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the Campaign Trail

In the weeks leading up to the Sept. 13 primaries and the Nov. 6 general election, the Times Newsweekly/Ridgewood Times will feature in this column press releases and statements sent by the campaigns of the candidates on the ballot.

The statements in this column do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Times Newsweekly/Ridgewood Times or its staff. Mud-slinging statements which include personal attacks on candidates are omitted.

State Sen. 15th Dist. Workers’ Union Backs Addabbo

One of the nation’s largest property service unions, 32BJ, endorsed State Sen. Joseph Addabbo for reelection to the 15th State Senate District seat.

“Joseph Addabbo has shown through his service on the New York City Council and in the State Senate his dedication to improving the lives of middle-class and working New Yorkers,” said Hector Figueroa, secretary treasurer for 32BJ. “He has fought to strengthen rules that would help protect workers from injuries on the job.”

“I am honored to have the support of 32BJ, as they represent and fight for thousands of working New Yorkers,” said Addabbo. “I am eager to stand with them in continuing the fight for the rights and benefits of property service workers, and all working class families across the state and in the district.”

Addabbo supported legislation to aid property service workers including the Unnumbered School Custodian Prevailing Wage Bill, and legislation that would ensure workers employed to provide service work for the benefit of public agencies are paid prevailing wages.

The 32BJ union represents 70,000 property service workers in New York City and Long Island, and has more than 120,000 members around the U.S., making it the largest property service workers union in the country. It is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which has over two million members.

Fire Officials Are Supporting Ulrich

The New York City Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) gathered recently in front of Engine Co. 319’s Middle Village headquarters to announce its endorsement of City Council Member Eric Ulrich for the 15th State Senate District seat.

“Eric has compiled an enviable record in the city council and has been at the forefront of the council’s efforts to keep open as many as 20 fire companies,” said Capt. Alexan- der Hagan, UFOA president. “New York City’s fire officers are looking forward to working with Eric Ulrich in Albany next year.”

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association,” said Ulrich. “Each and every day, New York’s bravest put their lives on the line to keep us safe and I look forward to being a strong advocate on their behalf in Albany.”

The UFOA represents 2,500 lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fire marshals and medical officers.

NY- 6 Congress Race Koch Gives His Nod To Meng

Assemblywoman Grace Meng, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Sixth District, received the endorsement of former New York City Mayor Ed Koch on the steps of City Hall.

Koch heralded Meng as the best choice to stand in support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship in Congress, and to protect our middle-class families at all costs.

Koch said, “Grace Meng is unequivocally the strongest candidate to maintain strong U.S. relations with the State of Israel. Grace has demonstrated a deep understanding of the nature of Israel’s struggle in its corner of the world and why it’s so important for Israeli and American interests and global security that the United States stands in support of her.”

Meng said, “Mayor Koch has long stood as a pillar of strong U.S.- Israeli relations and a champion of middle class families everywhere, which is why I am so honored and thankful to have his endorsement during this critical moment in our nation’s history. Middle-class Queens families, the American people, and the greater international community deserve a United States Congress that will fight to protect the hard working families and our most vulnerable neighbors and stand up for the rights of our allies, including Israel. I look forward to working with Mayor Koch in the years to come and standing up for these commonsense ideals as a member of the House of Representatives.”

Halloran Takes A Trip To Israel

City Council Member Dan Halloran, the Republican candidate for Congress in the Sixth District, traveled to Israel last weekend for a fourday trip to see the country and learn more about the dangers faced by the Israeli people.

The new Sixth District where Halloran is campaigning has a large and diverse Jewish population, including Sephardic and Bukharian Jews in Rego Park and Forest Hills, and Orthodox Jews in Kew Gardens Hills. As a City Council member in northeast Queens, Halloran represents a sizable Jewish community, largely based in Little Neck and the Bay Terrace cooperative.

“Israel is our country’s most important ally, and the front line of defense for us in the war against terrorism,” Halloran said prior to departing. “I’m visiting Israel to show that there are American leaders that care deeply about the country and Judaism.”

Halloran was scheduled to meet with the Speaker of the Parliament, the Deputy Prime Minister, the former Deputy Chief of the Mossad, approximately 20 members of the Knesset, and the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, among others.

Halloran departed last Saturday evening, Aug. 11, and arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday. He was scheduled to return to the U.S. Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Assembly 38th Dist. Rallying Around Miller’s Campaign

Surrounded by friends, colleagues, supporters and community leaders, Assembly Member Mike Miller hosted a rally in Glendale on Monday, Aug. 13, in support of his re-election.

“I am running for re-election to make sure all our children have access to great schools, our seniors remain protected, and our small businesses have the resources to flourish,” said Miller. “I am focused on keeping taxes low for middle class families while at the same time raising the minimum wage to grow our economy and create good jobs here at home. In this incredibly diverse district, I will continue to be a voice for all our families, in all our neighborhoods.”

“While some might shy away from a fight, I have shown time and again that independence and determination can lead to real results for Queens,” Miller added. “With your help, I am eager to continue this fight in the weeks and months ahead.”

Miller was joined at the rally, and proudly endorsed, by State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Assembly Members Michael DenDekker, Phil Goldfeder, Rory Lancman, Francisco Moya, Catherine Nolan, Michael Simanowitz and David Weprin and City Council Member Diana Reyna.

For more information on voting or to obtain a voting registration application, contact the New York City Board of Elections at 1-212-VOTENYC or visit www.vote.nyc.ny.us.

Press representatives of candidates may send their information to this paper by fax to 1-718-456-0120 or e-mail to info@times newsweekly.com. All releases are subject to editing.