Jarett Gandolfo for the New York State Assembly’s 7th District

The 7th Assembly District, which includes much of South Shore and Fire Island in Suffolk County, is a showcase for threats to coastal resiliency, erosion, rising sea levels and flooding. Jarett C. Gandolfo is attuned to these concerns and recognizes the need for financing for buyouts and for infrastructure improvements that can better prepare the island for future storms.

The Sayville Republican, who is wrapping up his second term in Albany, sees sewer and wastewater infrastructure as a high priority, especially when it comes to efforts to build additional housing. He is open to considering newly revised plans to redevelop the Island Hills Golf Course in Sayville, saying they are a “tremendous improvement” over previous efforts.

Gandolfo is trumpeting issues that hit close to home for him — including the continued expansion of universal pre-K and confronting the extraordinary costs of child care. Last year, Gandolfo, 34, introduced a “child care blueprint” that would allow for a regional cost factor in the state’s employer-sponsored child care plans so that Long Islanders’ ability to participate would not be limited by higher incomes in the region. compared to the upper country. Disappointingly, Gandolfo did not seek a partner across the aisle to advance the valuable proposal.

Garrett J. Petersen, a technology specialist at the Developmental Disabilities Institute, is passionate about special education funding, improvements to Long Island Rail Road accessibility, and legislative reform to eliminate certain health care costs and the process of seeing specialists and make it easier to get medical care.

There’s little daylight between Petersen, an East Islip Democrat, and the incumbent on issues like education, environmental protection and public transportation funding, though the 42-year-old Petersen is right to push back on what he calls “irrational fear.” regarding crimes committed by migrants. While Petersen isn’t ready for Albany, his political instincts and skills are solid.

Gandolfo is a capable, moderate young voice in the GOP conference. In a new term, he should develop stronger relationships with Long Island Democrats, who could help him pass important legislation.

Newsday’s editorial staff supports Gandolfo.