By Howard Koplowitz
State Assembly candidate Bob Friedrich took a $1,100 contribution from a controversial Glen Oaks catering hall that has been the source of complaints from civic organizations in and near Floral Park, Bellerose and Glen Oaks, but Friedrich said he did not mean to accept the donation.
Neighbors have complained of patrons having sex in and on top of their cars outside the establishment, broken bottles of alcohol scattered on the street and double-parked cars.
“It had been deposited by mistake,” Friedrich said of the check. “It’s being refunded. We’re working on the refund check.”
Friedrich called himself a “leading advocate” against the restaurant.
“I don’t play the pay-to-play politics game,” he said.
Friedrich, a tax accountant and president of Glen Oaks Village, said he was running a grassroots campaign against Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and that he was the candidate, treasurer and consultant for his campaign.
“I’m going to reprimand the treasurer,” Friedrich said.
A man who answered the phone at Shahi Darbar said Friedrich did not solicit the donation from him and that the catering hall was told through a friend that the Indian community was supporting Friedrich.
The man said the friend encouraged him to donate to Friedrich.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
