As far as debates go, this was a bare-knuckle brawl the likes of which Queens voters haven't seen in recent memory.
Republican state Sen. Serphin Maltese faced off on Thursday with his Democratic challenger, City Councilman Joseph Addabbo, at a forum hosted by a key immigrant voting block of South Asians and West Indians.
But in trying to woo the strategically crucial voters, many of whom said they felt ignored by government, Maltese talked himself into a vulnerable spot - and Addabbo pounded him.
After a spat over state education spending, they were asked what can be done to improve J and A subway stations.
Maltese said he has gotten a grant for almost $2 million to repair five Metropolitan Transportation Authority stations in the 15th Senate District, which runs from Maspeth to Howard Beach.
"Since I have seniority in the Senate, I am able to secure money for the district," said Maltese, whose reelection bid is one of a handful of races that could decide which party controls the Senate.
He had previously told Queens News that during his almost 20 years in the Senate, he has brought $34 million in member-item funding into his district.
Sitting feet away from Addabbo at the debate, Maltese called his opponent a "neophyte - someone who would not command the funds I do."
"You don't need seniority to deal with the MTA," Addabbo shot back.
Then, the two were asked how they could bring funding into the South Asian and West Indian communities in areas such as Richmond Hill and Ozone Park.
Maltese noted he has funded 235 neighborhood groups. But only one - the United Hindu Cultural Society in South Ozone Park - was from those ethnic groups, he acknowledged.
Maltese put the onus on the South Asian and West Indian communities, charging them with "not communicating your needs and your wants to me."
"I ask you, respectfully, tell me your needs," he said. "I want you to knock on my door. I want you to request funding - you deserve it."
Addabbo pounced.
"It's not going to take me 20 years to get funding into your community - that is an absolute disgrace," Addabbo thundered.
He glared at Maltese.
"You should know the groups in your community that need funding," Addabbo charged. "You have not funded United Hindu for seven years now."
Maltese responded by saying he has previously secured a $55 million grant to City University of New York's LaGuardia Community College.
He termed it CUNY's largest member initiative (with funding provided by an elected official) ever, at a school where, he noted, many of his younger constituents take classes.
