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More than 200 enthusiastic Frank Gulluscio supporters packed the Roma View Room in Howard Beach last Thursday evening with Democratic elected legislators from the area to raise funds for Gulluscio’s upcoming City Council race in the 32nd District.
Gulluscio is expected to face some of his prior opponents in the September 2009 Democratic Primary and, if successful, the incumbent Republican Councilman Eric Ulrich in the November 2009 General Election. Speaker after speaker touted Gulluscio's night as eminently qualified to become the area's next council representative.
Congressman Gregory Meeks said Gulluscio is dedicated to the community and has made a substantial difference.
"In Frank Gulluscio, we have a man that we know we can depend upon when times are hard," said Meeks, adding, "he's ready to serve."
Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who is co-leader with Gulluscio of the South Queens Democratic Club and has worked with him for many years, said, "I know what Frank can do, I know what he has done, I know what he will continue to do."
Pheffer said that in his current position as district manager of Community Board 6 in Forest Hills, "he really knows what has to be done and what could be done and what should be done (in city government)."
State Senator Joseph Addabbo told the audience that when he was the area's councilman, Gulluscio was always with him when the tough financial decisions had to be made. Addabbo said it is clear, without a doubt, that Gulluscio has the best all-around qualifications to represent the area as councilman.
Coming to the podium with the theme music from Rocky playing in the background, Gulluscio received a cheering standing ovation from the audience. He told his supporters that he would be a councilman of the people, "a real person that will represent the north, the south, the east, and the west of this district."
Gulluscio also said his campaign would be a personal, grassroots, door-to-door, block-to-block effort to win the council seat and represent the community.
"I am running to ensure that all of us of this district has a voice and a strong advocate at City Hall," he said. "I pledge to work for the needs and the interests of all the residents in this district."
More good words about Gulluscio came from Lindenwood resident Joan Vasta, who said, "I trust Frank completely, he's a man of his word."
Marie Mauro, also of Lindenwood, said she is a great believer in Gulluscio and is supporting him because "I think he's going to do a great work for the community."
She said that she went out and got petitions for Gulluscio when he ran in the Special Election last February. Gulluscio was eventually tossed from the ticket over technical reasons in the nonpartisan election.
"The first time it was a disappointment,” she said, “but this time he's going to make it and we're going to make sure that he makes it."
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