The Whitestone Republican Club kicked off the critical 2025 election year with a passionate call to action, urging grassroots engagement and political reform.
At an energized meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the American Legion Hall on 10-20 Clintonville St. in Whitestone, attendees focused on the upcoming races for the New York City Council and mayoral seat.
Council Member Vickie Paladino, well-known for speaking her mind in and out of session in the NYC Council, set the tone for the night, delivering a passionate call to action. “We need every single one of you to step up and fight for our city,” she urged, as she charged all her supporters with going out and collecting signatures to ensure she is back on the ballot for re-election. Emphasizing public safety and accountability, Paladino encouraged attendees to embrace grassroots efforts and reject complacency. “This is about restoring the city we all love,” she said.
Steven Gillan, Director of Political Affairs at Project Civica, took to the podium to present a roadmap for the Committeemen process—a grassroots initiative aimed at empowering citizens to reclaim their voice in the Republican Party. He commended the club’s efforts, which helped bolster Republican turnout across New York City. “The fight for New York is on,” Gillan declared, as he outlined the need for leadership reform, stronger candidate recruitment, and mobilizing unaffiliated voters.
Queens Caucus Chairman Steven Forte, newly announced as Executive Secretary of the New York Young Republicans Club, introduced the keynote speaker, Curtis Sliwa, with an impassioned tribute. “He’s on the streets, he’s on the subways, he’s in the studio, and he’s at every political club meeting,” Forte said. “This is ‘The People’s Mayor.’”
Sliwa took the stage to thunderous applause, delivering a fiery speech that resonated with the packed room. Known for his no-holds-barred rhetoric and relentless advocacy, Sliwa pulled no punches as he tackled pressing issues facing New York City, including rising crime, systemic corruption, and the shortcomings of the current administration and city government.
“We’ve got to stop playing the same losing game,” he said, urging attendees to support grassroots initiatives like Project Civica to take back control of the city. He even took on his own party’s leadership, denouncing what he says is a “self-defeating prophecy”, and perpetuating a false narrative and losing strategy, that Republicans can’t win a city-wide race.
The room fell silent as Sliwa recounted the horrific story of Debrina Kewam, the young woman who was burned to death on the subway. He personalized and brought the tragic tale of a once vibrant high-school cheerleader to life, giving her name to a nameless victim who could’ve been one of our own loved ones. Sliwa spoke about the woman’s life, a kind and vibrant all-American suburban girl from New Jersey, who like many of us, lost her way, falling upon hard times, and ending up homeless in the city’s subways, meeting a gruesome end that no human being deserves. Attendees were visibly moved, with barely a dry eye in the venue. “Debrina’s story is a stark reminder of why we cannot stay silent any longer,” Sliwa said, his voice breaking with emotion. “She deserved better, and so does every New Yorker. It’s time to demand leadership that will protect and serve its citizens.”
Sliwa’s speech blended fiery critique with deep personal conviction, inspiring the audience to rise to the challenge of the upcoming election year. “The fight starts now,” he proclaimed. “Together, we can take this city back.”
The meeting underscored the Whitestone Republican Club’s position as a force for political action and reform, with Sliwa praising its members’ dedication and hard work.
With leaders like Paladino, Forte, and Sliwa at the forefront and initiatives like Project Civica laying the groundwork, the club states they are committed to restoring accountability, law, and order to New York City. As Sliwa concluded, “This city deserves leaders who fight for the people. Let’s give them a reason to believe again.”
The Whitestone Republican Club is one of the largest active republican clubs in northeast Queens helping support future candidates for office while fighting for its community. The club meets every second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
