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TimesLedger Endorsements in Six Democratic City Council Primaries

There have been primaries and general elections in the past when Queens voters could have done their patriotic duty just as well by staying in bed. But in the Democratic primaries that will be held next Tuesday, voters in many districts will have the chance to nominate candidates in close races that will go on to shape the future of Queens.

The new council members will be faced with the challenge of balancing the growth the borough needs to keep the economy strong with the need to preserve the values that have made Queens the best borough in the city in which to raise a family. Healthcare, housing, public safety and education reform will top the agenda. We urge our readers to vote and we hope our endorsements in six of the 10 council races in the Queens Democratic primary will guide them in making their decisions as a prelude to the general election in November.

District 19: Jerry Iannece

In District 19, which stretches from working-class College Point to Douglaston and Little Neck, six highly qualified candidates are vying for the opportunity to replace Councilman Tony Avella, who opposed the extension of term limits and is running in the mayoral primary. The candidates include Steve Behar, Tom Cooke, Jerry Iannece, Kevin Kim, Debra Markell and Paul Vallone.

Whoever wins must bring together the residents whose families have lived here for generations with emerging ethnic groups, in particular the Chinese Americans and Korean Americans. These new Americans have become a powerful economic force in northeast Queens and they are now becoming a political force.

After much deliberation, we are giving our endorsement to Iannece. He has distinguished himself as the chairman of Community Board 11 and he understands the problems of overdevelopment and overcrowded schools that threaten the quality of life in this district. As councilman he will have the chance to fight for some of the projects in the Council that he worked for at the community board.

In this district, in particular, we hope the candidates who fail to win the nomination will remain active in public life.

District 20: John Choe

In District 20 Flushing Democrats will nominate a candidate to replace Councilman John Liu. Liu, who is running in the Democratic primary for city comptroller, was the first Chinese American elected to the Council. The crowded field in this race includes John Choe, Yen Chou, S.J. Jung, Isaac Sasson and James Wu. The person chosen to represent this district will need to weigh the concerns of the growing Korean-American and Chinese-American populations in Queens with those of residents who see themselves becoming the district’s new minority.

We believe Choe, Liu’s former chief of staff, is the candidate best prepared to represent this district. As the community liaison for Liu’s office, he dealt daily with constituent complaints. He has extensive experience and understands the complex issues facing the district. We believe he is ready to step up to the plate as the representative for the diverse Flushing neighborhood.

District 23: Mark Weprin

District 23 was yet another tough call. We admire the work of Swaranjit Singh, a community board member who has served as the unofficial ambassador of the borough’s Sikh community. If he is elected in November, he will be the first Sikh to hold public office in New York City.

Likewise we are impressed by Bob Friedrich’s activism and his commitment to the people of this district. He has served as president of Glen Oaks Village, a large co-op community in Queens. Even if he fails to win the Democratic nomination, he will remain on the ballot as the Republican candidate.

With some reservations about establishing a political dynasty, TimesLedger Newspapers endorses Mark Weprin. He is seeking to replace his brother, David, who is running for the comptroller nomination. Their father, Saul, served in the state Assembly for years, including a stint as speaker. When Saul died, Mark won his seat.

During his 15 years in Albany, Mark has helped author 62 laws. He understands the pressing issues facing his district, including education and the illegal conversion of houses.

Although we respect his opponents, Mark Weprin has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to get things done in public office.

District 25: Danny Dromm

In the three-way race in District 25, voters will choose between the two-term incumbent Councilwoman Helen Sears; Danny Dromm, a school teacher and community activist; and Stanley Kalathara, an immigration lawyer who is a relative newcomer to local politics.

Sears is running on the strength of her experience in the Council as a budget negotiator and has defended her vote to extend term limits by saying more than eight years is needed to complete long-term capital projects.

Dromm has touted his history as an activist on gay rights and immigration issues as well as his knowledge of education after decades of teaching in city schools, while Kalathara has focused largely on Sears’ vote in favor of extending term limits.

TimesLedger is giving its endorsement to Dromm, who has proven to be a passionate fighter for issues important to the community and is expected to be a more visible member of the Council if elected.

District 26: Jimmy Van Bramer

Four Democratic candidates are hoping to replace Councilman Eric Gioia in Sunnyside. Gioia is seeking the nomination for public advocate. The contenders in District 26 include attorney Deirdre Feerick; Queens Library External Affairs Director Jimmy Van Bramer; Bloomberg LP attorney Brent O’Leary; and Woodside translator David Rosasco, who is running as a write-in candidate after his petitions were challenged and he was removed from the ballot.

In a field of passionate candidates with deep local roots, Van Bramer stands out for his work as a community activist and organizer, including most notably his involvement in the city campaign finance reform effort of the late 1990s. TimesLedger endorses Van Bramer.

District 29: Karen Koslowitz

In District 29 an impressive roster of Democratic candidates is hoping to replace Councilwoman Melinda Katz in Forest Hills. Katz is running for comptroller. These are big shoes to fill. On the Democratic ticket are Bukharian lawyer Albert Cohen, former Assemblyman Michael Cohen, community activist Heidi Chain, former congressional aide Mel Gagarin, Queens Community Boards Director Karen Koslowitz and community activist Lynn Shulman.

We have decided to back Koslowitz, who served on the Council and was forced out by term limits. Her many years in public service and her commitment to making Queens a better place to live for people of all backgrounds make her an exceptional candidate. In particular, we have been impressed by her involvement in the borough’s hospital crisis, which is far from over.