Michael A. Durso for New York State Assembly 9th District
Republican Assemb. Michael Durso is running for reelection in New York State Assembly District 9. Credit: James Escher
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Republican Michael A. Durso, who is closing out his second term, has found a path to success — and it starts with a willingness to build relationships with those in the Democratic majority.
Durso points to his recent discovery that state tax credits available to anyone who lives in certain senior housing developments in the district and beyond were about to expire. If the tax abatement established 25 years ago expired, residents in those complexes would see their taxes explode, Durso said. So he turned to Assemb. Steve Stern, a Democrat, to carry his bill to renew the credits. The move worked, and Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed the bill.
It's a story that exemplifies Durso's strengths. But Durso, 44, of Massapequa Park, hasn't had the same luck with one of his other signature issues: an effort to increase the state's reimbursable aid for BOCES teachers, so they can be paid more. Durso advocates for expanding technical programs and providing more students across Long Island with career and technical education opportunities. Durso has pushed for the increased funding every year to no avail. It's unclear why his pleas have fallen short, he said, but he pledged he wouldn't stop pursuing the matter.
Durso is similarly passionate about the need for universal school meals — a subject that has broad bipartisan support but still hasn't made it through the full legislature. There, too, Durso said he hopes to find members of the majority who can help him push it forward.
Durso represents coastal communities and thoughtfully recognizes the need for a more in-depth conversation about next steps when it comes to rising seas and increased flooding risks. He's open to the idea of a coastal commission that could address some of Long Island's needs on a regionwide basis.
As Durso continues to navigate the difficulties of belonging to the suburban minority in a Democratic and often city-centric Assembly, he should find more ways to build coalitions to advance the region's goals.
Democrat Steven J. Dellavecchia is not actively campaigning.
Newsday's editorial board endorses Durso.
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