. Smith for New York's 5th Assembly District
Republican Assemb. Doug Smith. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements22
Includes Northeast Islip and Central and Western Brookhaven
Douglas M. Smith, 32, had a busy second term serving what he calls his “gateway to the East End” district. The Holbrook Republican helped thousands of constituents with unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-sponsored the bill that eliminated the state sales tax on gas and other housekeeping and food supplies, and continued to advocate for Middle Country Road improvements.
As an appointee to the state commission analyzing the future of the Long Island Power Authority, he can have an impact on making energy more affordable and reliable for residents. As the ranking GOP member on the education committee, he should delve into the need for sites school districts can use for universal pre-K. While lofty, his goal of cleaning Lake Ronkonkoma to make swimming possible there once again is admirable.
His Democratic opponent, James Anthony, 39, of Holbrook, is not campaigning.
Newsday 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.
