Philip R. Ramos for New York State Assembly 6th District

After 22 years in the Assembly, Philip R. Ramos finds himself the dean of the Long Island delegation with a title — deputy speaker — that reflects that longevity and his steady ascent in the chamber. Being in leadership, he says, has made a difference, especially in negotiating the state budget.

"There's no way we have 150 assemblymen at the table," Ramos said. "Being in leadership puts me at the table, allows me to make sure that my district's needs are taken care of."

The Brentwood Democrat has indeed been bringing home the bacon, working with the Republican administration in the Town of Islip to identify targets for aid. "I would say 80% of what I do and the town does has nothing to do with ideology," Ramos said. "Is there a Republican way to fix up a park or, you know, a Democratic way to repair Washington Avenue? There isn't, right? It's just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and agreeing to work together and getting it done."

Ramos, 68, delivered $2 million for a spray park in Roberto Clemente Park and $700,000 for a skate park there after a long cleanup of waste that had been illegally dumped there, a cleanup Ramos also helped fund. He got about $400,000 to repair Washington Avenue and $620,000 to build a playground and reduce vagrancy at troubled Ross Park in Brentwood.

The outlays are part of his relentless focus on constituents, the prism through which he views most issues. On Gov. Kathy Hochul's ill-fated housing plan, Ramos applauded her attempt to override local zoning codes that stymie affordable housing. "Housing codes have been used to exclude people of color," Ramos said. "We see that all over Long Island. It is not by chance that we have such segregated communities. And if we rely on local governments to be more liberal in allowing rental properties and more housing that's affordable, it's not going to happen. Because in their minds, that attracts poorer people and attracts people that they don't want in their communities."

He especially wants to see the return of the governor's proposal for accessory dwelling units, which he says would allow district residents reeling under the weight of high mortgages and taxes to stay in their homes.

Ramos opposes Hochul's plan to reexamine the foundation aid formula for school funding; he says the current formula is an "equalizer" between well-funded school districts and those with less money. "It makes all the sense in the world, it makes sense for our country, for our community," Ramos said. "Anytime we educate the population, we are helping the economy, we're helping families, we're resolving problems. But there seems to be a hesitancy when it comes to doing something that benefits communities of color."

Ramos' plans for another term center on infrastructure improvements in his communities, especially downtown areas. That raises property values and, he said, the fortunes of his constituents. "Their home is the nucleus of their future," Ramos said. "Their home is the equity they need to get their children's education. Their home is the money they need if they want to start a little business."

His opponent, Republican Daniel Mitola, is not actively campaigning.

Newsday's editorial board endorses Ramos.