By Tom Momberg
New campaign endorsements have been announced by three of the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the City Council seat in eastern Queens, which covers neighborhoods such as Glen Oaks, Queens Village, Floral Park and Bellerose.
The off-season primary election for the Council seat formerly held by Mark Weprin is slated for Thursday, Sept. 10. As that date rapidly approaches, several of the candidates have been seeking additional political alliances.
Queens-based attorney and activist Ali Najmi’s campaign has been endorsed by Make the Road Action Fund, a grassroots advocacy organization that has supported policies and campaigns in support of Latino, immigrant and LGBT communities.
“Mr. Najmi has a proven track record as an attorney advocating for the community,” Action Fund Co-Executive Director Javier Valdés said in a statement. “His experience as a legislative director in the City Council working on important civil rights legislation makes him the most qualified candidate and a reliable ally on important social justice issues.”
Former Deputy Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Office Rebecca Lynch’s campaign received yet another labor endorsement. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, the largest grocery workers union in the state, advocated for Lynch’s campaign and her experience working with the labor movement.
“Working in the Labor movement with the Building Trades and the Teamsters, Rebecca has shown strong leadership, aggressively fighting for her union brothers and sisters while also organizing within her community,” UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce Both said in a statement.
Former state Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik, who is currently on leave from his position as director of parks and community boards for the borough president, has recently been endorsed by state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Hollis) and by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“During his many years of public service in Queens, Barry has always put the needs of working families first,” Comrie said in a statement. “I know as a Council member he will stand up to City Hall to protect Queens’ quality of life, and this is why Barry has my full support.”
Diaz added Grodenchik can best bring outer borough needs to the city’s attention.
“Barry is a true friend we can count on, and I’ve seen firsthand the work he does to deliver for seniors, schools, immigrants and families,” Diaz said in a statement. “He knows how to bring people together and he knows how to get things done.”
