For the first time in years, Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry has a challenger.
“After 18 years, you are not surprised to have someone challenge you,” Aubry said.
The 62-year-old incumbent, who has represented the neighborhoods of East Elmhurst, Corona, Elmhurst, Lefrak City and Rego Park since 1992, faces a battle against Anthony Miranda, a former staffer of expelled ex-Senator Hiram Monserrate, who co-founded the Latino Officers Association.
“This is the first time in 18 years that the community will have a choice,” Miranda said.
Aubry, who served as the Corrections Committee chair, is using the Rockefeller Drug Laws as a campaign platform in the 35th Assembly District Democratic primary. Aubry is the original sponsor of legislation that changed the highly criticized 1970s sentencing laws. He also said he will address the issues of creating jobs and affordable housing.
“People appreciate the work I have done,” Aubry said.
Miranda, 49, a retired NYPD officer who has lived in Queens with his family for a year, said he is running on a platform of equal access to government officials, more diversity in government, government transparency, health care access, preserving jobs, protecting homeowners and protecting the working class.
DC 37, the largest public employee union in New York City, endorsed Aubry’s reelection. So has the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), the nation’s oldest and largest professional association for registered nurses, with more than 36,000 members throughout New York State. Miranda has received the support of the Citizens Union of New York City.
To raise money, Miranda has been collecting from community residents, local businesses and friends and family. He said at the moment he believes the support of the people has been more important than financial support. As of August 30, Miranda has managed to collect more than $45,000 in campaign contributions, while Aubry had more than $250,000.
“We have been beating him on the streets,” Miranda said. “We have been beating him with the dialogue of the people.”
Miranda has been going door-to-door to get voters support. He said he is running against Aubry because he has not been visible in the community and does not represent all of his constituents. He said Aubry only represents the interest of African-Americans and not Hispanics.
“He is the ultimate insider of politics,” Miranda said. “His voice is not heard in the community.”
Aubry said he never left the streets and that he tries to represent all of his constituents. He also pointed out that Miranda did not register to vote until 2000, and that in 2009, Miranda switched his voting address in Queens from one part of the 35th District to another.
“Our community is so multiethnic,” Aubry said. “You don’t pander to anyone group. I don’t put one part of the city against another one like Miranda is doing.”
