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Overcast Montesano’s unique perspective can help Albany
Times are tough -- an understatement given the state’s frightening economic issues -- which heightens the importance of electing fearless leaders to what is often described as a dysfunctional Legislature in Albany.
Though the state Assembly is often spoken for by its dominating Democratic majority, strong local representation is always crucial, and this election season the Herald was introduced to two candidates running for the vacant seat in the 15th Assembly District previously held by Rob Walker, a Republican from Hicksville. Walker left to become County Executive Ed Mangano's chief deputy.
Neither candidate — Republican Michael Montesano, a self-employed attorney from Glen Head, and Democrat Matthew Meng, an auto repair shop owner from East Norwich — is a stranger to running for elected office or the issues facing residents. Montesano lost a tight race in November to the county Legislature’s minority leader, Diane Yatauro, and Meng was defeated in his attempt to win a seat on the Town of Oyster Bay Council. Though the prize in the Feb. 9 special election is only a 10-month tenure, both candidates seem hungry to serve.
The Herald endorses Montesano, whose vast experience includes school politics, law, business and crime-fighting, and who could offer a unique perspective to the Assembly. He has been a school board president, an acting village justice, a New York City police officer and a college professor, among other things.
Meng’s resume is chock full of civic and environmental activism, and it is clear that he cares for his community and is fully aware of the challenges it faces. His impact as a civic leader has been instrumental, and we hope he continues to stay involved.
But Montesano’s inside perspective on crafting school budgets, and his understanding of the challenges facing schools and taxpayers, such as unfunded mandates, could help create a stronger link between the state and its school districts. His law expertise would surely suit him well in pursuing ethics reforms in Albany, as he examined education codes, and in the formulation of bills.
Montesano has also addressed the need for the state to be involved in battling the increasing use of heroin among young people on Long Island.
These are the issues that are on people's minds, and that could and should be tackled immediately. Montesano appears ready to take them on, and to become a strong voice for his constituents.
