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Anthony Como, the Republican’s top pick for disgraced politician Dennis Gallagher’s open seat, said Tuesday his opponent Thomas Ognibene has done so much whining lately
it’s time he did something about it.
“I’m about to buy him some cheese,” said Como, one of five candidates in the Special Election to be held June 3.
Como, the former Queens Board of Elections commissioner, was the first to file his petition with the City Board of Elections to become an eligible candidate in the race. As a result, he will be listed in the coveted first spot on the ballot.
Como beat Ognibene to the elections office by a matter of minutes.
But Ognibene is claiming Como used his pull in the office so he could sign in before the elections office was even technically open.
As proof, he has a copy of the office’s visitor’s log, which shows Como signed in at 8:25 a.m. – 35 minutes before official business is allowed to begin. Those who filed on behalf of Ognibene did not show up until 9:15 a.m., according to the log.
“Under these circumstances, it is imperative that a full investigation be conducted to determine if Mr. Como abused his former official position to gain early entry to the Board office and secure a ballot position advantage,” stated Ognibene in a letter to Steven Richman, counsel of the City Board of Elections. “I have asked my attorney … not to pursue any other legal remedies until such time as we have given the board a full opportunity to review this matter.”
In response, Como called Ognibene’s accusations “reprehensible” and said he owes the entire elections board and its staff an apology, as he attacked the “integrity of the process.”
Como said that while the elections office cannot conduct business until 9 a.m., the doors open at 8 a.m. Valerie Vasquez, a spokeswoman for the board, confirmed this Tuesday.
Como said he arrived at the office early then waited until 9 a.m. to submit his petition.
“The office opens at 8 a.m. It’s a public building, anybody can walk into the building,” Como said. “Unfortunately, [Ognibene] was unhappy to see he didn’t get a chance to file first. Now he’s whining about it.”
Como said the proof he filed properly is easily attainable – the time he filed the petition is stamped on the document at the elections office.
“It’s unfortunate his employees were late,” Como said. But don’t blame that on the board of elections.”
In other Special Election news, candidate Charles Ober, an openly gay Democrat, is still smarting from comments made by the office of fellow Democratic candidate Elizabeth Crowley, following a hate letter that was sent to voters in District 30. The profanity-laced letter attacks Ober’s sexuality stating, “We already have too many fagots trying to change the laws. We don’t need more queer’s [sic] here with his own agenda. I now have to worry that my children are not going to be safe and that a pedophile is going to be living here and be a part of my neighborhood. Imagine the village here in Glendale or Middle Village. Queerville USA 11385.”
Despite being from the opposing party, Ognibene joined up with Ober for a press conference to denounce the letter.
It was a union that raised some eyebrows. Alyson Grant, the campaign manager for Crowley, sent a statement to the Queens Tribune accusing Ober of being used by the Republicans to divide Democrats.
“It’s outrageous that Charles Ober is allowing himself to be used by Tom Ognibene and the Republicans, since Ognibene’s entire career has been an affront to everything Ober claims to stand for,” she stated.
“I cannot believe that Crowley was the only candidate that did not call me to speak against the letter, but issued a statement attacking me through her campaign manager questioning my motives,” Ober stated.
Regarding his teaming up with Ognibene, Ober said, “After careful consideration, I felt that this was not a political stunt as hinted by Crowley, but it was time to put politics on the side and stand against hateful people that would send such a disgusting letter out against me.”
Meanwhile Crowley, who has been endorsed by the Queens Democratic Party, collected an endorsement Monday from the Uniformed Fire Officers Association.
“We know she will fight to ensure that New York’s Bravest have all the resources we need to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Jack O’Donnell, president of the UFOA.
6 years ago
