News and Notes from Senator Joe Addabbo - NY Senate District 15

ADDABBO: SENATE PASSES PRE-MEMORIAL DAY BILLS HONORING SERVICE OF VETERANS, PAST AND CURRENT

Bills Provide Additional Entitlements; Senator Reminds Residents to Be Mindful of Memorial Day

Queens, NY, May 26, 2011 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), ranking member of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Committee, today announced the passage of several bills before the New York State Senate in honor of all the brave men and women who decided to protect and serve the United States during non-combat and combat instances. The ten bills, comprising the Senate’s Active List for Wednesday, May 25^th, would build upon the Senate’s ongoing commitment to increased recognition and respect for veterans and their families. Addabbo voted in favor of all the veteran military bills, including a bill (S.2497) that would require the executive director of the office of real property services to create a list of documents in support of a veteran’s eligibility when applying for real property tax exemptions. The proposed law would make it easier for veterans to apply for real property tax exemptions. With the exception of S.656, all bills now await passage by the Assembly before going to Governor Andrew A. Cuomo for signature. The ten bills included:

• Bill S.2497, cited above.
• Bill S.656, authorizing the Department of Environmental Conservation to designate additional fishing events as rehabilitation for armed forces veterans or active members with need for veterans or active duty members to obtain fishing licenses.
• Bill S.3192, establishing a mechanism for parents or guardians who find themselves deployed for short term military service to appoint a short term military guardian for their child or children during service.
• Bill S.3222, permitting municipalities to enact a local law to grant additional combat veteran exemptions to persons not discharged from their subsequent service.
• Bill S.5337, prohibiting the unauthorized use of the names and images of members of the armed forces or organized militia of New York.
• Bill S.3228, preventing the court from using deployment and military status as a detrimental factor in determining custody.
• Bill S.193, allowing honorably discharged veterans certified as having a 40% or greater service-connected disability to purchase a lifetime sportsman license for a twenty dollar fee.
• Bill S.824, providing qualified veterans with a certified disability access by a float plane to appropriate lands under the Department of Environmental Conservation’s jurisdiction.
• Bill S.4569, which extends two previous military law sections, allowing for rental of armories for non-military use when available and transporting monies from those armory rentals back into the armories state wide to cover operating costs.
• Bill S.3684, amending the definition of naval militia to conform with federal law and legally recognize the naval militia as the naval forces of the state of New York.

Senator Addabbo stated, “As we approach Memorial Day, the Senate is doing its part to honor veterans and remain mindful of their service to our country. Since the 19^th century, the United States has honored the legacies of these brave individuals and proclaimed Memorial Day to be a significant day to acknowledge those that did not make it home.” Addabbo noted by advancing these bills, the legislature would ensure military-family privacies, the entitlement of additional benefits, an expansion of recreational activities with fewer restrictions, and support in custodial matters.

“New York was the first state to recognize Memorial Day in 1873, and today as we remain mindful of those veterans who have left us, we cannot forget our current service men and woman who have served, are serving, and who have provided countless hours of service to defend our freedoms,” concluded Addabbo.

ADDABBO: FAMILIES NEED MORE PROTECTION FROM CRIMINALS

Queens, NY, May 26, 2011 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) helped obtain passage in the Senate of a measure that would strengthen a law designed to prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes. Previously cited as the “Son of Sam” law, the bill (S.4393) amends the law to include criminals who were found to be mentally afflicted also will be prevented from profiting from commercial exploitation of their stories.

Before the “Son of Sam” law was implemented in response to a string of murders of young women in New York during the summer of 1977, criminals were offered huge sums of money for the rights to their stories. Senator Addabbo disagreed with this rationale. Explained Addabbo, “Surviving spouses of the victims of heinous acts of murder should not be subjected to any glorification of notorious prisoners, nor profiling of a loved one’s murder. On top of this, to be financially exploited and not to receive any monies for the wrongful actions inflicted upon their close ones, is absurd.”

The federal government and 40 states have implemented an assortment of “Son of Sam” laws to address this pressing issue. By voting in favor of a technical correction to the prevailing success of New York State law, Senator Addabbo is placing another barrier before all criminals, to prevent them profiting from their crimes.

The bill passed the Senate in May and is yet to be introduced in the New York State Assembly. “Our first priority must be protecting and keeping victims’ families from public access. These incidents are privacy matters where respect for loved ones and their families is warranted,” said Addabbo.

ADDABBO ANNOUNCES BILL TO INFORM RESIDENTS OF PUBLIC WORK INTERRUPTIONS

Bill Mandates Protocols Cities Must Follow

Queens, NY, May 26, 2011 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) announces he introduced legislation (S.5023) that would require cities with a population of one million or more residents to notify residents of public work projects in their area. People living within a half-mile of the proposed public work project must be notified within three (3) days before commencement of a project. “My constituents are frequently victims of having no water or other service due to construction or some other public work being done in their area. I believe these residents should be given ample notice if they are going to be inconvenienced,” explained Senator Addabbo.

The public work projects subject to this provision include construction, repairs, utility services and public work. With the exception of utility services, residents must be notified of any public work that will encompass 48 hours.

Under the proposed measure, sufficient signage would be displayed to inform both residents and visitors of the work.“Informing the community of public work projects would benefit not only residents, but businesses as well. To comply with proposed projects, businesses can schedule deliveries and work around the inconveniences of the public work,” said Addabbo.

Utility service disruptions are the exception, as companies would have to immediately notify the public of any perceived interruptions. “A disruption in utilities is frustrating. Being informed of such a disruption might ease the level of frustration for people,” Addabbo noted.

The bill currently stands in the State Senate Cities Committee and is awaiting sponsorship in the Assembly.

ADDABBO ANNOUNCES BILL THAT ELIMINATES OFFENSIVE TERMINOLOGY FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Awaits Governor’s Decision; Highlights Bill that Employs Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Queens, NY, May 24, 2011 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) announced the passage of legislation that would eliminate references of the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” in the Mental Hygiene Law. The bill (S.4467) was passed by the New York State Senate and previously in the Assembly; it now awaits action from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

“I supported this bill because the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" are offensive terms,” explained Addabbo. “These individuals with developmental disabilities should not have to sustain belittling through the usage of offensive terminology.”

In the past, Senator Addabbo has worked on legislation for individuals with disabilities. He pointed to a bill he introduced in March 2011 that would offer small business owners a tax credit for the hiring and retaining of individuals with disabilities (S.4107). “Because of a tough job market and the financial restraints all residents currently face in this ongoing recession, it is vital that incentives are available to small business owners who employ these disadvantaged individuals. They face an almost two-to-one discrepancy in earned median salaries,” said Addabbo.

Should S.4467 be signed into law, it would follow a string of measures taken by the state legislature to move away from the terminology “mental retardation.” In 2007, a law was signed requiring the use of person-centered language when referring to individuals with disabilities. Last year, the New York State agency, “Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities” was changed to the “Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.”

“We should always be respectful and mindful of these courageous individuals who endure unfair obstacles and disadvantages in today’s society,” concluded Addabbo.

ADDABBO: SENATE PASSES BILL REQUIRING CAMP DIRECTORS TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

Queens, NY, May 17, 2011 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), voted for the recent passage of a Senate bill pending in the legislature, A.05519/S.3777-A, which would amend the social services law to require directors of children’s overnight, summer day and traveling summer day camps to report suspected child abuse and maltreatment, regardless of the location where abuse may have occurred.

Camp operators are currently required by the state Department of Health to report abuse or maltreatment that may occur at camp. However, the directors are not included as mandated reporters of child abuse that may be witnessed in other settings. In addition, directors that report suspected abuse could be liable for civil liability actions, such as slander or defamation. By including overnight, summer day and traveling summer day camp directors among the teaching, medical and law enforcement professions, and many others who act as mandated reporters, New York is increasing the potential for early detection of abuse and facilitating the ability of directors to come forward with important information.

Senator Addabbo explains: “As youth development professionals, camp directors work with hundreds of children each year. Their first interest is in the safety and well-being of their campers. The current Department of Health regulation requires camp operators and directors to report allegations of child abuse only when the alleged abuse or maltreatment occurs at the camp. This new bill extends to outside the camp, granting them immunity from civil liability actions like slander and defamation when they assert a good-faith claim of abuse. It also enlarges the network from the current list of 38 persons and officials required to make such a report immediately to the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment and the local department of social services when there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse. Such protections encourage camp directors to speak out when a child is threatened, guaranteeing that these professionals won’t hesitate when the need arises to protect their campers.”

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly. If passed, the law will take effect immediately.

ADDABBO: THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO REFORM ALBANY THAN THE PRESENT

Queens, NY, May 17, 2011 – Answering the public’s outcry for immediate action on ethics reform, and addressing a top priority of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s agenda, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) joined other Senate Democratic members in hosting and addressing ethics reform for the first public forum in nearly two years. In utilizing Senate Rule VII Section 4(b) of the Senate Rules, the New York State Democratic Conference convened a public forum on legislation under the jurisdiction of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee.

The Senate members at the forum used news media and social networking tools to open up government and engage the public in an unprecedented effort to reform Albany, including broadcasting live updates on Facebook, LiveStream and Twitter, and the acceptance of real time questions from the public, which were used by Senators during the forum.

The highlighted bills within the Ethics Reform Public Forum included:

• Bill S.31, which establishes an independent commission on governmental ethics;
• Bill S.382, which increases financial and client disclosure requirements;
• Bill S.2333, which eliminates pensions of public officials convicted of misusing their office;
• Bill S.3053, which restricts the personal use of campaign funds;
• Bill S.1565, sponsored by Senator Addabbo, which prohibits political contributions by businesses that have been awarded state contracts.

According to Senator Addabbo, these bills are essential to ethics reform. “Aside from pledges and promises, if we are to move this state government in the direction of improved ethics and credibility, then ethics and campaign finance reform are required ingredients to that end,” stated Addabbo.

Barbara Bartoletti, Legislative Director for the League of Women Voters and one of the attendees, addressed Senator Addabbo’s legislation. “Along with our good government colleagues, the League of Women Voters has consistently called for stricter restrictions on campaign contributions by those who do business with the state and lobbyists. The fact that New York has not done so has created widespread public cynicism and a belief that those who do business with the state are paying through campaign contributions to play with the state,” said Bartoletti.

Other group attendees at the public forum included the New York Public Interest Research Group, the Brennan Center for Justice, Citizen Action, Citizens Union and Common Cause.

Russ Haven, Legislative Counsel for the New York Public Interest Research Group, believes strong, clear ethics laws are needed to keep pace with the loopholes that have been exploited. Jessica Wisneski, Legislative Director of Citizen Action of New York, stated there is a transparent conflict of interest when corporations give money to elected officials to help them win or retain their seats. To this, Senator Addabbo agreed and touched on his work to combat governmental ethics since his 2001 term in the New York City Council. “As a New York City Councilmember and member of its Government Operations Committee, I was involved in groundbreaking legislative changes in campaign finance and ethics reform that I believe benefited the electoral government process, candidates, elected officials and the people we represent.”

Other Democratic Senators present at the public forum included Senators Gustavo Rivera, Neil Breslin, Velmanette Montgomery, Toby Ann Stavisky, Malcolm Smith, Liz Krueger and Daniel Squadron, ranking member of the Senate Investigations & Government Operations Committee.

“As we continue our work here in Albany to come to a consensus on an ethics reform package, I will remain mindful of the will of the people that unethical actions in Albany are not warranted,” concluded Addabbo.

ADDABBO ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF BILLS PROTECTING AGAINST SEX OFFENDERS

Bills Heighten Protections, Deal with Sex Offender Penalties, Registration, Employment

Queens, NY, May 17, 2011 - NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) announced that the New York State Senate recently passed a package of bills that strengthen the state’s criminal and correction laws to protect our children and youth from sexual abuse.

• S.1882 - Under current law, a criminal charge of sexual abuse in the 1st degree is applied when children under the age of 11 have been abused by individuals 18 and older. Meanwhile, pedophiles who sexually abuse a 12- or 13-year-old victim are charged with only a Class A misdemeanor, a penalty similar to someone who was guilty of stealing a pack of gum. This Senate bill will charge anyone guilty of abusing a child under the age of 13 with sexual abuse in the 1st degree, a class D felony that carries significantly harsher penalties which will keep pedophiles off the street.
  “Current law is inconsistent and dangerous, especially in a world where 12- and 13-year-olds are using the same modes of communication as the most tech-savvy pedophiles,” said Senator Addabbo. “Those who would sexually abuse young teens must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, which our bill will guarantee.” The consequences faced under New York State criminal law for a person guilty of a class D felony is up to 7 years in prison, a punishment far more severe than the minimal 15 days to 1 year a person would face if convicted of a class A misdemeanor. The bill is awaiting action in the Assembly.
• S.3207 – Provides that a person is guilty of the crimes of aggravated sexual abuse in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree when the victim is under 13 years-old and the abuser is ages 18 or older. Section 1 amends the criminal law by adding a new provision to aggravated sexual abuse in the 3rd degree. Under the new provision, a person is guilty of the crime when he inserts a foreign object in the vagina, urethra, penis, or rectum of a child who is under 13 years-old, and the offender is 18 or older. Section 2 adds a new provision to aggravated sexual abuse in the 2nd degree to provide that a person is guilty of the crime when he inserts a finger in the vagina, urethra, penis, or rectum of a person under 13 and causes physical injury to that person and the actor is 18 or older. Section 3 adds a new provision to aggravated sexual abuse in the 1st degree to provide that a person is guilty of the crime when he inserts a foreign object in the vagina, urethra, penis, or rectum of another under 13 years-old and causes injury to that person and the actor is 18 or older. This act makes a similar change in the age threshold for the crimes of aggravated sexual assault in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree, as those made by the enactment of the Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2000 (SARA) for the crimes of rape or sodomy when the victim is under 13. This bill would take effect on the first of November after the date on which it becomes a law.
• S.1416 – Amends the criminal law and the correction law by establishing penalties for a convicted sex offender’s failure to provide a DNA sample in the 2^nd degree (class A misdemeanor) and in the 1^st degree (class E felony) and a sex offender’s failure to register or verify as a sex offender in the 2^nd degree (class E felony) or in the 1^st degree (class D felony), under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). Failure to register is currently a correction law felony, but not a criminal law felony, so it does not constitute a predicate felony with regard to enhanced sentencing. Moving the offense of “failure to register” to the penal law would improve compliance with the important public safety initiative of SORA by making offenders who repeatedly refuse to comply with their sex offender obligations subject to enhanced sentences. Under Executive Law, certain crimes require the convicted to provide a DNA sample (including assault, homicide, sex offenses, escape or incest). The success of New York State’s DNA data bank depends on it being as complete as possible. However, many convicted criminals continue to flout the law and refuse to comply. Offenders are occasionally charged with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, though this was not the law’s original intent. Several states have addressed this problem with statutes that provide a misdemeanor penalty or fines. Creating misdemeanor and felony offenses in New York for failure to register or to verify as a sex offender as well as for refusing or failing to provide a DNA sample would provide an incentive to comply with the current law. This bill would take effect on the first of November after the date on which it becomes a law.
• S.3325 – Amends the correction law in relation to sex offender registration, to help insure that sex offenders are held responsible for knowing what the state and local residency and employment laws are in the community and verifying in a statement that they are in compliance with them at time of registration. The current law requires verification of residency and employment but does not put the burden on the offenders of verifying that they are in compliance with state, county and local laws that regulate residency and employment. The State and localities have imposed numerous laws regulating where a sex offender can reside or work. This bill places the obligation on the offender of knowing those laws, complying with them and verifying their compliance. This act shall take effect on the 60^th day after it becomes a law.
• S.1418 – Amends the correction law, in relation to prohibiting permissible employment, employment-related activities and volunteer activities that may be performed by sex offenders. Under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), convicted sex offenders are restricted from living in certain communities, but the law does not extend to limit where they can or cannot work in paid and unpaid circumstances. More specifically, existing state law does not prohibit convicted sex offenders from obtaining “unsupervised” employment. Absent supervision in residential living quarters and assisted living quarters could potentially lead to a dangerous situation. This bill would prevent sex offenders from serving in managerial and supervisory roles in specific fields which the bill identifies as employment within residential living quarters, as a home health aide, and in assisted living facilities. It would take effect immediately.

Addabbo concludes, “I am hopeful that these bills eventually become law in order to strengthen and improve the protection of individuals against sex offenders.”

Senator Addabbo Warns Taxpayers: Check Credentials of Your Tax Preparer

Tax Credit Fraud Investigation by Dept. of Taxation & Finance Saves the State Millions

During another tax filing season, when most people are stressed enough to get their returns completed accurately and filed by deadline, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), issued a warning to taxpayers about a scheme involving a growing number of tax preparers filing claims for the Special Additional Mortgage Recording Tax Credit on behalf of taxpayers who are not entitled to the credit.

According to New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Jamie Woodward, the Department, through its audit processes, has disallowed more than 3,600 claims for this tax credit, which has resulted in $18.5 million in savings to New York State. The Department has an ongoing criminal investigation regarding the alleged fraud.

“Claims of fraudulent credits are growing significantly,” noted Senator Addabbo. He added, “This case and others the Department has investigated highlight the need for taxpayers to perform their due diligence when choosing a preparer and to review their returns for accuracy.”

The investigation concerns taxpayers who have claimed this credit for residential properties using Form IT-256, “Claim for Special Additional Mortgage Recording Tax Credit.” In general, very few taxpayers are legitimately entitled to this credit, which mostly involves large commercial properties. Typically, the personal income tax claims come from partners in a real estate investment partnership.

The scheme generally involves reporting all costs associated with a residential property closing as Special Additional Mortgage Recording Tax. Unscrupulous preparers are reportedly charging fees in the range of 25-40 percent of the credit.

Acting Commissioner Woodward advises taxpayers that caution should be exercised when choosing a preparer and additionally, they should be especially wary of refund scams or fraud when using a preparer for their tax returns.

The taxpayer is the responsible party when the Department disallows fraudulently claimed credits or deductions. The taxpayer is responsible not only for the actual tax obligation, but may face additional interest, penalties and possible criminal sanctions associated with fraudulent activity.

The Tax Department has published a Consumer Bill of Rights brochure, which provides helpful information on choosing a tax preparer. The brochure can be found at the Department’s Web site: http://www.taxstate.ny.us/pdf/publications/income/pub135.pdf.

The Tax Department advises those seeking a preparer to:

• obtain references from the preparer’s clients;
• ask about service fees in advance and avoid preparers who guarantee a refund or base their fees on a percentage of the refund or credit;
• make sure they can contact the preparer after the return is filed; and
• research the preparer’s credentials through the Better Business Bureau, State Bar Association, or licensing authority for CPAs.

For more information, contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in Albany at 518-457-4242 or Senator Addabbo’s District Offices in Howard Beach (718-738-1111) or in Middle Village (718-497-1630).

And Another One Gone: Anthony Como Bows Out Of Senate Arena by Celeste Katz - Daily Politics Blog - NY Daily News

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On the heels of longtime GOP state Sen. Frank Padavan's formal concession of defeat to Democrat Tony Avella, another Queens Republican hopeful, Anthony Como, is doing the same.

Como, a former city councilman, was up against incumbent Democratic state Sen. Joseph Addabbo in SD-15. He jumped into the race relatively late, throwing his hat in the ring in June only after succumbing to pressure or pleas -- your choice -- to go the Senate route instead of grabbing for the brass ring of executive director of the city Board of Elections.

Here is Como's statement in full:

"It is with regret that I announce today I have officially ended my pursuit to represent the residents of the 15th State Senate district. It was important to me that every vote be properly counted and although there are remaining discrepancies with some of the machines, it is in the best interest of the community that we move forward and put politics aside.

"I spoke with Senator Addabbo this afternoon and congratulated him on his successful campaign.

"This was a hard fought race and I am proud of the campaign we ran. We raised issues of great importance to New Yorkers, like lowering taxes and creating a more attractive climate for small businesses. I am also hopeful that some of the government reforms I advocated during my campaign will become a reality. I'm enormously grateful to the thousands of New Yorkers who supported me and believed in my message to make government work again for the people. I remain committed to public service and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

Addabbo Wins Reelection by Matthew Hampton and Brendan Brosh- Forest Hills, NY Patch

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Senator Joe Addabbo with wife Dawn - Photo Brendan Brosh

Joe Addabbo Jr., freshman state senator from Ozone Park, retained his seat on Tuesday night over challenger Anthony Como, despite a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment that characterized the campaign season.

Addabbo, who spent much of his first two years in state office helping to put together the Aqueductdeal and attempting to create jobs in the community, saw his work pay off on election night, when he finished with a more than 5,000 vote unofficial margin over challenger Anthony Como.

Como, a former city councilman, had the backing of the entire state Republican caucus, who saw the seat as a key to taking back the state Senate.

At his party on election night at Russo's On The Bay, Addabbo said he was thrilled with the chance to return to his seat.

"I'm so grateful all the people came together," he said. "We had 500 volunteers."

Without conceding, Como addressed supporters in his office in Glendale. He struck some conciliatory tones with his somewhat crestfallen staff, but tried to keep a stiff upper lip.

"I'm very proud of the race we ran together as a family, as a team," Como said. "Many of you were here day one, many of you were here before day one….unfortunately here we're not exactly happy with the way that it went, but until all the numbers are in we're just going to wait and see."

Como pointed to some voter discrepancies and irregularities at the polling sites to give his supporters a glimmer of hope, but by the time most of them had gone home, his deficit had grown to more than 5,000 votes.

Addabbo volunteer Sean McCabe, 27, of Ozone Park, said he thought the voting system had a few problems but that ultimately the board of elections got it right.

"The new system has a few hiccups. They could get better with it," McCabe said. He also added that he was hopeful that Addabbo could help turn the economy around during his second term in Albany.

After his victory speech, Addabbo admitted that he and his colleagues have a lot of work to do.

"We have a lot of repairs that go beyond politics," Addabbo said. "When we talk about dysfunction it's unbiased."

Women Stand With Joe Addabbo for State Senate...

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Female elected officials in Queens—Assembly Member Audrey Pheffer, Assembly Member Cathy Nolan, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, and Council Member Diana Reyna—and members of the community joined at a rally to support State Senator Joe Addabbo, praising him for his advocacy on important women’s issues, including social and economic rights, childcare, and health. The “Women for Addabbo” rally was held this Saturday in front of Europa Hair Design, a small business owned and run by local resident Filomena Scalcione.

Senator Addabbo said, “Small businesses are a significant employer of women in our state, and it is critical that we support them through these tough economic times and beyond. I am committed to fighting for reform that levels the playing field for women in business. This means increasing access to quality, affordable childcare, healthcare, and education, and making sure that our laws protect women’s rights at home and in the work place. I am honored to have the support of Assembly Member Pheffer, Assembly Member Cathy Nolan, Council Member Crowley, and Council Member Reyna, and I look forward to continuing to work with them on issues that are important to women. I also thank the staff of the Europa Hair Design and the community members who came out to show their support today.”

Senator Addabbo has been a strong advocate for increasing women’s participation in small business ownership, passing laws in the Senate that support Minority and Women Business Enterprises. Senator Addabbo has also fought to help families reduce childcare costs by sponsoring legislation that allows safe, effective childcare providers who operate out of their homes to increase the number of children they can serve. Because most of these childcare providers are women, this legislation also serves to support small businesses owned and operated by women.

In addition, Senator Addabbo has made women’s health issues a top priority, sponsoring mobile mammography vans at various community boards and sites throughout his District. And he has supported laws that help protect victims of domestic violence, including the law creating no-fault divorce in New York, which makes it less difficult for abuse victims to escape harmful marriages.

Queens Senate Debate On "Inside City Hall" Senator Joe Addabbo and Anthony Como - NY1.com - Part 2

The race to control the State Senate continues to heat up and Republicans hope to defeat a freshman senator from the 15th District in Queens, which includes: Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village and parts of Forest Hills. The two candidates in the race -- State Senator Joseph Addabbo and his Republican challenger Anthony Como -- debated on Friday's edition of "Inside City Hall."


Part 2 - 10:48

Queens Senate Debate On "Inside City Hall" Between State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Challenger Anthony Como - NY1.com - Part 1

The race to control the State Senate continues to heat up and Republicans hope to defeat a freshman senator from the 15th District in Queens, which includes: Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village and parts of Forest Hills. The two candidates in the race -- State Senator Joseph Addabbo and his Republican challenger Anthony Como -- debated on Friday's edition of "Inside City Hall."


Part 1 - 10:21

Freshman Addabbo Seeks Another Term in Albany by Peter Mastrosimone - Queens Chronicle

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State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) believes in reforming New York’s state government, something he says has been a priority in the nearly two years he has served in Albany.

Addabbo is hoping voters of the 15th Senate District send him back to the state capital for another term to continue that work.

“I see myself as part of the solution in Albany, not part of the problem,” Addabbo said during a meeting with the Queens Chronicle editorial board last week.

Addabbo is squaring off against Republican Anthony Como, an attorney who had briefly served in the City Council.

After serving eight years in the council, Addabbo beat 10-term incumbent Republican Serphin Maltese in 2008 for the 15th District seat.

Addabbo said he was motivated to leave his council post to pursue election to the state Senate due to his disappointment in the way state government was run.

“I felt the need to go to Albany and make a change,” he said. “We should have a state government that is looked on with envy, not laughter.”

Addabbo points to several reform-minded measures the state Legislature has adopted as proof that progress is being made, including one to make it easier for a member of the minority party to introduce legislation and more transparency in how members allocate state funds. He also noted that the state’s spending increase this year is lower than the rate of inflation; only the fourth time in 30 years that has been accomplished in Albany.

Still, Addabbo believes more can be done. He pointed out that some members of the state Legislature are resistant to reform, noting that he has introduced 13 pieces of legislation dealing with campaign finance reform since he has been elected with eight of them being killed in committee.

Addabbo knows New York’s high taxes are foremost on the minds of voters, and to that end he supports a property tax cap of some kind.

“It’s a necessity for the middle class,” he said. “We want people to stay in New York City.”

Regarding the soon-to-begin Aqueduct racino project, Addabbo said that he pushed for Genting New York, the company redeveloping the old race track, to provide its own private security to patrol the area so the 106th Precinct wouldn’t be stretched too thin.

“I’ve had meetings with them to ensure the area around Aqueduct is safe,” he said.

Regarding jobs at the new facility, Addabbo said it is written in the memorandum of understanding between Genting and the state that the community would get the “lion’s share” of the jobs available.

“It’s a project that will directly impact our community, so our community should benefit the most from it,” Addabbo said, while noting that Genting has also pledged to donate 1 percent of its net profits to as yet unspecified community groups.

When asked about the legislation he was most proud of, Addabbo pointed to a bill he co-authored to halt hydrofracking in upstate watersheds, and one that would give non-combat cold war veterans the same property tax break that combat veterans receive.

Addabbo also noted Leandra’s Law, a state law making it an automatic felony on the first offense to drive drunk with a person under the age of 15 inside a vehicle, as another one he was instrumental in forming.

“I’m very proud about helping to create that bill,” he said.

Addabbo said his charge is to represent the interests of the residents of the 15th District, and not to appease party leaders or special interest groups.

“I’m compassionate about the people issues,” he said. “I answer to my constituents, not the lobbyists.”

Maltese Bids to be city Elections Chief by Michael Cusenza - Queens Chronicle -

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Months after his protege backed out of a bid to run the city Board of Elections in order to challenge this fall state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), former state Sen. Serphin Maltese has formally tossed his hat into the ring to become executive director of the BOE.

Maltese, who beginning in 1988 was elected nine times to lead the 15th District, last Thursday and Friday forwarded an e-mail, with biographical information attached, to both Republican and Democratic commissioners on the board indicating his interest in being considered for the top spot. He also this week e-mailed BOE President Julie Dent and Deputy Executive Director George Gonzalez detailing support from Queens County Republican Party Chairman Phil Ragusa, Queens County Republican BOE Commissioner Judith Stupp and state Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn).

"I’ve always been interested in the position,” Maltese, 77, told the Chronicle Tuesday. “I thought it would be a challenge. That’s why I decided to do it.”

Maltese served the communities of Forest Hills Gardens, Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, parts of Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Sunnyside and Woodside until he lost his Senate seat to Addabbo, then a city councilman, in 2008. Anthony Como, once Maltese’s chief counsel, is running to unseat the freshman Addabbo, but only after Como withdrew his own bid to lead the BOE. Como changed his mind regarding a campaign for his mentor’s senate seat twice in the span of two days in June.

Like Como, Maltese cited the upcoming debut of new voting machines as one of the main reasons he launched the bid.

“We have a very unique system here in New York — a good system, a fair system and over the years it has worked,” Maltese said. “This is the most difficult election cycle ever.”

The BOE is a bipartisan administrative body composed of 10 commissioners, two from each borough. According to a City Hall News report, the board has not had an executive director since Marcus Cedarqvist resigned in February. In order to secure the $172,000 per year gig, Maltese must get six of the commissioners to vote for him.

“Some Democrats and Republicans indicated to me I’d be a good choice, mainly because I’m not interested in a future elected office,” he said. “I’ve always gotten along with Democrats and Republicans — you have to in Queens County.”

Maltese, a native of Corona and Korean War veteran, has been an election attorney since 1961 and spent seven years as chairman of the Senate Elections Committee, a position now held by Addabbo. He holds no post with the QGOP, but still is the chairman of the board of Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village, where he has served pro bono for 30 years.

His last day in political office was Dec. 31, 2008, but Maltese said he’s “kept a hand in” borough affairs since then.

“It’s very hard after you’ve been in politics for 40 years to not be involved,” he said.

Como Throws Hat in Race Against Addabbo by Howard Koplowitz - YourNabe.com

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State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (l.) is being challenged by former City Councilman Anthony Como. Photos by Christina Santucci

Just as it looked as if state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) would be free of opponents for re-election in a contentious western Queens district, former City Councilman Anthony Como,a Republican, said he would challenge the one-term senator.

Como, a former city Board of Elections commissioner who briefly held a Council seat now occupied by City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) following a special election in 2008, said he had been grappling with whether to run against Addabbo.

“It was something that I had been contemplating for some time,” Como said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Como was being considered for the $170,000 a year executive director position at the city Board of Elections, but said he withdraw from consideration last week to mount a bid against Addabbo.

“With all the calls, texts and e-mails I received, I changed my mind,” Como said.

Como said having a Democratic governor and Democrats being in control of the state Legislature are not benefitting people in the 15 Senate District, which includes Howard Beach, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village and Ridgewood.

“We see that the one-party tyranny of the state Legislature just hasn’t worked,” Como said. “We have a budget that has been dragging this entire state down. This is not a game. This is people’s lives. This is children’s lives and senior’s lives.”

But Addabbo said the Democrats are not to blame for the state’s economic situation, pointing out that 39 other states have budget deficits.

“I don’t think the party has anything to do with it,” he said. “

Como pointed to his accomplishments during his brief stint on the Council, including speeding up a Ridgewood landmark project, getting a downzoning of Middle Village approved and securing funds for seniors centers that were threatened to be closed, to show that he is a viable candidate.

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Como said there is a “lack of leadership” in the district and that Addabbo should have done more to stand up to leaders in his own party.

“We need a person that will stand up,” he said.

“People have felt that there is a time for change and there is definitely time for someone to lead this senate district than what has been happening for a year and a half,” Como said.

Addabbo said he does not vote along party lines, noting he took heat for his vote against gay marriage and he does stand up to leaders in his party.

“The reason you don’t hear about it in the papers is because I do it professionally,” he said.

Como Backs Out, Then Returns to Race by Michael Cusenza - Queens Chronicle

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Republican Anthony Como, right, who briefly served as a city councilman, will meet incumbent state Sen. Joe Addabbo in this fall’s election for the 15th District.

He’s in. No, he’s out. On third thought, he’s in.

Anthony Como decided Monday to commit to a campaign to unseat incumbent state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) in the fall, mere hours after the Republican pulled out of the race to focus on earning the executive director position at the Board of Elections, City Hall News reported.

Como told the Queens Chronicle Tuesday morning that after being inundated with phone calls, texts and e-mails from family members, friends, former constituents, state Senate Republican Minority Leader Dean Skelos and the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, he had to reconsider.

“It’s really an overwhelming experience to know that I have their support and their backing and their consideration — not only to run, but they know that I can win and do a great job in the Senate representing them,” Como said. “I know I made the right decision to run.”

Como, a Middle Village resident who served as president of the city Board of Elections, had been coveting the executive director job, which reportedly pays $172,000 per year, nearly $100,000 more than the salary of a state senator. He said the debut of new voting machines this fall was an impetus for vying for the top spot.

“I think that my experiences and my curriculum vitae would be a tremendous asset to that agency,” Como said. “But after I saw the support behind me [for the Senate run], I knew it was something I also had to consider.”

Como, who briefly represented the 30th City Council District in 2008 after winning a special election for the seat Dennis Gallagher was forced to resign, has the backing of the Queens County Republican Party. QGOP Chairman Phil Ragusa Tuesday said he was “delighted” to hear that the former borough assistant district attorney had changed his mind.

“This was difficult decision for him,” Ragusa said. “I feel he made the right one, because I think he has a great chance of winning.”

Asked if voters would consider in November his vacillating in June, Como said he believes that turning down the chance to become executive director will only enhance his standing among 15th District residents.

“I think it actually reinforces the fact of how much I care about the community I’ve lived in all my life,” he said. “People know what I stand for in the community, based on my record in the council, even in my short time being there.”

Como said that although he regards Addabbo as “a good guy — I’m not going to talk bad about him,” he “absolutely” knows if elected he’d do a better job.

“There are other districts in other parts of the state that are not suffering as much as we are, and there’s a reason for that,” he said. “I’m tired of hospitals closing down. We’re not getting the monies that are supposed to be brought back to the communities; we’re not getting the services we deserve. Enough is enough.”

Addabbo said he “takes every opponent seriously” and touted his efforts since taking office last year, adding that “the accessibility of a full-time senator who is focused solely on the role and job of a senator certainly is what the people have right now.”

Addabbo defeated then-incumbent Sen. Serf Maltese in 2008. At one time, Como served as Maltese’s chief counsel, and Maltese said “it’s like seeing my son do good, so I couldn’t be happier.”

Additionally, Maltese said he likes his protege’s chances in the fall “especially in the present climate, that people are very unhappy with incumbents and they’re very unhappy, specifically, with the state Legislature.”

Como indicated he’ll be running on the Republican, Independent and Conservative party lines and is looking forward to an exciting campaign.

“It’s going to be a victorious time in November, that I can guarantee,” he said.