That was the tag line used for the first Independence Party candidate screenings held almost two decades ago. Party founders Tom Golisano, Laureen Oliver, Gordon Black, myself and others wanted to create an open process for "Citizen Legislators" running for public office seeking our endorsement.
Is it a perfect process, no, but sure is fun and historical at the same time! You never know what Independent, Democrat, Republican, Conservative or die hard insurgent – even well known incumbent elected officials – will attend the annual candidate screenings.
Our newly elected City Comptroller John C. Liu was first screened in 1997, when he made his first bid for public office running for City Council. Four years later, John Liu ran again for City Council as a Democrat/Independence candidate and won. We have been friends and admirers ever since.
Our current "Citizen Legislators" screening took place at my Spindoctor Inc., headquarters in College Point on Friday, May 28, from 4 p.m. till around 1 a.m., under the supervision of party faithful state committee members Joseph E. Tiraco and Deborah Davis, both from Forest Hills, Pamela Rinando and me from College Point, executive board member Michael Zumbluskas from Manhattan and state chair Frank MacKay who called in to say "Thanks."
If you are a "Citizen Legislator" running for U.S. Congress, State Senate or State Assembly and would like to be screened, email Joseph E. Tiraco at joe@independencepartyofqueens.com or visit our web site www.independencepartyofqueens.com for more info.
The Queens County delegation is getting ready for our 2010 Independence Party Convention to nominate, designate and authorize candidates for the statewide offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, two United States Senators, Attorney General and Comptroller. It will be held at the Albany Holiday Inn, Saturday, June 5. Remember the film "Animal House," when everyone yelled out "Road Trip!" Let the good times roll.
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Congratulations to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown for celebrating 50 years of outstanding public service at a gala to be held at the U.S. Tennis Stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park this week. Brown was our first candidate for public office after the new political upstart called the Independence Party obtained ballot status in 1995. We affectionately call him "Mister District Attorney" like the late 1950’s comic book we gave him. Instead, we gave him an award at our first annual dinner held at the White House Restaurant in Whitestone. The very rare mint condition "Mister District Attorney" comic book is prominently displayed in his office credenza behind his desk. Bravo, to one of the most respected and feared lawman in the nation.
Michael N. Niebauer is president/chief executive officer of the public relations firm Spindoctor Inc.; founder of the Independence Party of Queens County Organization and co-founder of the NYS Independence Party as well as QPTV talk show host of The Independence Party of Queens show "the Independent."
