By Dee Richard
We sincerely hope everyone enjoyed their holiday, whether it was Passover or Easter. It was a time to share with family and friends. They say when the economy starts to go south, the bonds of family and friendship become stronger. This is probably due in large part to the lack of superfluous income to spend on the acquisition of new toys and things, most of which are unnecessary.
They are mainly temporary amusing distractions. Love, kindness and caring are forever. How about giving a family member or friend a hug and a kiss and let them know how much you appreciate them? It couldn’t hurt and the price is certainly right.
The big event this week was the Flushing Council on the Arts Gala at Flushing Town Hall Tuesday. Just about most Queensites who support the borough were there. They had a great turnout. I stayed for the cocktail party, took my shots — including special guest Mayor Michael Bloomberg and then left. My sciatic nerve is still a painful problem, so I never made it upstairs for the official program and dinner. From what I heard, both were excellent.
Flushing Town Hall has come a long way from the days of neglect to what it has become today, thanks to the tireless efforts of both Joann Jones and Lucy Nunziato. Unfortunately, both ladies are no longer with us, but I’m sure they are both smiling down from heaven, admiring the progress of the work they started.
The political pot still seems to keep boiling away. The latest rumor we hear is that state Assemblywoman Ann Margaret Carrozza will not run for re−election for the 26th Assembly District seat. If true, it opens up a lot of interesting possibilities. Who will the Democrats put up to run for the seat? Vallone and Ianecce both are interested in the 19th City Council seat, and as far as I know, neither has expressed any interest in going to Albany.
How about John Frank? We haven’t heard anything from him lately and he did run a good campaign, or perhaps Arthur Cheliotes. He ran in the past. Or maybe even Councilman Tony Avella would consider it if he doesn’t make it as the mayoral candidate. Jim Wrynn would be a shoe−in for the job, but he just received an appointment to a larger state job.
Let’s cross the isle to the Republican side. Who do we have as a possibility? There is Bob Speranza, who ran a few years ago. Peter Boudouvas ran for Carrozza’s seat, although Peter and the Queens GOP seem to be at odds right now. I understand that Mike Abel will be eligible to retire next year, so maybe he would be interested.
The one thing that was not clear from my source of information was will Carrozza drop out now and cause a special election or just not run next year in the regular election in the regular cycle? Again, all of this speculation is only based on the rumor mill, so it may just be interesting political scuttle−butt. Stay tuned.
I’m still in the process of moving and I tell you it’s no fun. It’s not! So all that junk that you’re not busily collecting — do yourself a favor and get rid of it now before it accumulates into a monstrous entity all its own. You really don’t need it — you just think you do.
Congratulations to Mayor Mike in securing the necessary three endorsements from the city GOP county leaders. He can now run on the Republican line. Now you really didn’t think he wasn’t going to be able to pull it off, did you?
That’s it for this week.
I look forward to hearing from you with information on people, parties and politics or gossip.
I like to receiving your voice mails at 718−767−6484, faxes at 718−746−0066 and e−mails at deerrichard@aol.com.
Don’t forget to check out the Focus on Queens page.
Till next week, Dee.
