By William Lewis
As the fall campaign continues in the 11th Senate District, Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) is optimistic about his chances for re-election after serving northeast Queens for 36 years. He thinks his campaign is going well, with volunteers in the field and manning phones. About a thousand district residents are displaying Padavan lawn signs. He has been getting good feedback from potential voters.
Padavan has in his possession a City Council proclamation issued and signed by his opponent, City Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), as well as City Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis). It was issued May 18, 2003, and praised Padavan for his achievements in office.
The proclamation said, among other things, that “whereas Senator Padavan has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments throughout his tenure: from authoring landmark laws such as New York's Criminal Asset Forfeiture Law to being an architect of New York City's 'Safe Streets/Safe City' program, Senator Frank Padavan has always been an advocate of tough laws to fight crime…” and “Senator Padavan's efforts on behalf of his constituents have been stellar and he is considered a leader of Queens environmental action; among his many worthwhile contributions has been establishing the Northeast Queens Nature and Historic Preserve Commission to protect the Northeast Queens shoreline.”
The proclamation ended with the following: “Be it known that the City of New York honors Senator Frank Padavan for his significant and vital work in the New York State Senate and for setting a towering example of leadership that readily emerges as a yardstick by which all such future undertakings will be measured.”
In the recent past, Padavan was instrumental in eliminating the clothing and state home fuel oil sales taxes and authorizing counties to eliminate home fuel oil taxes.
Padavan's legislative goals for 2009 include efforts on behalf of improving the New York economy, obtaining more education funding for New York public schools and dealing with increasing health care costs and energy supplies.
Padavan, unlike his opponent, favors off-shore drilling with certain conditions, meaning that during the drilling, safeguards must be adopted to protect the environment.
The senator also worked on passing the Home Foreclosure Act, recently signed into law by Gov. David Paterson. It provides for a cooling-off period before foreclosure goes into effect. It also calls for legal assistance for homeowners threatened with foreclosure in addition to judicial assistance, if needed.
Padavan has received an impressive number of endorsements from law enforcement groups, government workers and private labor unions. Some endorsements include the United Federation of Teachers, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, Police Benevolent Association, fire officers, Detectives Endowment Association, court clerks, Deputy Sheriffs' Association and Uniform Sanitation Association.
In addition, Padavan has received a letter from Denis Hughes, the state AFL-CIO president. Hughes said his union has endorsed Padavan. Part of that letter said, “The social and economic problems facing our state and nation require strong leadership on the part of our elected representatives. We are confident you will demonstrate such ability.”
In September 2008, Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed Padavan. Part of his letter of endorsement said, “We need Frank in Albany to continue to fight for the education needs of our City's children.”
Padavan himself has said: “I am honored that my constituents have supported me. We have partnered together to accomplish many significant improvements throughout northeast Queens. They have recognized our hard work in their behalf and in behalf of the entire city.”
Padavan has proven his ability to cross party lines and work with other legislative members in achieving positive results.
