By Alexander Dworkowitz
The race for the 16th state Senate seat, which has knocked one borough leader out of politics and another back into the fray, will be decided along with the dozens of other Queens races this Tuesday.
State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) is running on the Democratic and Working Families line, former Councilwoman Julia Harrison on the Independent and Liberal line, and political newcomer Mark Ralin on the Conservative line.
The 16th state Senate seat combined the districts of Stavisky and state Sen. Daniel Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) as a result of this year’s redistricting. Stavisky was given the status of the incumbent and Hevesi bowed out under pressure from his party.
The oddly-shaped district covers parts of Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Jamaica Estates, Oakland Gardens, Whitestone, Bay Terrace, Rego Park, Astoria and LaGuardia Airport.
Harrison, a political rival of Stavisky, jumped into the race after Hevesi announced his resignation. Harrison, who served her last year in City Council in 2001 due to term limits, said she wanted to make sure Stavisky faced a Democratic opponent.
In September, Stavisky and Harrison squared off in the Democratic primary. With low turnout, Stavisky earned 60.42 percent of the vote, while Harrison garnered 39.58 percent.
With the Democratic nomination, Stavisky is considered the front-runner in the race.
Stavisky said she was viewing the race as “another opportunity to meet the voters.”
“I’m listening to what the problems are and trying to do something about it,” Stavisky said.
After losing the primary, Harrison said she has toned down her campaign.
“Compared to what I had been doing for the primary, I would say I have modified my activities,” Harrison said. “Howsoever, I am still campaigning.”
Both Stavisky and Harrison said they hoped more voters turned out for the general election than the primary. Harrison speculated that the campaign of Independent gubernatorial candidate Tom Golisano would help bring more people to the voting booths.
Both Stavisky and Harrison have similar platforms, citing seniors, health coverage and funding education as their priorities.
Ralin could not be reached for comment. In the past, he has told the TimesLedger his campaign focuses on giving voters an alternative to Democrats who dominate the Queens political scene.
Ralin has said his goals are to raise support for school voucher programs, lower taxes and build opposition to partial-birth abortions.
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 141.
