Howard J. Kopel for Nassau Legislative District 7

The 7th District includes the Five Towns area and East Rockaway.

There are two different versions of Howard J. Kopel.

As presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, Kopel too often cedes his authority and his chamber's institutional role as a public check on the county executive. That's especially true due to the egregious rule change pushed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman last year that no longer guarantees the leadership role for an entire term, instead allowing the presiding officer's removal at any time — which essentially turns him into a rubber stamp for Blakeman. 

Kopel rebuts that characterization. "A lot of things are stillborn," Kopel told the editorial board. "There may be a bad idea coming from the county executive that comes to us and we tell him, 'Don't bother. Don't even put that on the agenda.' "

But as the 7th District's representative, the Lawrence Republican has showcased his ability to lead. For years, Kopel pushed to replace the aging community center in Lawrence; a new one is now finally on the way. And this year, Kopel, 75, has become a powerful advocate for Peninsula Public Library, which current trustees have mismanaged. It's a welcome show of energy for the often quiet lawmaker.

Kopel's opponent is Woodmere Democrat Douglas J. Segan, a former emergency room doctor who now teaches at Hofstra University. Segan, 72, said the legislature would "benefit from having a physician in the house," and hopes to focus on health and public safety, advocating for improvements to the county's 911 system.

If Kopel could bring his district voice to the legislative chamber, Nassau County would benefit.

Newsday Opinion endorses Kopel.