NEWSDAY ENDORSES LARRY SILVERMAN!

EDITORIAL: Newsday's endorsement in the 5th State Senate District

October 19, 2010 8:03 PM
 
Democrat Larry Silverman wants to go to Albany to be a watchdog on spending. Taking his second run at incumbent Republican Sen. Carl Marcellino, who beat him in 2000, Silverman is well positioned to focus on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Silverman, 59, a Huntington resident and lawyer, headed the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council from 1995 to 2001. As a nonvoting MTA board member, he spoke up to fix air-conditioning on rail cars and expose diesel-engine fires. Now he would focus on cutting MTA debt, repealing the payroll tax, supporting a third track in Nassau, and creating revenue streams - including tolls at East River bridges and a commercial real estate profits tax. He also favors a property tax cap and/or a limit based on income, as well as same-sex marriage and consolidation of state courts.

Marcellino, 67, a former teacher from Syosset, has held the seat since 1995. He touts his work on electronic waste, cleaner gasoline and a moratorium on drilling for natural gas. But this summer he opposed a bill to ban pesticides at schools and daycare centers based on a technicality. He also opposes same-sex marriage, preferring civil unions. He supports a property tax cap. Marcellino has been a competent legislator, but given the pressing need for change in Albany, he hasn't made an adequate case for staying.

Silverman's goals to dog the MTA and look deep into state-agency spending are needed now.

Newsday endorses Silverman.

SILVERMAN FOR SENATE'S FIRST COMMERCIAL

WELCOME

Voters are fed up.

I know this first hand because I have traveled our district and knocked on thousands of doors. I have heard nothing but outrage about the incredible neglect and selfishness of those in Albany...from BOTH political parties.

However, to some degree, we, as voters, bear some responsibility for our dysfunctional state government. We have re-elected our state legislators term after term believing that they will work in our best interest. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, and voters have realized that the only way we are going to change Albany is to change the people in Albany.

This election is a great opportunity to do just that.

My biography highlights some of the many successful fights I waged for Long Islanders against the MTA and LIRR. When I am your State Senator I will take those fights to Albany. I will work to reform our campaign finance laws, fight to pass an ethics bill with real teeth and make the gerrymandering of election districts a thing of the past. You will be able to count on me to ask tough questions on your behalf and demand honest answers to hold our state government accountable.

That is my promise to you. I will keep that promise.

I want to hear from you. Please contact me directly via email with your comments or suggestions.

Again, welcome to the Silverman for Senate web site.

Larry Silverman