Edward P. Ra for New York's 19th Assembly District
Republican Assembly candidate Edward Ra, Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements22
Includes southern section of Town of North Hempstead and Northern section of Town of Hempstead
Edward P. Ra, of Garden City South, has grown steadily in 12 years in the Assembly. The ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, Ra, who turns 41 on Nov. 4, excels at working across the aisle to move bills, as with legislation this year that increased the cap on a tax exemption municipalities can grant to senior citizens and people with disabilities from $29,000 annually to $50,000. It was first raised several years ago, but only for New York City.
His opponent, Democrat Sanjeev Kumar Jindal, 45, of Williston Park, came to the United States in 2003, owns an insurance business, and works tirelessly in the nonprofit sector to help other immigrants. He needs to stay involved, and his knowledge of and passion about local schools suggest a bright path.
But Ra’s ability to get things done for the community shouldn’t be squandered.
Newsday endorses Ra.
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.
