By Brian Zanzonico
Less than two weeks before a hotly contested primary, a series of Korean and Chinese language fliers bashing 22nd Assembly District Democratic candidate Ethel Chen’s ties to former Councilwoman Julia Harrison were found posted to utility poles in downtown Flushing.
The fliers, which appeared last Thursday, take aim at Chen’s endorsement by Harrison, who was quoted as describing the influx of Asian immigrants into Flushing as “an invasion” in an interview with The New York Times in 1996. The fliers were spread mostly throughout Main Street and Kissena Boulevard.
Chen is running against Democratic businessman Jimmy Meng, Democratic political aide Barry Grodenchik and Democratic lawyer John Albert for the newly created 22nd Assembly District centered in downtown Flushing. The primary, scheduled for Sept. 10, will determine who will face Republican Meilin Tan and Green Party candidate Evergreen Chou in November’s general election.
The district was created by the state Legislature to serve a majority Asian population.
The fliers allege that Harrison had some scathing words when it came to funding for a then-proposed Flushing Library.
“There is no reason to take the money and spend it on a new library because Asian children when they grow up will be as despicable as their parents,” the fliers quote Harrison as saying.
Chen said a similar incident occurred last year while she was running for City Council against current Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing), an election she ultimately lost.
“Mysterious,” she said. “Identical to last year. Identical stuff. (Last year) they did Northern Boulevard to Kissena. This year is more — maybe thousands.”
Meng also noticed similarities between the fliers from 2001 and last week’s.
“The paper and characters appear the same as they did last year,” he said.
Teresa Young, a volunteer worker for the Meng campaign who served Chen in the same capacity in her city council quest, said she caught a man in the act last year and spotted him again days before the latest posting.
“One night (in 2001) around 8:30 in front of the (Flushing) library,” Young said. “I chased him to a parking garage, grabbed him by the arm and yelled ‘Call Police!’ He was too big and ran across the street. I chased after him again.
He was tall with blue eyes, a beautiful young man. I recognized his face. I saw him Tuesday in the library.”
Chen said Liu is now helping with opponent Grodenchik’s campaign, but stopped short of accusing any of her rivals.
“I cannot predict who did it,” said Chen. “It shows I’m the front runner. I appreciate the attention, but unless I have evidence, I shouldn’t blame anyone.”
Chen’s son, James Wu, was not as reluctant to place blame.
“Every camp researches the others,” Wu said. “When they have nothing of substance, they resort to this.”
Chen added that “if the person has guts, they should sign his name to it.”
Meng denounced the campaign, calling it a “dirty game.”
“You’re not supposed to win that way,” he said. “All campaigns should be fair.”
“It’s unfortunate,” said Albert. “One of the things I am trying to do is build bridges amongst groups in the community. Elections should be based on issues, not prior affiliation.” Albert then quickly added that he was not responsible.
Grodenchik campaign manager Jean Kim said her candidate’s camp knew nothing about the postings.
“People have asked us, but he hasn’t had a chance to publicly denounce it because he hasn’t looked at it.”
Chen defended her relationship with Harrison, but conceded it may cost her the election.
“Some will believe I am compromised with Harrison … we’ve both grown older. We have more respect about each other. We should move forward instead of back.”
