In the 4th L.D., re-elect Denise Ford

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The choice of a lawmaker to represent the Nassau County’s 4th Legislative District, which encompasses much of the county’s vulnerable South Shore, becomes more important each year as dramatic weather changes threaten the area because of the climate crisis.

Denise Ford, who was first elected to the seat in 2003, has been committed to the environment, and has overseen a number of projects, including the development of the crucial Bay Park Water Reclamation Facility, which was severely damaged in Superstorm Sandy. Ford, a Republican, has also been a strong advocate for an outfall pipe to divert treated effluent from the Bay Park plan to the Cedar Creek Pollution Control Plant in Wantagh in an effort to restore the Western Bays.

She continues to push hard for completion of the Army Corps of Engineers Back Bays Study, which is now in draft form, and has sponsored legislation to prohibit the sale of plastic foam products in the county.

In large part because of her commitment to the environment, the Herald endorses Ford.

She has supported an increase in the number of police and correction officers as well as civilian employees such as school crossing guards, medics and public safety officers.

The 70-year-old legislator has made friends over the years on both sides of the aisle, and established strong relations with her constituents, who see her just about every weekend at one community event or another.

Her opponent, Democrat Claudia Lovas, 46, is a solid candidate, an attorney who has started two successful law firms. A Latina, Lovas wants to bring more minorities into the political process, an admirable goal in a county that is becoming increasingly diverse.

She is articulate and keenly aware of the issues in the district. Lovas is the kind of candidate we hope to see more of in the future, and we hope she run again, but our choice in this race is Ford. She has accomplished much for the residents of the 4th L.D., and we’re confident she will continue to do so.