ENDORSEMENT: Ed Romaine for County Legislature

Our choice to represent the 1st Legislative District in the county Legislature is the incumbent, Ed Romaine, a Republican who is essentially running unopposed once again.

He’s a real pro who understands constituent service and the issues impacting the hamlets he represents.

He has experience and knowledge and has used both to fight hard for the residents of Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island, towns that are always in danger of being under-served or outright ignored by county government in favor of the western Suffolk towns that are more populated. His work alongside South Fork Legislator Jay Schneiderman has made for a productive two years for the East End, as more services have sprouted up or returned here. This year we had Sunday bus service on both forks and overall improved public transportation options. We also saw the opening of a veterans health clinic in Riverhead a few months back.

Mr. Romaine, who serves on the environment, planning and agriculture committees, has also continued to work hard to preserve open space on the North Fork.

He’s a clear and easy choice for another term in the county Legislature, and would likely still receive our support against a real opponent. We won’t even mention his challenger’s name since she clearly showed no interest in getting it out there.