Kevin J. McCaffrey for Suffolk Legislative District 14

The 14th District covers the South Shore from Copiague east to Babylon Village plus Gilgo and Oak beaches.

It doesn't seem that long ago that Kevin J. McCaffrey surprised Suffolk by winning a 14th District seat that had been a Democratic stronghold for years. Now the Lindenhurst Republican is running for what will be his sixth and final term — his opponent, Edward M. Buturla, is not actively campaigning.

McCaffrey, 69, has evolved over his tenure. He's still the budget watchdog and constituent service devotee he was as a first-term lawmaker, but now he has risen to the top leadership position of presiding officer. And in a fractious caucus filled with strong personalities, it can be a tough job.

That was never clearer than when Republicans recently tabled a proposal for a voter referendum to create a funding stream for new sewers and high-tech septic systems that will remove nitrogen from the waste stream more effectively and improve water quality. McCaffrey thought he had the votes to move the plan forward, but did not. He promises to work with state lawmakers and the governor's office on a tweak in the funding formula — "We're going to get it done," he vowed — and plans to present the plan to voters next year. We expect him to follow through.

Other goals include working with Nassau County on the region's impending garbage crisis; he says that should be the first priority of the new administration. He acknowledges there is not enough housing in Suffolk affordable to seniors and young would-be homeowners, and sees sewers as a key to new development. He is open to getting the massive Heartland proposal in Brentwood back on track. He also wants to reduce police overtime by hiring more officers and revamp the county's bus service by making it more flexible and responsive with smaller vehicles and changed routes.

But his prime concern must be to restore the legislature's oversight role. The chamber must do a better job of watching and probing the functions of county government and its departments like Child Protective Services, the police force, and, of course, the budget. McCaffrey should call hearings, issue reports, and hold people to account, not in a partisan way but in the interest of good government and on behalf of taxpayers who spend a lot for what they expect will be an efficient county government. That would be quite a legacy to leave.

As presiding officer, McCaffrey's relative moderation and willingness to work across the aisle is the path to progress.

Newsday endorses McCaffrey.