By Phil Corso
City Councilman Dan Halloran’s (R-Whitestone) congressional bid will be temporarily sidelined as the councilman undergoes a neurosurgical procedure to remove a benign tumor.
Halloran, who was scheduled to be operated on Wednesday, said he would remain in the hospital for the rest of the week before returning home to Flushing to recuperate.
“My doctors expect a speedy recovery, and I hope to be back on my feet within a few weeks and get back to the business of serving in City Hall and fighting for our district, the middle class and our shared values.”
Spokesman Steven Stites said Halloran was diagnosed in March on the morning of his campaign kick-off for the 6th Congressional seat. He has since been actively campaigning while juggling his duties as a councilman.
He will undergo surgery at the NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan.
“It’s been something he has thought about, but it has not slowed him down,” Stites said.
The location of the tumor was not disclosed, but Halloran said the operation would be lengthy.
Stites said doctors expected a speedy recovery for the councilman, though he was still admittedly nervous.
“Who wouldn’t be?” Halloran said.
In his statement, Halloran said his surgery was a small ordeal when compared to what other New Yorkers might be living through. He said the procedure seemed relatively minor when compared to the plight of others who may have lost their jobs and he would remember that as motivation.
“I will keep you all in my mind as I fight through this surgery, so I can get back to working for you,” Halloran said.
Stites said the councilman’s office would continue running at full speed throughout Halloran’s recovery period, with the same operating hours and the same workload with no drop-off in constituent services.
Looking forward, Halloran said he was glad to receive the support he had seen since announcing his surgery Monday.
“It is deeply gratifying to realize how much so many of you care,” Halloran said. “Know that I will be back to fight for you and for our neighborhoods as soon as possible.”
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
