By Howard Koplowitz
Gulluscio, a Democratic district leader who is also the district manager of Community Board 6 and a former Addabbo staffer, also picked his first organizational endorsement last week from the South Queens Democratic Club.”I'm really excited about and motivated by the two endorsements,” Gulluscio said in a phone interview Monday.”I've known Frank for the better part of my adult life,” Addabbo said in a phone interview Monday, noting that he and Gulluscio were both local activists. “Frank just by far has the best experience. From day one, he could start working for the people in his district. It would be a seamless transition from my service to his.”Addabbo said Gulluscio “got to see firsthand the legislative aspects” of being a city councilman when Gulluscio, a former teacher, worked on education issues for him.”I was literally in every school in the district,” Gulluscio said.”What I like about Frank is he's prepared,” Addabbo said. “He saw firsthand the job of a city councilman.”Gulluscio is the only Democrat so far to declare his candidacy for Addabo's seat. Republican district leader Erich Ulrich also said he would run.”The election is about character, leadership and experience,” Gulluscio said. “I stress experience. I've proven myself to the community in all shapes and forms.”Addabbo announced his support for Gulluscio during the South Queens Democratic Club meeting Jan. 30, when the club also voted to endorse Gulluscio.While Addabbo's term expires in 2009, the election to succeed him may be held next year if the councilman is successful in his bid to unseat state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale).A special election would be held for Addabbo's seat should he oust Maltese. Richmond Hill attorney Albert Baldeo, a Democrat, is also running against Maltese.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
