In 22nd A.D., the choice is Solages

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Elections in the 22nd Assembly District, in western Nassau County, tend to attract young political newcomers, and this year is no different. Valley Stream resident Robert Bogle, 24, was nominated by the Nassau County Republican Party in May to challenge incumbent Democrat Michaelle Solages for the seat.

Bogle is the son of Robert G. Bogle, a Nassau County judge who served as Valley Stream village justice for three decades. A 2010 graduate of Kellenberg Memorial High School, he is in his final year of law school at Fordham University while he clerks at the law firm Goldberg, Miller and Rubin.

Solages, 31, has touted her experience and her dedication to fighting for woman’s rights throughout the district. In March she hosted a forum in Westbury focusing on paid family leave. Many employers do not offer extended paid leave beyond vacation time, so workers are forced to lose either money or their jobs when they have to tend to a sick family member. Solages campaigned with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help pass a paid family leave bill in Albany. In April, both houses passed the legislation.

Solages has been a vocal opponent of the Cosmos’ redevelopment plan for Belmont Park, and marched in rallies over the past year with other residents and political leaders calling for the state to reissue a request for proposals. According to Solages, the community did not have enough say on the type of development that should come to Belmont.

She said she believes she has earned another term based on her record and her commitment to helping the people in her district. We agree. Bogle is a capable opponent, both passionate and knowledgeable about the issues facing the 22nd. He will prove a much stronger challenger should he run for office a few years down the road. But our endorsement goes to Solages.