By Phil Corso
Community Board 11 Chairman Jerry Iannece announced Tuesday he was setting up an exploratory committee to run for the state Assembly seat currently held by Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), who already has launched his own campaign for Congress.
Iannece was the first to officially announce a run for the seat. Lancman had no immediate comment.
In a statement, Iannece said he made the decision to run partly because of the support he received from community leaders.
“I am flattered and humbled by the sheer volume of calls from local elected officials, civic and community leaders and activists who have all urged me to run for the 25th Assembly seat,” Iannece said.
Frank Skala, president of the East Bayside Homeowners Association, said he was surprised to hear about Iannece’s Assembly run.
“He’s always been looking to do something in the political field,” Skala said. “Jerry could do a good job and he has the confidence to do the job. I wish him success.”
In 2009, Kevin Kim defeated Iannece in the Democratic primary for City Council in the district now represented by Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone). He said he was looking forward to the possibility of representing his community as an assemblyman.
The longtime northeast Queens civic leader left hints that this might be the last of his four terms serving as chairman of CB 11 after being re-elected last month. He said choosing to run for the 25th Assembly District was the perfect fit.
“It takes in over 90 percent of Bayside Hills, where I have lived for over 20 years,” Iannece said. “It is where my kids grew up and went to school, where I served as a Little League coach and where I got my start as a civic leader.”
The 25th Assembly District also covers Fresh Meadows, parts of Flushing and Richmond Hill.
“I have lived and actively volunteered and worked in virtually every part of this district for well over two decades,” Iannece said. “The record shows that I have dedicated my life to the betterment of this community.”
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
