Sam DiBernardo declared his candidacy for a local City Council seat.The intense race to replace term-limited City Councilman Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) has recently heated up.
A Howard Beach man declared his candidacy last week, bringing the number of competitors to five. Sam DiBernardo considers himself 73 years young and believes that running as an Independent, he has a “fairly good chance” of beating out his younger opponents.
“I’m quite bright and spry for that age,” the former educator said. Always keeping active, he paints, sculpts, draws, plays the guitar and sings. He also writes poetry and a column, called “Funny You Should Ask,” which he is attempting to get syndicated.
DiBernardo has also made two previous attempts to enter the political world, the first in the mid-1970s for a seat in Congress and the second for City Council. DiBernardo said he lost as a result of redistricting issues.
The Korean War veteran’s focus in this race is education. “I think I can make a difference,” he said, noting his long history as a teacher. Having lived in the Ozone Park and Howard Beach neighborhoods for close to 60 years, DiBernardo has taught in many of the area’s local schools, including P.S. 207, M.S. 202 and John Adams High School.
Improving the state of education in the local area is a top priority for DiBernardo, who believes “children should be nurtured in superior and safe schools.” He is also spearheading a fight against corrupt co-op boards and calling for term limits on board members.
The local man said his resolve to win this race is driven by his dedication to the community. DiBernardo believes his qualifications, which include a strong background in education and business, make him the ideal candidate.
But it was one event that sparked the flame and convinced the “good neighbor” to enter the race. Last month, Addabbo endorsed Democratic candidate Frank Gulluscio, 60. DiBernardo was angered by the “anointment,” which he called wrong.
“In American politics, you run on your own merits,” the Brooklyn native said. Wanting to keep political jockeying out of the district, DiBernardo decided to run and offer Addabbo’s constituents an alternative.
Other candidates for the hotly contested seat include 22-year-old Republican District Leader Eric Ulrich and two Democrats from the Rockaways: activist, kids’ sports coach and Community Education Council member John Patrick Larkin, 34, and Democratic District Leader Lew Simon, who lost to Addabbo in the 2001 primary. As of last month, neither had filed with the Campaign Finance Board.
Addabbo is attempting to unseat state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale) in the upcoming election. If he does, a special election will be held next year for the Council candidates. If not, they will face off in November 2009.
