Jamaica resident runs for state senate

Shirley Huntley, a 30-year resident of Jamaica, will be challenging the incumbent, Senator Ada Smith, for the New York State Senate in the 10th Senatorial. The 10th district encompasses Broad Channel, Laurelton, Jamaica, South Jamaica, Springfield Gardens, and parts of St. Albans, Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.
“A number of credible community people asked me to join the race,” added Huntley. “I have a background in community service and feel I can really make a lot of positive changes in the area.”
Huntley, presently the head of Borough President Helen Marshall’s Community Education Council for District 28, has served on Community Board 12 for 15 years. She is the former president of School Board 28 and has been deeply involved in the issues and concerns that affect the residents of the 10th Senatorial District. Huntley scheduled an announcement gathering and fundraiser for Wednesday, June 7 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Harvest Room of the Jamaica Market, 90-40 160th Street.
Smith recently won the majority vote from the democratic party district leaders although former councilman Archie Spigner, along with two other Democratic district leaders, Jacqueline Boyce and Henry McCoy, refused to vote citing irregularities in Smith’s behavior as an elected official.
Smith has faced her share of anger-related run-ins with the law. Most recently she was charged with misdemeanor assault against a former staff member.
Huntley will be joining two other challengers; founder of Mothers Against Guns, Liz Bishop Goldsmith, and Joseph Marthone, a Rochdale Village activist, have also publicly announced their intentions to run for Smith’s seat.