By Howard Koplowitz
Sliwa criticized the governor's portrayal of him as a reformer, claiming that Spitzer “did nothing to reform the legislative process” when he was attorney general.He also went off on Spitzer's strategy of hiring Michael Balboni, a Republican state senator from Long Island, to be his homeland security chief.”Eliot Spitzer believes he can buy out the Republican Party,” Sliwa said.During his rapid-fire style speech, Sliwa also said the state's Republicans should back former Mayor Rudy Giuliani for president and should not get involved with any other presidential campaign.”Alright, he has a few issues. He put a dress on …” Sliwa quipped, referring to Giuliani's appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” But he said “thank God we had Rudy Giuliani on the scene” during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.Sliwa said the state Republican Party needs to do more to foster the development of younger leaders throughout the state, noting that Republicans can be elected in New York City. “Have you seen a vanguard of young Republicans? I do believe we have to plant a seed for the next generation,” he said.The Republican club also honored the Queens Village Hollis Bellerose Volunteer Ambulance Corps with a community service award at the dinner.Gerald Matacotta, a history professor at Queens College, received the educator of the year award.The club's former president, Harvey Moder, was given a lifetime achievement award. J.D. Thakral, who operates a Queens Village real estate business with GOP Club President Philip Sica, received the businessman of the year award.Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan also addressed the club as the sole Republican DA in the city. Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
