Bridget M. Fleming, 61, of Noyac, understands the risk that climate change presents to her ocean-adjacent district that stretches from Montauk to East Moriches, along with Shelter Island. That means pushing for ways to reduce Suffolk’s reliance on fossil fuels, including by expanding solar energy, and to mitigate the impact of extreme weather now by building up wetlands to help stem disastrous flooding from rising seas.

Her focus on new forms of transportation is warranted, including experimenting in micro-transit to make bus service more on-demand and tailored to riders’ needs, offering a way to get county residents out of cars and onto mass transit.

Fleming, who has served in town and county government and is a former prosecutor, has the experience to push these issues forward. She is also working on a run for Congress in 2022.

Her opponent, Robert J. Carpenter III, of East Quogue, is not actively campaigning, according to the Suffolk GOP.

Newsday endorses Fleming.