By Mark Hallum
Daniel Rosenthal, a 26-year-old staffer for Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), has been nominated by the Queens County Democratic Party to take over the district left without representation following the death of Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing). A special election is set for November.
Rosenthal has worked as district director for Lancman and his nomination came with high praise from the Queens Democratic Party chairman, U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), who described the young Democrat as the “standard bearer” for the party and a continuation of Simanowitz’s legacy in the district.
“Mike Simanowitz was a friend and mentor who always put his constituents first,”Rosenthal said. “He was the epitome of a great public servant. His passing has left a huge void in our community and in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
“I am running to serve in the 27th Assembly District to continue the work that defined Mike Simanowitz’s public service: strong advocacy on the issues that matter to all our neighbors, dedicated constituent services, and a commitment to making our community a better place to live. I am excited at the prospect of representing our part of Queens in the state Assembly. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to meeting with families, community leaders and local businesses to discuss how we can work together to build on Mike’s many achievements.”
Simanowitz died at 45 in early September after a years-long battle with an unidentified illness. He was elected in 2011 to the district that covers College Point, Whitestone, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Briarwood, Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill. Rosenthal is a resident of Kew Gardens Hills.
“Queens Democrats are thrilled to formally nominate Daniel Rosenthal to be our party’s candidate in the 27th Assembly District,” Crowley said. “Daniel represents the best and the brightest in our party. He has a deep and unwavering passion for public service, and has spent years working in this community to improve the lives of its residents. I know Daniel will serve the people of the 27th Assembly District with the same dignity, honor and commitment that Mike Simanowitz did.”
According to a release from Rosenthal’s campaign, the candidate has worked as the primary liaison between Lancman’s office and civic organizations throughout the district, and has helped organize opposition to DOT plans to add bus lanes to Main Street as well as pushing the city Department of Design and Construction to complete the construction of the Kew Gardens Hills Library.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
