Siela Bynoe for New York State Senate 6th District

When State Sen. Kevin Thomas decided not to run for reelection, in part due to the redrawing of the 6th District's lines, the departure of the only Nassau County member of the Democratic State Senate majority created an opportunity for new leadership in a district with critical needs.

Vying for that key spot are Nassau County Legis. Siela A. Bynoe and Nassau County Deputy County Attorney Thomas Philip Montefinise.

Bynoe, who has ably served in the minority of the county legislature for a decade, understands intimately the communities in the newly drawn Senate district, which overlaps her county legislative district. She highlights Nassau University Medical Center as her top priority, saying she'd support state intervention if the current management isn't "compliant" with the terms the state dictated in exchange for funding, and she would back additional legislation geared to helping the hospital. Bynoe thoughtfully suggests adding housing to the NUMC campus, moving the A. Holly Patterson nursing home to NUMC and replacing it with new research facilities and additional housing.

Bynoe, who turns 57 this month, also carefully assesses the possibility of a casino resort at the Nassau Hub. The winner of this race will have a key appointment to the Community Advisory Committee tasked with deciding whether the Hub casino's application moves forward in the selection process. As a county lawmaker, the Westbury Democrat voted to assign the Hub lease to Las Vegas Sands last year but was hesitant about taking a definitive position on a casino there due to the county legislature's role in the state environmental review process. But Bynoe told the editorial board that if environmental concerns are fully mitigated, she would choose a committee member who'd be "open" to the importance of the tourism, economic development and jobs a casino resort could bring.

"I think this is our last chance to do something impactful," Bynoe said. 

Montefinise, 32, also held back on fully expressing his views on a Hub casino, citing his role as a deputy county attorney. He said he's not opposed to the idea but would listen to those who are and look at "all interests," including job creation, safety, tax dollars, and the needs of surrounding communities, in determining whom to appoint to the committee. He was also careful about taking a position on NUMC, saying it was "not my decision to make."

The Oceanside Republican pointed to public safety, including bail reform and the need for improved discovery laws, as one of his top issues. He criticized fines for work-zone speeding and other similar monetary penalties while still saying he hoped to maintain safety, but he offered no specific plans. He opposes congestion pricing, saying there are other ways to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. And he talks of incentivizing housing production but was unable to provide details or suggestions as to where or how. 

Bynoe, a former school board trustee, laments the proliferation of charter schools in the district and wants to shore up public school funding, especially for less-wealthy districts. She also rightly notes that her experience in the county legislature minority could serve her well as a suburban Long Island Democrat who will have to "cajole and convince colleagues" in Albany, where city Democrats are dominant.

This district needs a strong, capable voice who can express suburban needs in the Democratic majority. Bynoe has the experience, knowledge and confidence to be that voice.

Newsday's editorial board endorses Bynoe.