Among the most crucial local issues for the North Fork is protecting water quality, and Albert J. Krupski Jr. knows that well.

Chronically poor drainage on roads during even moderate storms can lead to flooding and an endangered aquifer, and the solutions are expensive and time-consuming improvements to our drainage systems — the kind of work for which Krupski is well-prepared. The 61-year-old Cutchogue Democrat comes from a multigenerational farming family and has the legislative experience at the town and county level to tackle the tough challenges that bedevil Suffolk districts, from mind-boggling traffic to the promotion of affordable housing.

These and other thorny issues need a steady hand as the district becomes even more threatened by climate change and more densely traveled by visitors and newcomers.

Krupski’s opponent, Republican Remy Bell, 66, of Riverhead, is not actively campaigning, according to the Suffolk GOP.

Newsday endorses Krupski.