Keith P. Brown for New York State Assembly 12th District

His party does not control the Assembly, but Keith P. Brown has found a way to be successful in his four years in the chamber by heeding advice given to him by his predecessor, fellow Republican Andrew Raia: "You can get things done in the minority, you just can't be proud."

Brown's strategy is to achieve his goals by getting Democrats to sponsor his legislation and by working beyond the traditional role of an Assembly member to help his community. He's built a strong record doing just that.

As the ranking member on the Assembly's Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Brown has continued his work on addiction and substance abuse with a particular interest in co-occurring disorders — for example, a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that often are treated separately instead of as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Brown says that's a mistake. He put together a coalition of experts, community members and lawmakers, held meetings, and produced 14 bills, including a co-occurring disorder patient bill of rights, that he wants to continue shepherding through the State Legislature.

Brown, 56, an attorney from Northport, also is working to help communities along the 60 miles of Long Island Sound coastline in his district prepare better for coastal erosion and the effects of storms like the one in August that drenched the North Shore in Suffolk, causing considerable damage. One way has been to help match local municipalities with grant opportunities, which resulted in pending applications for more than $2 million in funding. He also secured $350,000 in grants for the Halesite Harbor Walk. 

Another environmental passion has been the Suffolk County water quality referendum that is on the November ballot. Brown said he is encouraging his constituents to vote for it.

He is an ardent opponent of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority congestion pricing plan now put on hold by Gov. Kathy Hochul, a proposal he says is "just another tax." Brown says MTA officials "have to fix their own store" by cutting costs and streamlining operations and supports a control board for the agency. He also says the agency should work harder to boost ridership to increase revenues.

Brown says affordability is the main concern he hears from voters in his district, but he defends his vote for Tier 6 pension sweeteners for public employees that likely will result in higher taxes by saying the improvements are needed to attract people to public service. He said the effects of the changes should be tracked and that the data be examined to see whether the reform functions as the incentive he expects it to be. Brown says the extra cost could be offset by reducing waste and fraud in the state budget, specifically in Medicare funding.

Brown noted in particular a shortage of planners and commercial plan examiners in local government and said is working with Touro University and Stony Brook University on shortening a joint planning degree program from seven years to six.

His Democratic opponent, Thomas J. Cox, is not actively campaigning.

Brown is diligent and effective and deserves another term.

Newsday's editorial board endorses Brown.