Special Elections roundup – Who’s running

A slow election year is quickly turning into a heated race to the finish.
The sprint to fill former-representative Anthony Weiner’s seat in Congressional District 9 officially kicked off as Assemblymember David Weprin was named as the Democratic candidate, while the Republican Party named businessman Bob Turner as its candidate.
The campaign leading up to the special election on September 13 is shaping up to be a divisive one, with candidates from both parties firing pointed opening salvos.
“I plan on getting elected,” said Weprin, a former councilmember who was the chair of the Council’s Finance Committee for eight years. “This is going to be a traditional race between a Democrat and a Republican. The Republicans are looking to privatize healthcare and I believe that is a mistake.”
Turner, who ran against Weiner last year and earned a surprising 40 percent of the vote, said that this special election is about unfinished business. The Republican business man said he is looking to continue the grassroots campaign he started last year.
“We need more independent minded people on the federal level, to stop the unsustainable spending and help create real jobs for Americans,” he said. “There should be no place in our government for tax and spend career politicians such as my newest opponent from the Democratic machine.”
Congressmember Joseph Crowley, also Democratic Chair, said that Weprin was chosen after a rigorous two-week vetting process that saw a number of potential candidates.
“David comes into this position with tremendous life experience,” said Crowley. “His background fits the mold of the district. He’s strong, motivated and will serve his constituents well. The Weprin name stands for integrity.”
Other elections taking place on that day will fill voids left in the 23rd and 27th assembly districts by Audrey Pheffer – now Queens County Clerk – and the retired Nettie Mayersohn.
The borough’s Democratic brass came out in strong support of the two candidates vying to fill their shoes – Michael Simanowitz in the 27th and Phillip Goldfeder in the 23rd – at Queensborough Hall in Kew Gardens on July 11.
Simanowitz, who served as Mayersohn’s chief-of-staff for the last 15 years, laid out his agenda for office if elected.
“Good jobs, lower taxes, good schools for our children and clean, safe streets,” said Simanowitz, who is in favor of providing students with advanced technological tools in the classroom, tax incentives for small businesses and funding for the borough’s public safety officials. “Public safety should not be and will not be a bargaining chip in the future, hopefully.”
A lifelong resident of Far Rockaway, Crowley described Goldfeder as “part of the fabric” that makes up the 23rd Assembly District. He most recently served as a top aide to Senator Charles Schumer before deciding to enter the special election.
“Our platform is very simple: strong qualifications, an unparalleled record of community service and genuine accomplishment,” said Goldfeder. “Isaac Newton once said, ‘If I have seen further than others, it’s because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.’ Chair Crowley is my giant. Those standing next to me are my giants.”