Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) announced Tuesday that he does not plan to seek re-election to Congress this November. In a release, Israel said the decision was made in an effort to keep the Third Congressional District “in the hands of the Democrats.”

Read on for our endorsements of those we believe should be elected to Town Council, Receiver Of Taxes, and Town Clerk positions.

Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone has proposed a near $189 million budget for 2016 that slightly reduces spending while increasing the tax levy by 1.3 percent, below the state’s tax cap.