Mike Miller Wins in 38th Assembly District Race...

District 38

X Michael Miller Dem 8,514 68.79%

Donna Marie Caltabiano GOP 3,863 31.21%

68 of 68 precincts reporting (100%)

Photo by Frank Kotnik, Jr.

Making Their Case Directly to the People by Bryan Yurcan - Queens Chronicle

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Assemblyman Mike Miller, top left, and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer face challenges from Republicans Donna Marie Caltabiano, top right, and Harold Paez. Voters will have to decide

Election season is in full swing, and several candidates in south Queens races made their pitch to voters at the Ozone Park Civic Association candidates night on Tuesday.

Some of the Republican and Democratic candidates for Assembly, state Senate and Congress shared their views with residents. Several of those running in local races did not attend the event.

In fact, the only race where voters got to hear from both candidates was in the 23rd Assembly District, where incumbent Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) is facing Republican Harold Paez, a podiatrist who resides in the Rockaways.

Pheffer began by noting that many voters are frustrated that the state budget is often late, but she said in the case of this year’s, she and others in the Assembly did not agree with Gov. Paterson’s proposal and had to change parts of it.

“I couldn’t accept parts of the budget,” she said. “I won’t pass it just to say it’s on time.”

Pheffer cited the proposed tax on sugared soda drinks and cuts to the state Tuition Assistance Program as some of the governor’s plans that she didn’t agree with.

Pheffer also touted her constituent services efforts, saying her office will try and resolve any issue or problem a resident brings.

Pheffer said her legislative agenda reflects her commitment to helping the average resident, noting a bill she helped craft that provides for stricter penalties for identity theft.

Pheffer also praised the selection of Genting New York LLC to redevelop Aqueduct Racetrack into a dining and entertainment facility with 4,500 video lottery terminals.

Paez told the audience that he is running for Assembly because he wants to bring a significant change to the “dysfunctional” way Albany operates.

Paez noted the $9 billion state deficit as proof of the legislature’s reckless spending.

“That is not a good position for any state to be in,” he said.

Paez said despite being in one of the worst economic times since the Great Depression, the state government still had spending increases the last two years.

Paez said he supports a cap on property taxes, and pledged to vote against any new taxes if elected.

The candidate said he supports instituting more charter schools in the city, something he believes the legislature “was forced to do” in order to receive federal funds for the Race to the Top program.

Paez also took aim at Pheffer’s 20 years of service in the Assembly. He supports term limits and said his opponent has been part of the Albany culture for too long.

“I want to bring some common sense back to Albany,” he said. “We have to have the strength of will to change what is wrong.”

Also speaking at the event were state Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), who is facing a challenge from Republican Anthony Como.

Addabbo said the state has been through “two tough years” since his election to the Senate, but was proud that the legislature did not raise property taxes during that time.

“I was given a charge to cut the spending, and that’s what we are doing,” he said.

Addabbo also touted the Aqueduct project, and said he doesn’t think the racino will lead to an increase in crime in the area.

Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Glendale) told those in attendance that he is a “24-hour assemblyman” whose office is always open any time to a constituent with a problem.

Miller touted several pieces of legislation he has introduced, including one that would prevent registered sex offenders from working with children in any capacity.

Congressional candidate Asher Taub, a Republican challenging Democrat Greg Meeks in the 6th CD, said the number one issue facing the country is the federal budget deficit.

He said it is caused by borrowing on the part of the federal government since the 1930s, a trend that must stop.

Taub took aim at the healthcare reform law passed this year, which he termed “a disaster.”

His proposed ideas to reduce healthcare costs include changing the current law for medical malpractice actions so doctors can be sued only for gross negligence, not under the standard for recklessness. He said that it would cause doctors’ insurance premiums to significantly drop, and, coupled with reduction of unnecessary and expensive medical tests, could reduce health care expenditures by a significant margin.

Senators Addabbo & Huntley and Assemblymembers Miller & Clark Face Rivals by Howard Koplowitz - YourNabe.com

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Titus Opponent Drops Out of Race - Smith Runs Unopposed


Election season has been heating up this summer in Queens as several political hopefuls announced their challenges against incumbents in the state Legislature.

The July filing with the state Campaign Finance Board revealed that state Assemblywoman Michelle Titus (D-Far Rockaway) and state Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) will be facing competition during this fall’s Democratic primary.

But political newcomer Okenfe Lebarty, who has been listed in the campaign finance database as Titus’ challenger for the 31st Assembly District, which includes Far Rockaway, Rosedale and parts of South Ozone Park, announced his departure from the race early Tuesday morning.

In an e-mail sent out to supporters, Lebarty, a West African immigrant who went to Far Rockaway High School and currently works as the executive director for the University Student Senate for the City University of New York, said his campaign finances had prevented him from continuing in the race.

He raised $3,385 for his campaign so far and spent $4,213, according to campaign finance records. Titus has collected $4,130 for her re-election and spent $3,188, records show.

“Due to lack of resources, we cannot maintain a vigorous and robust campaign, hence our path to victory will not be attainable,” Lebarty wrote in an e-mail.

Huntley, who was elected in 2007, has so far amassed $5,000 in contributions and spent $324 for her re-election bid for the 10th Senate District, which includes Jamaica, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and parts of Forest Hills.

Records show Lynn Nunes, who was six votes shy of defeating City Councilman Thomas White (D-South Ozone Park) during last year’s Democratic primary, has dwarfed the incumbent in both contributions and expenditures, campaign finance records show. The 25-year-old candidate has received $155,390 in contributions and spent $29,085 on his campaign so far, according to campaign finance records.

Nunes contributed the most to his run with a $10,000 donation to his campaign, according to the records.

Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans), the only one of Queens’ five-member Senate delegation who did not have an opponent listed on the campaign finance board website as of the July 15 filing deadline, has amassed $279,150 in contributions and spent $240,441 so far. The largest contribution came from David Rich, a Manhattan lobbyist for the Greater New York Hospital Association, records show.

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Although Clyde Vanel has announced his run against Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village) in the 33rd Assembly District, which includes Queens Village, Cambria Heights and parts of Bellerose, he was not listed on the campaign finance database as of press time Tuesday. The Democratic challenger said he has filed with the campaign finance board and is still committed to his run for the Legislature.

Clark has so far raised $900 for her re-election campaign and spent $1,826 so far, records show. Vanel is listed on the city Board of Elections’ list of candidates who have amassed signatures to appear on the September ballot.

In southern Queens, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) is facing a re-election challenge in the 15th Senate District from former Councilman Anthony Como, a Republican.

The district covers Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, Howard Beach, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and South Ozone Park.

Addabbo has raised $126,355 this year while Como has raised $17,657, according to campaign finance records.

The first-term senator has spent more than $70,000 and Como has spent more than $13,000.

Assemblyman Michael Miller (D-Woodhaven), who won a special election last year to replace disgraced former Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio, is being challenged on two fronts in his quest to win re-election.

Nick Comaianni, a member of Community Board 9 and Community Educational Council 24, is running in the Democratic primary against Miller and Forest Park Senior Center Executive Director Donna Caltabiano is running as a Republican.

Miller has raised $26,655 this year and Caltabiano has raised $4,875. There were no fund-raising totals available yet for Comaianni.

Donna Caltabiano Candidate for Assembly District 38 by Holly Tsang - Leader-Observer

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Donna Caltabiano has spent over 30 years working within her community, and now she’s ready to do even more as she campaigns for the chance to represent the 38th Assembly District.

For the past 15 years, she has served as the executive director of Forest Park Senior Center, and every year the center has fought to stay open, it’s taught Caltabiano a thing or two about stretching dollars.

"I’ve been able to run this senior center on less money than when I first got here,” said Caltabiano. “In Albany, they need to go on a budget and streamline their expenses, and I think I can bring the perspective that I've had over the last 30 years to this position."

Three decades of service include 12 years spent on the former Community School Board 27; 15 years on Community Board 9; and, for the last two years, as State Committee Woman of the 38th Assembly District.

If that isn’t proof enough of how hard she works, if elected, Caltabiano would propose that state legislators spend more time in Albany. She pointed to this year’s legislative schedule, noting that the total number of days lawmakers will be in Albany from January through June total up to little more than a month.

"The way it is now, we need them up there more,” she said. “How in the world can they do a multi-billion dollar budget in 31 days?"

While Caltabiano served as chairperson of CB9’s Transportation Committee, she noticed that a street she often drove on to connect to Woodhaven Boulevard was dangerous because it was on an incline and drivers would often speed down the street trying to beat the traffic lights. She proposed that it be converted into a one-way street coming from Woodhaven Boulevard, and although it was an unpopular decision that inconvenienced many drivers including herself, it was the safest option.

“As a mother you put your things off to the side and you put your children ahead of yourself,” she said. “That's what our elected officials need to do, put their constituents ahead of themselves, and they don't."

Caltabiano realizes that running as a Republican has its drawbacks, but she remains confident that it’s her record that defines her, not her party.

“If they remember the things I've done or see the things that I'm doing now, they're the people that are going to go across the lines,” said Caltabiano. “Once they meet me I think they're going to like me. That's the impression I have."

Woodhaven Blvd Unsafe for Pedestrians by Lisa Fogarty - Queens Chronicle -

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Pedestrians are playing beat the clock to make it across Woodhaven Boulevard safely. Photo by PJ Smith

Forty years ago, Dolores Quintana said she used to feel bad watching her elderly neighbors attempt to cross nine or 10 bustling lanes of traffic on Woodhaven Boulevard in lightning speed time, quite often with walkers in hand.

Now 84, Quintana is confronting the same boulevard, albeit packed with a few more cars than it had in the 1970s. Traversing the street is “like playing beat the clock,” she said.

She’s not alone. Matthias Kleinhans, 74, is also anxious about crossing Woodhaven Boulevard so that he can visit the Forest Park Senior Center. Not long ago, his wife fell in the middle of the street while hurrying to beat the light. Two drivers came to her aid, but the incident could have been avoided, Kleinhans said.

“If it was at least five seconds longer, she could have crossed to safety,” he said. “Woodhaven Boulevard is wide. The light starts blinking and cars start moving before you’re three-quarters of the way across.”

New York State has the third-highest number of pedestrian fatalities in seniors, according to the city council. Despite much ink that has been spilled over Queens Boulevard and its moniker, the “Boulevard of death,” 15 of the 94 pedestrian fatalities that took place in Queens between 2006 and 2008 occurred in Senate District 15, of which seven were individuals over 50. Woodhaven Boulevard is as wide as 10 lanes in some areas and the islands separating the lanes are extremely narrow, barely big enough to fit a wheelchair, walker or baby stroller, said state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach).


“No one should have to be an Olympic athlete to cross Woodhaven Boulevard,” said Addabbo, who held a press conference about pedestrian safety at the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and 89th Avenue last Thursday morning alongside Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven), Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey, Forest Park Senior Center Director Donna Caltabiano, AARP executives and several local seniors.

The meeting place was chosen because it is located within a two-block radius of Forest Park Senior Center, PS 306, which has over 220 students, and PS 60 with over 1,200 students.

“Residents have come to complain that at 85th and 86th streets, they don’t have enough time to cross to get to the library,” Miller said. “We need a Complete Streets policy that recognizes older residents to make our community safer, healthier and a better place to live.”

Caltabiano, a Republican candidate for the 38th Assembly seat now held by Miller, said something as simple as increasing the timing of lights would allow her seniors to feel more comfortable walking to the center. “It’s very difficult for seniors to cross this street,” she said.

AARP’s Create the Good joined with its partners and volunteers last week to survey hundreds of dangerous intersections and streets across the city in an effort to demonstrate to policymakers the need for Complete Streets legislation — which both Addabbo and Miller are sponsoring in the Senate and Assembly.

The bill would require the state to approach road design while keeping in mind the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities and public transportation users. The legislation also proposes changes that include increasing the width of medians, lane shoulders and crosswalks, as well as implementing count-down clocks and adjusting the timing of lights — an option that wouldn’t cost the state a dime, Addabbo said.

According to studies, the standard amount of time a pedestrian has to cross a street is one second for every four feet, though that average has recently dropped even further to one second for every three-and-a-half feet, said William Stoner, associate state director of Livable Communities at AARP. At Woodhaven Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue, a pedestrian has just 35 seconds to cross the 120-foot-wide intersection, Miller said.

“Too often our roads are built for cars to go as fast as possible without consideration for pedestrians,” Stoner said. “In communities like these, you could recommend three feet per second because of seniors and children. It costs nothing.”

The Department of Transporation began meeting with elected officials, experts and residents in 2008 to discuss traffic volume, roadway alignment and other issues that affect Woodhaven Boulevard between Queens Boulevard and Liberty Avenue. Although the Woodhaven traffic study has yet to be released, Carey said she is still working with the borough commissioner on these problems and hopes DOT will produce solutions and recommendations that can then be presented to Albany to lobby for legislation.

Another glimmer of hope came last week when several members of the city council, including former police office Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), argued on behalf of passing Intro 120, or the “Saving Lives Through Better Information Bill,” which requires the New York City Police Department to make certain traffic-related statistics available through its website.

Potential Candidates Start Their Engines by Lisa Fogarty - Queens Chronicle

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Election season is in full swing.

Despite the still-meager number of public announcements that have been made by candidates planning to run for a chance to unseat Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the air is buzzing with possibility and the names of several potential contenders.

Nick Comaianni, a small business-owner and the president of Community Education Council of District 24, said he is definitely in the running to challenge Miller in the Democratic primary for the 38th District Assembly seat. Comaianni has been down this road before — he attempted to run for the position last year after disgraced Assemblyman Anthony Seminario pleaded guily in a corruption case, leaving the seat suddenly vacant. But the Queens Democratic Party chose Miller as its candidate, cutting Comaianni’s shot short.

“This time around it’s not going to be a select few people deciding for thousands,” he said. “This time let the people decide.”

Comaianni said he remains faithful to the same issues he vowed to work on last year, including helping small business owners and senior citizens and education.

“We stand to lose 8,000 teachers in New York City,” he said. “The Assembly wants to cut that to 4,000. I say there should be no cuts — education is the last thing you want to cut.”

Comaianni, a member of the West Queens Democratic Party, is being supported by Farouk Samaroo, an Army soldier who also ran for the Assembly seat and was vocal in his belief that the special election process was racially biased. Fellow Democrat Albert Baldeo, who also ran last year, could not be reached for comment.

Another familiar player, Donna Caltabiano, who was the Republican pick to challenge Miller, has officially announced her candidacy. Caltabiano is the executive director of the Forest Hills Senior Center and says she knows what the community wants, since seniors at her center hail from all over the district, and that quality of life issues are their biggest concern. “They don’t think anyone is responding to their needs,” she said.

Caltabiano added that every day she sees examples of the government’s misuse of funding. “I see five or six Access-a-Rides coming to pick up five or six seniors. There is a lot of waste.”

While the Queens GOP endorsed Caltabiano, the Queens County Conservative Party got behind Miller, something they’ve done again.

“We unanimously endorsed him in March again,” said Thomas Long,chairman of the Queens Conservatives.

As for the senatorial race, Long said he’s heard quite a few names tossed around as potential Republican candidates who may run against Addabbo, but that nothing is certain. Among them: former Councilman Anthony Como, former 30th District Assembly candidate Anthony Nunziato and Councilman Eric Ulrich.

“I have no intention of being a candidate for office this year,” said Ulrich (R-Ozone Park). “I’m very happy doing my job. I do think Joe will have a tough race — this is a swing district. It’s going to be very challenging for Democrats.”

Ulrich, who is also a local district leader, said several candidates have expressed interest in running against Addabbo and that the Queens GOP will announce a candidate shortly.

Meanwhile, Nunziato said he would keep an eye out on the field, but that he has no plans to run against Addabbo.

Como, however, was far less resistant to the idea.

“I haven’t made up my mind 100 percent, but I’m leaning toward it,” he said.

The attorney and former counsel for state Sen. Serphin Maltese won the June 2008 special election in District 30 and served as councilman until December, when he was defeated by Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village). He said that while his tenure in the council was short, he achieved a great deal.

Among his accomplishments, he said, were starting up the Ridgewood Historical Register after the project had been stalled, helping a constituent keep her home from foreclosure and securing millions of dollars to fund nearly every school in his district.

As of now, no Democratics have been named as possible candidates to challenge either Addabbo or Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), according to several sources.

Long said he has heard rumors that Rockaway Republican Gerald Sullivan, who ran against Pheffer in 2008, may be interested in challenging her again. Sullivan was unable to be reached for comment or confirmation.

Senator Addabbo and Assemblyman Miller Team with AARP to Make Our Streets and Sidewalks Safer

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Senator Joe Addabbo and Assemblyman Mike Miller meet with AARP Safe Streets campaign official and volunteers, a nearby school's parent reps, along with older adults from nearby senior center at Thursday, April 29 press conference at Woodhaven Blvd. & 89th Ave. intersection. Senator Joe Addabbo and Assemblyman Mike Miller show gathered press corps and Safe Streets campaign supporters from AARP and the Woodhaven community a listing of fatalities in the 15th Senate District of people over age 50. A Senate District 15 map showing dangerous crossings also was displayed at the press conference.

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced today that he is joining the AARP in a campaign to survey crosswalks and intersections and take action to make our streets and sidewalks safer.

Senator Addabbo was joined by NYS Assemblyman Michael Miller, Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey, Forest Park Senior Center President Donna Caltabiano, representatives from local schools, and others, at the intersection of Woodhaven Blvd and 89^th Avenue in Woodhaven.

This location was highlighted by Senator Addabbo because within a two-block radius there is the Forest Park Senior Center and PS 60 (pre-K through grade 5) with over 1200 students and PS 306 (pre-K through grade 2) with over 220 students. Both seniors and students have to cross 10 lanes of traffic to reach either schools or their senior center.

This effort is part of a broader statewide campaign, “Complete Streets Week: Making New York Walkable for All Generations,” which will survey hundreds of dangerous roads and intersections across the state. Several factors will be taken into account including if there are adequate traffic and crossing signals, if crosswalks are properly marked, and if there is enough time to cross the streets.

The results will be used to make improvements and develop legislation to ensure that streets are safe and accessible for individuals of all ages.

Senator Addabbo said, “This location highlights a dangerous intersection in the district. If a senior or student needs to cross Woodhaven Boulevard, they have to cross 10 lanes of traffic in a very short time. Additionally, the islands separating the lanes are very narrow, where there is no space for a wheelchair, walker or baby stroller to fit without putting a pedestrian at danger. I am proud to work with AARP to bring attention to this problem and to the need for Complete Streets in our neighborhood.”

“We need a Complete Streets policy that recognizes older residents to make our community safer, healthier, and a better place to live. Keeping the walkways free of cracks and potholes will prevent injuries. By increasing the amount of time you have to cross streets and decreasing speed limits at major intersections, we can dramatically reduce pedestrian fatalities. I have made our quality of life a top priority since taking office and will continue to fight for improvements. This plan is good for our seniors and good for our community,” said Assemblymember Miller.

Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey said, "For the last 20 years, accidents around both Woodhaven and Jamaica as well as the surrounding intersections have been a serious issue. Too often those accidents include fatalities and involve senior citizens. We need to take a serious look at these intersections and how we can improve them for the safety of everyone."

“Complete streets are vital for older residents to maintain an independent lifestyle,” said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. “That is why AARP has organized this statewide initiative to evaluate the most dangerous roads and intersections in New York so that we can help community members document the problems in their neighborhoods. Complete Streets legislation would help New Yorkers age in the setting of their choice because their community will be more livable and meet their growing needs.”

“Senior Centers are vital for the community and considered safe havens. We need to ensure that all seniors can safely reach their senior centers,” said Donna Caltabiano, the president of Forest Park Senior Center.

The neglect of pedestrian safety falls harder on older adults. According to the 2009 report, Dangerous by Design by Transportation for Americans, New York ranks 3rd in the nation for pedestrian fatalities for people age 65+. An AARP report finds that two in five Americans age 50 or over say their neighborhood sidewalks are inadequate, and nearly half cannot cross main roads close to their home safely, preventing many from walking, cycling, or taking the bus.

From 2006 thru 2008 there were 6,731 automobile accidents with 94 fatalities. In Senate District 15 alone, there were 15 fatalities, of which seven were individuals above 50.

By 2025, people age 65+ will comprise nearly 20 percent of the population. Yet two-thirds of transportation planners and engineers say they have yet to begin addressing older people in their street planning. Complete Streets policies direct transportation planners and engineers to design streets and roads with all people in mind including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities.

Complete Streets legislation has been introduced in the New York State Assembly and Senate by transportation and aging policy leaders in New York State. Senator Addabbo is a Co-Sponsor of this legislation. Complete Streets legislation will ensure that all new roads constructed have to provide the same consistent level of safe travel for all motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users regardless of age or ability.

“We need this legislation to ensure that our streets that we construct in the future provide the same level of safety for all residents of New York State regardless of age. Our streets should not be ones that our seniors or any pedestrians are afraid to cross,” said Senator Addabbo.

Michael Miller Wins Special Election for 38th Assembly Seat

Assembly District 38 - Special Election Results
Michael Miller (Dem) 64.55%	2730
Donna Marie Caltabiano (GOP) 35.45%	1499
Reporting: 68 of 68 precincts - 100.00%

Schumer, Weiner Line Up Behind 'Democrat' Miller - The Daily Politics - NY Daily News

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Conservative/Democratic Assembly candidate Mike Miller is wracking up endorsements now that a federal court judge has cleared the way for the on-again, off-again, on-again primary day special election to take place in the 38th AD.

The latest Democratic elected officials to announce their support of Miller in his quest for the seat held until June by former Assemblyman Tony Seminerio are Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Anthony Weiner.

The Miller campaign's release includes an attached photo of the candidate with Weiner and the following statement from Schumer:

"Democrat Mike Miller has been a leader and advocate for all our families, and will continue fighting for us in the State Assembly.”

And then there's this from Miller himself:

"I am honored to have the support of the Democratic leaders our community trusts. As the only Democrat in this election, I will not let the residents of the 38th Assembly District down."

"On day one, I’ll be ready to fight for what matters most to our families - strong local schools, affordable health care, a vibrant economy with good-paying jobs, and a quality of life that makes people want to live, work, and raise a family in Queens.”

Notice anything missing? The fact that Miller has been cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party, perhaps?

Primary day tends to bring out committed (read: trending left), hard-core Democrats. So it stands to reason that Miller's Conservative support isn't necessarily something his campaign wants to tout to the kind of voters who might be moved by a Schumer-Weiner endorsement.

Miller is so far only facing the Queens GOP's nominee, Donna Marie Caltabiano, in the Sept. 15 race.

The Democrat who filed an unsuccessful lawsuit to block Gov. David Paterson's declared, rescinded and re-declared special election, Farouk Samaroo, is continuing to challenge the constitutionality of the race, but that seems rather a long shot effort at this point.

38th AD Race Loses Two Candidates by Lisa Fogarty - Queens Chronicle

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Democrats Lourdes Ventura, left, and Nick Comaianni will run in 2010 for a full term in the 38th District Assembly seat.

The list of candidates running for the 38th District Assembly seat dwindled further this week when Lourdes Ventura, former counsel to state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) and counsel for Latino and Immigrant Affairs, and Nick Comaianni, Community Education Council of District 24 president, announced they are taking a rain check on campaigning until next year’s election for the full-term seat.

Ventura and Comaianni sought the Democratic endorsement in the Sept. 15 special election to fill the seat left vacant when former Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio resigned and pleaded guilty to fraud charges two months ago. When Democratic Party leaders chose Mike Miller, who has also received the Conservative and Independent Party endorsements, both candidates joined fellow Democrats Albert Baldeo and Farouk Samaroo and bowed out of the race.

All four contenders have said they will run in November 2010 for a full term, when they will face Miller or Republican candidate Donna Marie Caltabiano.

“I’m a resident in the district, have a young child and wanted to make a difference,” Ventura explained as her motivation behind running.

Prior to joining the Senate staff, Ventura worked as an associate at Ahmuty, Demers & McManus, a civil litigation firm. In addition, she served as an assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s Office from 2002 until 2006, where she investigated complaints and prosecuted cases involving allegations of unlawful discrimination in housing, education and places of accommodation, such as hotels.

In addition to heading CEC 24, Comaianni is a United States Navy veteran and chairman of Community Board 9’s education committee. He’s also a member of the board of directors at his Forest Park condominium complex, where he said he has witnessed firsthand the struggles seniors face fighting to maintain homes they worked hard to buy but can no longer afford to keep.

AD38 Special Election is On - Again by Dan Jacoby - The Daily Gotham

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When Assemblymember Anthony Seminerio resigned in disgrace, the stage was set for a very interesting election to replace him, but all hopes for a true election were dashed today when Govenor Paterson issued a proclamation for a special election to be held on September 15.

Without that proclamation, there would have been a primary on Sept. 15, followed by a general election in November. Four Democrats, including Albert Baldeo, had petitioned to be on the ballot. For the special election, however, there is no primary, and the Democratic insiders can pick their nominee. That nominee will be Mike Miller, who also has the Conservative Party line. That's right - Conservative!

Baldeo has been a thorn in the side of the Queens County Democratic machine for a few years. In 2005, he ran for City Council in a race that included a claim (unverified) that he pulled a gun on an opponent's wife. In 2006, Baldeo ran for state Senate on the Democratic line (despite the opposition of the Democratic machine) and came within several hundred votes of knocking out Serph Maltese. In 2008, he ran again, going up against Joseph Addabbo, Jr. in a primary, until he was persuaded by, among others, now-Senate Democratic Caucus Chair John Sampson, to drop out; Addabbo won that election.

In theory, someone (such as Baldeo) could still petition to get on the ballot for the special election as an independent candidate. The problem is that Baldeo apparently moved into the district sometime between Sept. 15 and Nov. 3 of last year. That means he would have satisfied the one-year residency requirement for a general election, but won't for the special, and is therefore ineligible to run.

The winner in this mess is the Queens Democratic Party. They don't have to worry about Albert Baldeo upsetting their plans, at least this year.

The losers are: Sampson, Malcolm Smith and Rep. Greg Meeks, all of whom are supporting Baldeo; DC37, which endorsed Baldeo this week; Baldeo himself (at least for now); and the voters of the 38th AD, who won't get a real opportunity to cast a meaningful vote.

There is one more loser: David Paterson. Last Friday his office issued a proclamation for a special election, only to have him retract it a few hours later. Now he issues - or reissues - another proclamation? I'm still not sure who did what, and why it all got screwed up, but if Paterson can't make a decision, stick with it, and get his office to follow his lead, what chance does he have to resurrect his sagging popularity? In addition, Paterson has now pissed off the current Senate President Pro Tempore (Smith), the presumptive Senate President Pro Tempore for next year (Sampson), a Congressman (Meeks), and most likely many others.

Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy year.

Dems Pick Miller In 38th AD by Elizabeth Benjamin - The Daily Politics - NY Daily News

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As expected, the Queens Democrats have tapped Mike Miller as their candidate to run in the Sept. 15 special election for the seat vacated by scandal-scarred former Assemblyman Tony Seminerio.

The decision was made by three of the four district leaders in the 38th AD. Seminerio, who remains a district leader despite the fact that he pleaded guilty to, and is awaiting sentencing for, influence-peddling, did not show up at the party HQ to vote.

The decision on Miller, a Community Board 5 member who has never held elected office, was not unanimous.

He got two votes, while Nick Comaianni, a member of Community Board 9 and Community Education Council of District 24 president, received one.

A Queens tipster says the vote was 2-1 for Comianni a few weeks ago. No word on who flipped.

Queens Democratic Party Executive Secretary Michael Reich confirmed Miller's selection and the fact that Seminerio was a no-show. ("We weren't surprised," Reich said of the erstwhile lawmaker's absence in selecting his potential successor).

Miller has been cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party (they formally nominated him last Friday after Gov. David Paterson changed his mind and re-issued a proclamation for the 38th AD special election).

Seminerio regularly ran with the Conservative line - and sometimes the GOP line, too. But the demographic of the district has been changing, with a lot of minorities moving in (it was only 42 percent white after the 2000 Census), supplanting the right-leaning, Caucasian conservative Democrats.

I asked Reich if he's worried Miller's cross-endorsement could hurt him since the special election is being held concurrent with the primary, which tends to draw hard-core Democrats. That would be a big problem for Miller if the WFP, which hasn't picked a candidate yet, decides to nominate someone to his left.

"It's going to be up to us to put the Democratic candidate forward," Reich said. "I believe we can do that. Mike is a guy who has been active in the community for a long time. Honestly, he has not been that active in Democratic politics, but he's a life-long Democrat and he demonstrated to us that he has a great deal of community support."

"...We're trying to add something new and different to the mix here. We're looking to build the party and Mike will help us do that. I don't know what the Working Families Party will do. I hope they'll support our candidate, but we haven't spoken to them as of yet."

It's worth noting that the labor-backed party and its allies have bucked the Queens Democrats in several Council races this year. On the 38th AD question, WFP spokesman Dan Levitan was non-committal, saying only:

"WFP members will look at all the candidates in the race and endorse the one who will best represent working people in Queens."

Of course, letting the 38th AD contest go forward as a regular election was a dangerous proposition, too, because there's not much of a mayor's race to pull voters and the one person who will be spending a lot on GOTV is a certain billionaire whose name will appear on the GOP line.

(Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who wants to keep the seat in Democratic hands, was worried about this, and pushed Paterson to reinstate the special election he had called off).

Meanwhile, one of the three other Democrats who petitioned their way onto the ballot and are now being denied a run by Paterson's special election decision - is filing a federal lawsuit against the governor this afternoon.

No word yet on what Albert Baldeo is going to do.

The Republicans are expected to Donna Marie Caltabiano, who also filed petitions and got on the ballot, to run.

Much Confusion Over Setting Date For 38th AD Special Election by John Toscano - www.qgazette.com | Queens Gazette

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No new date for a special election to fill the seat vacated by Assemblymember Anthony Seminerio has been announced by Governor David Paterson. Paterson announced a date for an election last Friday, but then canceled it some four hours later.

Reports that the governor's bizarre actions were sparked by two Queens lawmakers, Congressmember Gregory Meeks (D- Southeast Queens) and state Senator Malcolm Smith (D- Jamaica) have been circulating since the announcement was rescinded.

Meeks and Smith reportedly were acting on behalf of Albert Baldeo, an Ozone Park attorney who wants to run for the seat vacated by Seminerio, but as of now would not qualify to run because he does not live within the district's boundaries.

Baldeo presently resides in Ozone Park. The 38th AD includes areas of Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Glendale.

On August 7, the governor had set September 15 as the day for the special election. Primary elections will be held throughout the city on that date, which had already been set by the Board of Elections more than a month ago when nominating petitions began to be circulated by anyone seeking to run in the primaries.

Baldeo and three other persons submitted petitions to run for the 38th AD seat to the Board of Elections. The other three seeking to run for the seat are listed in the board's records as Nick Comaianni of Woodhaven; Michael G. Miller of Glendale, and Farouk Samaron of Richmond Hill.

One of those three reportedly has the backing of the Queens Democratic Party. However, calls to party headquarters in Forest Hills were not returned so the party's designee could not be confirmed.

However, the Queens organization, headed by Congressmember Joseph Crowley, reportedly wants to go ahead with the election on September 15. Meeks and Smith's opposition led to the governor canceling the special election for that day.

Jumping into the act, the Queens Republican Party said through a spokesman that it is "reviewing our legal options" to go into court and compel the governor to enforce the September 15 date he originally set for the special election because the GOP may want to put up a candidate to run for the seat.

The Queens Democrats might also go to court to get a ruling saying the governor can't change the date since he officially set it.

38th District Candidate Calls for Investigation of Special Election Proclamation by David Lombardo - Legislative Gazette

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Albert Baldeo, a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 38th Assembly District, is calling for an investigation into this past Friday’s confusion surrounding the scheduling of a special election in the district.

A proclamation announcing the date of a special election was issued by Gov. David A. Paterson’s office around noon on Friday and was retracted about four hours later by a brief statement.

Baldeo is encouraged by the recall of the first statement, but wants an investigation into the whole affair.

“The question here is who ‘back-doored’ the proclamation without the governor’s consent,” said Baldeo, who pointed out Paterson was in the Hamptons when the proclamation was issued.

If the retraction is ultimately deemed invalid, and there ends up being a special election, Baldeo has promised legal action.

“We are going to sue for ballot access and our right to run for public office if a special election is called,” said Baldeo. He also said there are other candidates who would join him in his suit.

According to the Queens Board of Elections there are currently four Democrats who have submitted the adequate number of petitions to appear on the Democratic primary ballot for this seat and they are Baldeo, Nick Comaianni, Michael G. Miller and Farouk Samaroo. There is currently only one Republican with petitions submitted and she is Donna Marie Caltabiano.