By Kathianne Boniello
City Councilman Mike Abel (R-Bayside) officially launched his campaign for borough president last Thursday with a kick-off fund-raiser and reception in Murray Hill that raised about $16,000.
More than 200 people, including state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bayside), turned out in support of Abel.
City Councilmen Sheldon Leffler (D-Hollis), Alfonso Stabile (R-Ozone Park) and former Board of Education President Carol Gresser are also in the running for the borough presidency, which becomes available in 2001 when Claire Shulman must step down because of term limits.
Padavan characterized Abel as a
