22nd Assembly District endorsement — Solages

There’s nothing routine about the race for the 22nd Assembly District in western Nassau County. There is no incumbent in this new district, which was pieced together from parts of three existing Assembly districts. No one has a voting record to run on — or hide from.

This rates pits two political newcomers against each other, Democrat Michaelle Solages and independent Sean Wright, who received the Republican nomination. Both are probably familiar faces already, as they have spent much time out campaigning in the communities that comprise the new district.

Solages, 27, is a lifelong resident of Elmont and is the younger sister of Carrié Solages, a first-year Nassau County legislator. She works as a clerk supervisor at Hofstra University’s Axinn Library and overwhelmingly won a three-way Democratic primary. Wright, 43, of North Valley Stream, is an attorney with the Town of Hempstead and deputy prosecutor with the Village of Valley Stream. He has also been involved with numerous youth and service organizations.

Each candidate has a firm grasp of the issues facing residents. They both want to bring more jobs to the district, ensure that schools are well funded and create a transit hub at the lightly used Belmont Park train station.

Overall, there is little difference between the two candidates on the issues, and both seem genuinely interested in helping the people they would serve if elected.

Our endorsement goes to Solages. We believe she has a more defined vision for the future of the 22nd Assembly District. She wants the state government to do more to help small businesses, which have been suffering in communities like Elmont and Valley Stream. We like that she would make assemblywoman her full-time job. Although she is still young, she is informed and devoted.

The development of Belmont Park is also a crucial issue, and we see Solages as someone who will listen to make sure that any plan is right for the community.

Wright has great ideas as well, and has a good understanding of how government works. His record of community service is strong, and we would have no concerns if he were elected. As an independent, we could see him working well with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Solages, however, might be able to get more done for her district in the Democratic-led Assembly. The Herald endorses Solages.