By Steve Mosco
With the campaign responsibilities of a primary election now behind him, state Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) is anxious to get back to work and tackle the issues facing his community after retaining his Assembly seat.
“There is no break for us,” Miller said of himself and his staff. “There is always going to be a lot of work to do here.”
Miller, who does not have an opponent in the November election, defeated Etienne David Adorno in the 38th Assembly District Democratic Party primary last Thursday, grabbing 71 percent of the votes to the 27-year-old Adorno’s 29 percent.
The assemblyman, who represents parts of Woodhaven, Glendale, Ridgewood, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, said his re-election was based on experience and record — qualities he believes help spur action in Albany.
“The people sent us a message with this election,” Miller said on the night of his victory. “This put all the rumors and rhetoric to rest — and I’m ready to go back to work for the people and continue the greatest job I’ve ever had.”
Miller, a Glendale resident, cited raising the minimum wage as his key issue along with improving the quality of life in Woodhaven, in particular. The assemblyman said raising minimum wage would help the entire community rebound after some tough financial stretches.
“There are many families struggling in my community. People are working two or three jobs just to make ends meet,” he said. “If we raise the minimum wage, the added bonus is that people are going to spend that money locally. This will lead to more jobs and help even more families survive.”
The Sept. 13 primary drew 2,021 total votes in the 38th Assembly District, a weak turnout which some say suffered from the election’s unusual placement on a Thursday, where it was moved to avoid coinciding with the Sept. 11 anniversary.
City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio is more concerned with voters knowing where to cast their ballots in November than voter turnout for the primary. He said the city Board of Elections needs to get the word out to voters, whose polling places have changed due to redistricting or other factors, in a more timely fashion.
“If we can’t even get people to the right poll site to vote, we are really up the creek,” said de Blasio. “The Board of Elections has to make this right — fast.”
The city BOE did not return requests for comment on polling site problems.
Reach reporter Steve Mosco by e-mail at smosco@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
