Frank Gulluscio certainly has the resume of a future city councilman.The civic leader began his career as a teacher before moving into the private sector as a chief financial officer for a sales and marketing corporation. He left the corporate world to take a position as an aide to then-councilman Joseph Addabbo Jr. He now serves on Community Board 6 in Forest Hills as a district manager. Both responsibilities solidified his desire to enter public office.
Last February, in a special election to fill the vacant council seat left when Addabbo was elected to the Senate, Gulluscio finally got the chance to throw his hat in the political ring. But, as he discovered, a political campaign isn’t always the fairest of battlegrounds.
Gulluscio was pulled from the race for reasons that remain murky. Some accounts say his petitions featured a star and were printed on green paper, which is a Democratic trademark and not allowed in a special election. Gulluscio said one of his contenders — Democrat Geraldine Chapey — was focused on getting him off the ballot, which resulted in court visits and lost time and votes.
“It will be a couple of chapters in my book,” Gulluscio said.
The candidate, who heads the South Queens Democratic Club, said he knew even before the last race ended that he would run again in November.
“I’m running because I’m the people’s candidate,” he said. “I’ve been involved in this community my entire life. I’m a well-rounded resident. I do the job every day.”
Addabbo agreed.
“His educational background, small business background and community involvement certainly surpass that of any candidate out there,” he said.
Gulluscio’s first fundraiser was held on Thursday, April 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Roma View, located at 160-05 Cross Bay Blvd.
