Steven J. Flotteron for Suffolk Legislative District 11

The 11th District covers the South Shore from Islip to West Babylon including Fire Island and North Babylon.

When Steven J. Flotteron says he's willing to do the work his district needs, he doesn't mean that he'll task others with doing the work. He means he'll do it himself. That includes stream cleanups, he said, like the Pentaquit Creek restoration effort.

"I actually go there and get dirty," Flotteron said.

The Brightwaters Republican understands the enormous and specific environmental needs of his district, including wastewater management and sewer connections. He can pinpoint both the highlights in his district, such as ongoing efforts to revitalize Central Islip and Bay Shore with new housing and other economic development, and trouble spots, such as ongoing public safety concerns regarding gathering points for homeless people around Bay Shore's bus depot and train station. 

As chairman of the legislature's budget and finance committee, Flotteron also is attentive to Suffolk's fiscal picture and the county's need to live within its budgetary constraints. He knows how to pull the right levers and get dollars for his district, while also trying to save money by finding private funding sources wherever he can.

Last month, Flotteron, 61, announced plans to extend the state's Employer Assisted Housing Program to first responders, including fire department and ambulance service volunteers, who can now receive up to $50,000 toward buying or renovating a home. The existing program, which provides down payment and property improvement assistance, had required an employer match, but Flotteron got Long Island Homes for Heroes Corp. to provide the matching grant.

It's that ability to spotlight problems and find solutions that makes Flotteron a valuable legislator. In a new term, Flotteron should use those problem-solving skills to help move the Water Quality Restoration Act forward and to keep the county's finances in check. And, given his attention to housing, development and infrastructure, he should focus on the critical need for continued development of Central Islip and Bay Shore, while seeking answers and certainty regarding the future of the proposed Heartland Town Square in Brentwood.

Flotteron's opponent, Democrat Lucas E. Deitch, is not actively campaigning.

Newsday endorses Flotteron.