By Rebecca Henely
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Forest Hills) and state Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) took the stage at the Ridgewood Older Adult Center last Thursday to announce Weiner’s endorsement of Miller in his re-election campaign.
They made the endorsement while many visitors to the center, which is located at 59-14 70th Ave., were having lunch. Weiner asked the seniors to “join arms” and re-elect Miller.
“Mike Miller has not been in office long, but he has been a breath of fresh air,” Weiner said.
Miller is running for re-election in the 38th Assembly District, a seat he won in a 2009 special election. He currently faces opposition from Community Board 9 and Community Educational Council 24 member Nick Comaianni, a Democrat, and Forest Park Senior Center Executive Director Donna Caltabiano, a Republican.
Weiner also is running for re-election this year. He has a Republican challenger in retired businessman Bob Turner.
In his endorsement, Weiner described Miller as an assemblyman who in tough financial times makes sure that while the budget is tight, he cuts only the excess and not important services. He pointed out that Miller fought for more beat cops in his district, which covers Ridgewood, Glendale, Woodhaven and Ozone Park.
The congressman also described Miller as a man who knew his district well.
“There is not a street corner in [this district] that he doesn’t know from experience because he lives here,” Weiner said.
Miller said Weiner planned to endorse him one month ago, and they had just now found a good time and place to announce it. They chose the center as the location because of what they see as the strong value of seniors to the city.
“They struggled all their life to get to this point,” Miller said. “And I feel it’s very unfair that when they look at the budget the first thing they cut are senior services and senior centers.”
Weiner also mentioned seniors in his endorsement.
“The people in this room helped build this city,” Weiner said.
Miller described himself to the audience as an assemblyman who stands up for the rights of seniors.
“We have to be here to protect you and serve you and that’s what we do,” Miller said.
Miller also received an endorsement from the United Federation of Teachers Monday.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
