Voters in the 3rd Legislative District have a difficult choice to make, between two excellent candidates.
Incumbent Republican John Ciotti has the extensive legislative experience and detailed institutional knowledge of how things work that comes from serving six two-year terms with dedication. He is seeking a seventh.
Ciotti's Democratic challenger, Ali Mirza, has an intense desire to be the district's legislator. This is his second run against Ciotti; two years ago he lost to him by about 800 votes. Mirza is critical of Ciotti for doing far too little in his 12 years in office.
Mirza, an Elmont businessman, has stayed involved in the community since his loss last time, and is optimistic about his plan to expand the commercial tax base in the district - enlarging the pie, if you will - to help reduce the property tax burden on homeowners.
In 2005, Mirza brought in Sustainable Long Island to offer ideas for a revitalization of the area near Belmont Park.
Mirza is in favor of video lottery terminals at Belmont, and is critical of fellow Democrat Gov. Eliot Spitzer for pushing for video gambling only at Aqueduct. Although he approves of Democrat County Executive Tom Suozzi's 2008 budget, he opposed the raises called for in that proposal.
Mirza favors consolidating special taxing districts, except emergency-service districts. Special districts are dens of patronage and nepotism, he says, and must be eradicated in the interest of good government. The economies of consolidation will reduce spending.
Ciotti, an attorney, has secured millions of dollars for projects in his district, which includes Elmont, Franklin Square, North Valley Stream, Bellerose Terrace, South Floral Park and portions of Valley Stream. He has been an active participant on legislative committees, attends community functions and has long been dedicated to constituent services. He is a member of the Legislature's Republican leadership, and is a strong voice of balance to the Democratic majority. He has made sure the Mammography Van comes to his district frequently, providing screenings for women 40 and older at no out-of-pocket cost.
Ciotti favors a five-year freeze in the annual reassessments of property in Nassau County, he says, so that taxpayers will be better able to predict their annual tax bills.
We believe there's no wrong choice in this race. Voters can opt for the experience and knowledge Ciotti has accumulated in his dedicated incumbency, or they can choose the greater optimism, passion for accomplishment and willingness to try bold new ideas offered by Mirza.
Our choice is Mirza. While Ciotti has done an excellent job, we think the Legislature and the district could benefit from Mirza's fresh ideas, and we think he has the spunk to stand up to his own party when needed.
