Vote Abrahams for 1st L.D.

Although the 5th Legislative District has been Baldwin's most hotly contested race in recent months, the areas represented by the 1st Legislative District may be the most critical to Nassau County's future.

Roads in Uniondale and Hempstead will literally lead to the Lighthouse if the $3.7 billion megadevelopment proposal to revamp Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the surrounding 150 acres moves forward. Obviously, a proposal of that magnitude raises significant questions about impacts on traffic, the environment and local businesses.

The constituents of the 1st L.D. need a proven leader to oversee such a transformation in Nassau County in addition to addressing other more local concerns such as high property taxes, crime and the increased demand for social service programs. Legislator Kevan Abrahams is that leader, and that is why the Herald enthusiastically endorses him for re-election.

Since 2002, Abrahams has worked to tackle these issues and others in his district. He has strengthened sex-offender laws during his time in office, making it illegal for offenders to live near schools, parks and playgrounds. He has also been a leading voice on anti-gang violence and on health care.

Most recently, Abrahams was instrumental in the county's efforts to close a $130 million budget gap through state-approved revenue enhancers, salary concessions from county union employees and a responsible trimming from a number of other county-funded programs. And on the controversial energy tax that he and the other nine Democrats signed off on, Abrahams said that he wrestled with the decision to approve it but felt it was the only viable alternative to what he said would be more damaging spending cuts. He acknowledged that he hoped the tax could be repealed if and when county sales tax revenue bounces back.

Furthermore, Abrahams has shown a willingness to engage residents and other interested parties on issues of mutual concern.