As reported on page one of today's Manhasset Press, the League of Women Voters held a debate this past Monday between Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli and Glen Cove Mayor Tom Suozzi, the two candidates for Nassau county executive who will face one another in the Sept. 11 Democratic Primary. The winner will face Republican candidate Bruce Bent. The LWV debate was broadcast on radio, not on television, and was, in our opinion, one of high quality. Both candidates are intelligent, well informed on the issues, and articulate. As Mayor Suozzi said at the beginning of the debate, there are few, if any, philosophical differences between them. In fact, each would like to see the other continue in his present position--Mr. DiNapoli as New York state assemblyman and Mayor Suozzi as mayor of Glen Cove. What differences there are became clear early on in the debate. Mayor Suozzi's mantra is "I can do it because I've done it." With that theme he points to his accomplishments in the City of Glen Cove since he has been mayor. Mr. DiNapoli's style is that of a consensus builder who will, as he said, "not bark out orders, but build a consensus." Inevitably in a political contest, each candidate will stress his own strengths and minimize those of his opponent. In Monday's debate, both men managed to do that with courtesy. We hope the positive tone set then continues through Sept. 11.

E.F.B.