CAMPAIGN 2006 Lancman running hard for McLaughlin’s seat

Hillcrest resident Rory Lancman won the Queens County Democratic Organization endorsement and is now looking to replace Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin in the 25th District.
Lancman, who has lived in the district for 32 years, has served as the Democratic Leader for Part B of the 25th Assembly District for the last four years. He is also a long-time member of Community Board 8, serving as the chair of its Youth and Education Committee.
Other positions held by Lancman include chair of the Queens Hospital Center Community Advisory Board, vice president of the Flushing Heights Civic Association and board member of the Jewish Community Council.
Professionally, Lancman is an attorney. He is a board member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, serving as chair of its Legislative Committee, and volunteers with the New York City Civil Court Small Claims Arbitrator.
“My campaign is really just an extension of everything that I’ve been doing,” Lancman said. “It’s very easy and natural for me to be out there.”
Lancman said that one of the main issues that currently needs to be addressed is improving the education system. This would involve increasing funding, giving all 4-year-olds equal access to a full day of pre-kindergarten at no charge, reducing class sizes and creating more after-school programs.
“Certainly education is a very important issue,” said Lancman, a father of three. “Right now Albany is not giving New York City its fair share of education funds.
Also, Lancman wants to address crime levels, make health care coverage more accessible and increase the amount of affordable housing available.
McLaughlin, who began his tenure as an Assemblyman in 1992, decided to step down from the position when his current term ends.
“Brian is leaving very big shoes to fill,” Lancman said, adding that he hopes to be able to make a big difference in the community.