By Dee Richard
Political scene keeps going in wake of Labor Day weekend
I hope everyone had a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. This will probably be our last long summer weekend because summer unofficially ends on Labor Day, although we still have beautiful days of Indian summer to look forward to. Many people prefer that time of the year.
On Monday evening, political hopeful David Rosasco held a fund-raiser at the Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City. That place is rapidly becoming a popular site for political and other functions due to its unique location — especially for outdoor events. It was a small gathering, but a start.
On Wednesday, the Flushing Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon at the Sheraton LaGuardia East. Some of this month's speakers were Mabel Law, who brought everyone up to date on the progress of the Flushing Business Improvement District; Chuck Wade, who gave his reports on the Voelker Orth Museum; and Chamber Co-President Myra Baird-Herce, who outlined the upcoming fall events in Flushing.
It surely sounds like a busy season for Flushing, which has come a long way from its not-too-distant declining past. It is now a vibrant community, the end result of the tireless efforts of its citizens and cultural organizations, with a little help from local corporate sponsors.
During the luncheon, a friend called me to say she had seen phantom candidate Robert Schwartz putting up his posters in storefronts in Forest Hills. Out of curiosity, I drove over to see for myself what was going on. I caught up to Schwartz and Jose Fernandez, who were hanging posters in the Georgia Diner on Queens Boulevard.
Not only were they gracious enough to allow me to interview them, but they also invited me into the diner for an iced tea. Schwartz said that in spite of his late start, he is definitely going to be elected to represent the constituents of the 16th State Senate District. Lots of luck to you, Robert.
A belated happy 23rd birthday to Erica Feldman, daughter of Michael Feldman, one of my partners. Michael treated Erica and her friend, Jeremy, to a birthday dinner at Bamontes in Brooklyn. The food there is fabulous and if you are in the Williamsburg, check it out.
While Feldman and company were enjoying the birthday dinner, they spied Michael Ricatto there enjoying dinner with a friend. Ricatto seems to have dropped off the radar. I used to see him constantly at Republican or Conservative events. He said in June that he was going to spend as many vacation days as possible on his boat during July and August. I guess he meant what he said. We shall see if he starts to make the scene after Labor Day.
I hope he decides to reappear, as we had lots of fun and laughs at the various political events when our paths crossed. It is not quite the same without you and your “Better Leadership America Bus.” It was one of the best attention-getters around and subject of discussions, both pro and con. What are you doing these days?
This entire past week, the media has been covering the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo., and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) nomination as his party's choice for the presidency.
This week, we are having the same media coverage of the Republican National Convention and U.S. Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) bid for his parties' nomination for the presidency.
Both sides have very valid issues. The question is which way the voters will go. The problem is both sides have delineated the issues, but neither has come up with concrete solutions as to where they will find the money to pay for all the promises made. It should be interesting to watch the results of who manages to out-maneuver the other.
That's it for this week.
I look forward to hearing from you with information on people, parties or politics or gossip.
I also like receiving your voice mail at 718-767-6484, faxes at 718-746-0066 and e-mails at deerrichard@aol.com.
Till next week, Dee.
