By Steve Mosco
Campaign contributions and endorsements have continued to pile up for incumbent state Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) and his challenger, Etienne David Adorno, as they head into the September primary.
The two candidates, running for the 38th Assembly District, disclosed their campaign finances in reports filed with the state Board of Elections this month. Miller’s campaign raised more than $23,000, with about $9,000 in expenses. His opponent in the Sept. 13 primary, Etienne David Adorno, received roughly $13,000, and spent about $1,000.Notable donators to Miller’s campaign include Friends of Michael Simanowitz and labor union Local 32BJ, with both contributing $2,000. Adorno’s campaign received a $10,000 loan from Adam Figueora, of Jersey City, N.J., Aug. 5.
Recently redrawn, the new 38th Assembly District encompasses many Hispanic voters, with Adorno hailing from Woodhaven. The district, besides Woodhaven, includes parts of Glendale, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park. A Spanish speaker, Adorno said he believes he can connect with residents who may not identify with Miller, a Glendale resident.
But Miller recently received the endorsements of several Democratic Latino elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn), state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) in his re-election bid.
“I am truly humbled by the depth of support I have received,” said Miller. “I entered public service to make a real difference in my community. While we have done much over the past few years to improve our schools and create good jobs, there is much more to do to support all of our families. I pledge to continue this fight in the months and years ahead.”
Adorno has said while petitioning to qualify for the primary, he was only able to find a handful of people who knew who their assemblyman was.
“Knocking on those doors confirmed what I thought — we have a district of 124,000 people that are not being represented,” said Adorno, who grew up in Woodhaven and is currently a member of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association and serves on the Consumer Affairs and Public Safety Committee for Community Board 9.. “Representatives should have the best intentions of the entire constituency in mind. This is what motivates me to want to do something more.”
Miller responded to his challenger’s verbal barbs by citing his experience in the Assembly and years of accumulated contacts and clout. Miller said he does not want this primary to be a war of words, but rather an intelligent examination of both candidates’ records helping their communities.
“My opponent can’t come after me on my record, so he is going to make things up,” said Miller, who has served as assemblyman for the 38th District since 2009. “I know it’s a campaign, but don’t make stuff up. Talk about your record, your volunteer work and what you’ve done for the community.”
Reach reporter Steve Mosco by e-mail at smosco@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
