Editor’s Note: Below are some of the releases and tidbits KCP receives every week from the very active candidates to succeed term-limited City Council Member Vincent Gentile in the 43rd City Council District covering Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Bath Beach.
Qugalione Criticizes de Blasio, Gets Golden Endorsement
Republican candidate John Quaglione this past week condemned Mayor de Blasio’s decision to hire 100 more traffic agents after a week of issuing 100,000 placards to city officials.
“Hypocritical Mayor de Blasio says he wants to double down on parking violations and the misuse of parking permits after he issued 100,000 additional parking permits,” said Quaglione. “Hiring more traffic agents is like putting a band-aid on a tumor. These resources could be used to open night court that would help residents fight parking tickets that have been unfairly issued – a major problem affecting residents of the 43rd district. ”
Also, in an expected move, State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach), yesterday gave a hearty endorsement to his longtime communications director Republican Candidate John Quaglione in the upcoming September GOP Primary and November General Election for the 43rd District City Council Seat.
Golden is the only Republican elected lawmaker that wholly represents Brooklyn. He also was the former 43rd District City Councilman (1998-2002) before swapping seats with current term-limited City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who formerly served as the state senator in the district.
“John has been able to deliver for the past 19 years. He has been there for the people of this community. He has the substance. He has the involvement in the community. He belongs to the community groups and is involved with our public schools,” said Golden, sitting with Quaglione and reporters at the Bridgeview Diner, 9011 3rd Avenue.
McCabe Takes Strong Stance Against Child Pornography
Republican candidate Liam McCabe this week took a a strong stance against child pornography after Democratic insider Jacob Schwartz, an employee in the De Blasio administration making $66,360 annually was arrested on felony charges alleging child pornography possession and promoting sexual performance by a child as young as six months.
“We, the taxpayers, are paying the salary of this person who is an embarrassment to our city and an insult to everyone in the outer boroughs who is still waiting for Hurricane Sandy recovery assistance from Build it Back,” said McCabe.
Brannan Gets Musician Union Endorsement
Democratic Candidate Justin Brannan this week nabbed the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM endorsement in the city council race.
Citing Brannan’s experience as a touring musician, his track record as a labor advocate, small business owner and community leader, and his pledge to support fair treatment of musicians by all publicly-supported arts institutions, venues, events and festivals, the Local 802 Executive Board voted unanimously to support his candidacy for New York City Council.
“It isn’t often that we have an opportunity to support a candidate who has toured the country and the world as a working musician, and I’m thrilled that we have that opportunity with Justin Brannan,” said Tino Gagliardi, President, Local 802. “Justin fundamentally understands the challenges musicians face, including worker misclassification, intellectual property theft, exploitation and unfair and demeaning wage expectations. The musicians of Local 802 are proud to endorse him, and look forward to seeing him use the skills of a good performer – creativity, discipline and empathy – to fight for hard-working musicians and all New Yorkers.”
Capano Rails Against Mark-Viverito
Republican candidate Bob Capano this week further condemned City COuncil Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s decision to support the participation of FALN leader Oscar Rivera Lopez in the upcoming Puerto Rican Day parade.
“For Melissa Mark Viverito to say that Oscar Lopez Rivera was not directly responsible for any of the terrorist bombings by FALN, even though he was a key leader is ludicrous. It’s like saying because Osama bin Laden didn’t actually hijack one of the hijacked planes on 9-11 he is also innocent. Mark-Viverito is a radical leftist hell-bent on defending and celebrating terrorists and criminals over law abiding citizens. Enough is enough,” said Capano.
Capano also condemned the victory celebration presented by City University of New York Hostos Community College in honor of Oscar Lopez Rivera. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m., June 8 at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture. Tickets are being sold to students and the public.
“As an adjunct Professor with CUNY for the past 15 years, I am ashamed and disgusted. It is a disgrace that a CUNY institution would host a celebration for a terrorist,” said Capano.
