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October 31, 2016
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City & State New York
October 31, 2016
EDITOR’S NOTE / Contents Godzilla first appeared in a Japanese film in 1954. The ancient sea creature, stirred from its slumbers by bomb tests, served as a metaphor for nuclear war. The message was not lost on an audience that, nearly a decade before, had to confront the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The reptilian beast has been rampaging across the big screen ever since, sometimes as a threat to humanity, other times as an unlikely hero battling more malevolent foes. Many people tuning in to this year’s presidential race have similarly existential hopes and fears about the candidates battling for supremacy. To some, Hillary Clinton is a power-hungry menace who has lied and cheated her way to the brink of victory. To others, Donald Trump is the monstrous figure, spewing vile insults and threatening to destabilize our democracy. Whether it’s a tragedy or a comedy, an action thriller or a horror show, it’s hard to turn away from the spectacle. But if the ending makes you want to flee in terror, remember this: Like Godzilla, there’s always going to be another sequel.
JON LENTZ Senior editor
6.
BOCHINCHE & BUZZ
Which Cuomo ally could Preet take down next? Who wants to challenge Cuomo in 2018? Gerson Borrero has the scoop.
8.
ELECTION PREVIEW
Everything you need to know about New York’s biggest national and state matchups.
14.
QUEENS BOROUGH 50
The 50 most influential leaders in Queens.
29.
SLANT
The editorial board’s picks in pivotal state Senate and congressional races.
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CityAndStateNY.com
October 31, 2016
LAST WEEK’S ROUNDUP
BACK& FORTH A Q&A with Academy Award-winning actor
F. MURRAY ABRAHAM C&S: YOU’VE TESTIFIED BEFORE CONGRESS ON BEHALF OF THE MULTIFAITH ALLIANCE FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES. WHAT DREW YOU TO THAT CAUSE? FMA: Well, my father’s from Syria. He came over when he was a kid. My grandfather brought the family over to escape famine – they were dying, people were dying – and the United States of America opened their arms to them. I wish that we could carry on that tradition. C&S: “HAMILTON” IS TEARING UP BROADWAY. DO YOU HAVE A DREAM HISTORICAL FIGURE TO PLAY ON STAGE? FMA: If we could find a play good enough, I’d love to play (The Public Theater founder) Joe Papp. He was an idol of mine. I think he was a great man. What he did for the theater, what he did for New York – I mean, are you kidding, the Delacorte Theater in the park? Who would have dreamed that’s possible? That’s vision. That’s a great thing, one of the best things in New York. It’s the great leveler. You don’t have to have any money to go to the theater, that’s the way it should be. C&S: YOU ENDORSED BILL DE BLASIO IN 2013. HOW HAS HE DONE? FMA: I thought it was a terrific thing that he represented. I’m a little disappointed, I’m sorry to say, but I still have hopes for him. I wish he would somehow find a balance between the populace and the police department. You really mustn’t choose sides. I’m a big supporter of the police department, and I also believe that we have to find a way to better communication between the police and the people in the street. That’s so tricky.
GARNER INQUIRY SHAKE-UP U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch shook up the probe of Eric Garner’s death, replacing New York investigators who hadn’t found enough evidence to bring a case with Washington officials. The unusual move could result in charges against Daniel Pantaleo, the officer caught on video putting Garner in a chokehold on Staten Island in 2014. Mayor Bill de Blasio has promised the city’s full cooperation. STUMPING FOR STATE SENATORS Gov. Andrew Cuomo went all in for the state Senate Democrats last week, making endorsements, giving speeches and headlining fundraisers in a bid to help his party take control of Albany’s upper house. Cuomo has been accused of not doing enough for his party before, but the real power brokers may be the IDC – with whom Cuomo suggested “marriage” and “compromise” with mainline Democrats. AIRBNB: FINE OR NOT FINE? With the swipe of a pen, Cuomo locked the door on many Airbnb home-share rentals. The new legislation imposes fines of up to $7,500 on anyone who violates local rules by posting a short-term rental of an entire apartment. Middle-class leg up, or contributor to high housing costs? The jury is still out, with dueling protests outside Cuomo’s office and Airbnb suing over the law.
THIS WEEK’S EVENTS TUESDAY, NOV. 1 8 a.m. – Mayor Bill de Blasio keynotes the Crain’s 2016 New York City Summit. Panel topics include building more housing and creating new jobs as the city’s population is expected to grow to 9 million people by 2040. A panel on alleviating gridlock includes the MTA’s Tom Prendergast and the Port Authority’s Pat Foye. Sheraton New York Times Square, 811 Seventh Ave., Manhattan.
WEDNESDAY,NOV.2 10 a.m. - New York City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson holds a Public Safety Committee hearing on the Nuisance Abatement Fairness Act, a package of 13 bills aimed at reforming the Nuisance Abatement Law, which the NYPD uses to shut down and temporarily seize bars, stores and homes where illegal activities are said to have occured. Council Chambers, City Hall, Manhattan.
Upcoming events: Planning an event in the next few weeks that our readers should know about? Submit details to editor@cityandstateny.com. We’ll pick the most interesting or important ones and feature them in print each week.
THE
Kicker
“I THINK POLITICIANS ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO HEIGHT. BUT USUALLY IT’S THAT A POLITICIAN DOESN’T WANT TO STAND NEXT TO ANOTHER POLITICIAN WHO IS TALLER.” – Bill Bradley, former New Jersey senator and New York Knick, on Mayor Bill de Blasio sitting during press conferences, via The New York Times. Get the kicker every morning in CITY & STATE’S FIRST READ email. Sign up at cityandstateny.com.
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
NEW YORK CITY GOVERNMENT
DID YOU MISS IT?
ETHICS TRAINING CONFERENCE
As the drumbeat of political scandals continues, experts at City & State Reports’ Government Ethics Training provided lessons on anti-corruption legislation, where lines are drawn with gift-giving, and more. The training, presented with NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service, was a reminder that good government takes work. As Manhattan D.A. Cyrus Vance told the attendees, it’s up to them to hold public officials accountable:
FROM THE WEEKLY PODCAST WITH WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORTER
MARA GAY
“We have to take a radical look at how our laws are working and not working and deal with it. Lead through it. Otherwise I’m afraid that we will be looking to our federal brothers and sisters to do the work that I think, as state prosecutors, we should be doing ourselves.”
Assembly candidate Rebecca Harary
Eleanor Randolph, a contributing editorial writer for The New York Times
Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York, Richard Berkley, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project of New York, Umair Khan, deputy counsel for New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, and Assemblyman David Buchwald
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.
Seth Agata, executive director, New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics
With the fourth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered more bad news: New York City will fall short of its goal of getting every affected home rebuilt by the end of this year. Wall Street Journal reporter Mara Gay has covered the recovery process extensively and joined us to talk about the problems that have plagued the Build It Back program. “There were federal officials who were there at the time who thought (de Blasio’s goal) was outrageous. And they said to the mayor, ‘Oh really? That’s great. We’d love to see that. Do you really think you can get this done?’ And he was convinced he could. It didn’t happen.” “This is an opportunity I think that the city missed. This was an opportunity to get something done the right way, and that didn’t happen. And I think that has made some voters even more suspicious of City Hall and of government in general.”
Richard Briffault, chairman, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board
Have photos from an event you’d like to see here? Send them to features@cityandstateny.com.
Listen, subscribe and review this week’s podcast by searching for “New York Slant” on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud or your favorite podcast app.
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October 31 , 2016 July 18, 2016
CityAndStateNY.com
GLASER NEXT?
NEW BROOKLYN D.A. LO QUIERE ERIC GONZÁLEZ
ERIC ADAMS
HOWARD GLASER
A VERY BUSY and well-connected bochinchero dropped Howard Glaser’s name on me recently in connection with the corruption scandals in the Cuomo administration. Several others not as steeped in bochiche told me they have heard similar buzz that Preet Bharara’s office is spending a lot of time looking at his business dealings. TISH JAMES
NO SOONER HAD GOV. CUOMO made public that he wasn’t appointing anyone to replace the recently deceased Ken Thompson, than the hand-picked successor of the legendary prosecutor let it be known that he wants to run for the office in 2017. Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric González is engaged in serious conversations and getting top-notch political advice about the steps he needs to take for his maiden voyage into the electoral process. While González has said he’s not a political person, he sure is moving rápido. Informed bochincheros say the new D.A. has a lot of support already, from people like Thompson’s wife Lu-Shawn and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Nydia Velázquez and Yvette Clarke. Buzz is also that several influential Brooklyn religious leaders will be standing with González. Pero, all isn’t perfect. Well-informed bochincheros still view Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as a disruptor in the process. And some insiders say they are still upset with him for showing disrespect to Ken Thompson, including one who labeled him a “vulture” (as reported in this column) for his machinations to have Public Advocate Tish James named as D.A. so he could then run in a special election for her post.
City & State New York
July 18, 2016 October 31, 2016
A CUOMO
PRIMARY
IN 2018?
ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN
TOM DINAPOLI
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NO WAY, you say. Ha! There’s top-level bochinche about discontent with the way Gov. Andrew Cuomo can’t seem to get his head out of bad publicity. At least a few concerned top Democrats shared the buzz about a challenge to the top New York Democrat. That kind of bochinche can be dangerous for those mouthing a possible challenge to control-freak Cuomo. We’re not talking Zephyr Teachout here, gente. The big names shared with B&B are Eric Schneiderman and Tom DiNapoli. According to two separate insider Democratic bochincheros, the numbers from the 2014 general election are of great concern. Whether it’s Rob Astorino – who is more than likely to make it official soon – or another Republican that emerges remains to be seen. “We don’t know what’s going to happen with the current indictments or who else is next,” a very candid bochinchero said. Do either the attorney general or the comptroller know what’s being said? I’m told that both of them hear the buzz as much as the rest. But Cuomo’s fat war chest and his tyrannical control of the party apparatus are big concerns for any potential challenger. Then again, he may be too busy dealing with the ongoing probes to be concerned about bochinche. There’s a saying in Spanish: “Si el rio suena, es porque piedras trae.” Loosely translated: If the river is making sounds, it’s because it’s dragging stones.
VIEJOS TO
TOO
CHANGE?
BUZZ AMONG SOME notorious Albany bochincheros is that if the Democrats’ circular firing squad manages to take control of the Senate, at least tres Republicanos are likely to retire. The names on the bochinche tongues are: Bill Larkin Jr., Carl Marcellino and Kemp Hannon. While Larkin isn’t as old as Moses, the senator representing the 39th D istrict is 88. Marcellino is 73 years old, and the Long Island senator also is said to not want to be around for Dems’ control. Then there’s Hannon, who at 70 is the baby of the trio and represents the 6th District and is rumored to possibly bail out if he’s no longer in a position of power. All I know is that we’ll have to wait until after Nov. 8, to see if these viejo Senate Republicans will be in the minority, and looking to exit stage right. Bochincheros are biting their uñas.
REMEMBER, GENTE, IT’S ALL BOCHINCHE UNTIL IT’S CONFIRMED.
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CityAndStateNY.com
October 31, 2016
ELECTION
PREVIEW 2016
THE EPIC CLASH BETWEEN Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is hurtling towards its conclusion, and no matter how it ends, the result is bound to make history. If Clinton wins, she would be the first female president of the United States – and the first first lady to follow in the footsteps of her spouse. Trump, who has built up a passionate following as an outspoken outsider, would be the first president in decades with no prior experience in government and no record of military service. The contest has been unprecedented in other ways, notably in the shocking rhetoric on the campaign trail. Disagreements
over policy have been overshadowed by accusations of criminal activity and allusions to penis size and menstruation. Comparisons of alleged incidents of sexual assault by Trump and Bill Clinton abound. Minorities, Muslims, military veterans and others have been roundly mocked. And yet, there’s little evidence that the acrimony in the presidential race is paving the way for more vitriol and mud-slinging in hotly contested battles here in New York. Republican Wendy Long, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, has positioned herself as a provocative, Trump-like candidate, but her campaign is such a long shot that she’s garnered relatively
little notice. Instead of emulating Trump, other Republicans in key races are distancing themselves from the top of the ticket. Sexual harassment allegations have been raised in some local races, but they center on former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who’s not even a candidate and isn’t married to one. Another factor when it comes to the negative tone in the presidential race is the dismal favorability ratings for both Trump and Clinton. Part of the reason the major party contenders are so unpopular is that they both have long records in the public eye, Clinton as first lady, senator from New York and secretary of state, and Trump as a real estate developer, businessman and reality TV personality. New York congressional and state candidates, meanwhile, are generally either seen more favorably or are less widely known – or both. On Nov. 8, Clinton is on track to beat Trump, at least if the polls are to be believed. What’s in greater doubt is the balance of power in the legislative bodies, both in Congress and in New York. While Schumer is coasting to reelection, it’s unclear whether his party will retake the U.S. Senate and make him majority leader. Democrats are far less likely to win back the House of Representatives, but to do so they’ll need to prevail in several close races right here in New York. And in Albany, the Republican-controlled state Senate once again hangs in the balance. In the following pages, City & State updates you on the all key matchups. So read on – and don’t forget to vote! – JON LENTZ, senior editor
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
PLE, O E P S DS IT E BEST. N E S H E EXICOENDING T U, THEY’R F M N “WHE ’RE NOT S DING YO E LOTS O V N THEY E NOT SE THAT HA RINGING ’R EB LE ’RE THEY ING PEOP D THEY’R US. THEY G SEND BLEMS AN MS WITH Y’RE BRIN E, PRO PROBLE GS. THE AND SOM E . U THOS GING DR RAPISTS PEOPLE.” BRIN THEY’RE E GOOD R E. CRIM SSUME, A IA “IMMIG 3. ME IS C RATION FOR O UNDER MING HERE AND EA OUR RULES 2. RN THOSE ING IT. FOR IANS S A N M A D “ COME H WHO HAVE ERE TO H G IN M O C I BELIE ERE ILLEGALL .” L O O H C S VE Y GO TO GIVE TH WE SHOULD E PATH T M A CLEAR O GO H OM AND TO RETUR E 5. N.” HANDING F O D A E T “INS 6. ELFARE W E H T T U O W ’LL TEACH “UPSTATE NE E W , S K C E CH YORK, IT LOOKS W TO PEOPLE HO HECK. LIKE A WAR C 4. IR E H T N EAR .” NE ZO M “ E T H H T CH MOST I AT’S THE WE’LL TEA YGIENE M H THING. PORTANT PERSONAL SONAL MATTE IT DOESN’T … THE PER DON’T R EY OF PER WHAT KIND THINGS TH EY COME SO TH EXTERM N IS THE GET WHEN NCTIONAL INATOR FU OK? TH , FROM DYS ES.” E Y W ANT TH HOM RACCO E ON THE BA S OUT OF SEMEN T.”
1.
ANSWERS: 1. TRUMP, 2. PALADINO, 3. PALADINO, 4. PALADINO, 5. PALADINO, 6. TRUMP
CARL PALADINO RAN for governor of New York in 2010. Donald Trump flirted with a run for governor of New York in 2014. Trump, a wealthy businessman and real estate developer with no prior political experience, is now the Republican nominee for president. Paladino, a wealthy businessman and real estate developer who had no prior political experience in 2010, is Trump’s New York campaign co-chairman. In 2010, Paladino ultimately lost badly to an establishment candidate who is part of a well-known Democratic political family. If the polls are to be believed, Trump is poised to lose badly to an establishment candidate who is part of a well-known Democratic political family. The similarities don’t end there – the two men were born a few months apart in 1946, both call New York home, and each one has made headlines – and both friends and enemies – for their unfiltered campaign style. (Of course, we don’t expect Trump to rebound with a run for the Buffalo School Board.) Here are some of their more controversial comments. Can you tell which politician said what?
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CityAndStateNY.com
October 31, 2016
FIVE NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL RACES TO WATCH With Donald Trump trailing in the polls, Democrats hope this year could be a wave election for them – perhaps even in the House of Representatives, where the party would need to pick up 30 seats for a majority. Here’s a look at five high-profile House seats. By MICHAEL GARETH JOHNSON
NY-1
Anna Throne-Holst (D)
Lee Zeldin (R)
NY-3
Jack Martins (R)
Tom Suozzi (D)
Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican, is looking to win a second term in this deep purple congressional district where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by roughly 15,000. Zeldin handily won the seat in 2014 over Democrat Rep. Tim Bishop, but in a presidential election year the contest is expected to be much closer. A recent Siena/Newsday poll showed Zeldin with a 15-point lead, 53 percent to 38 percent. Democrat Anna Throne-Holst, the former Southampton town supervisor, lags in name recognition, with 43 percent of voters not knowing who she is or having no opinion of her. A whopping $8.9 million has been raised by the candidates, making it one of the state’s most expensive House contests.
Democratic Rep. Steve Israel didn’t seek reelection this year in the district, which includes parts of Queens and northern Suffolk and Nassau counties and has a Democratic registration advantage of roughly 41,000 voters. In a five-way primary, Democrats nominated former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, who holds a big name recognition edge over his challenger, Republican state Sen. Jack Martins. On the issues the two are not so different, with both taking moderate positions in their respective parties. A recent Siena/Newsday poll had Suozzi leading Martins 50 percent to 34 percent, while nearly six in 10 voters said they don’t know who Martins is or had no opinion of him.
NY-19
John Faso (R)
Zephyr Teachout (D)
A Siena/Time Warner Cable News poll in late September had this race pretty much dead even at 43-42 percent for Republican John Faso. Registered Republicans and Democrats were mostly falling in line based on party, with independents evenly split. The sprawling district that includes all or parts of 11 counties has a few thousand more Democrats than Republicans, but it’s basically a wash. Popular Republican incumbent Chris Gibson chose not to seek reelection, so this open seat is a true toss-up. Because of that, there is an enormous amount of money (more than $10 million at last check) being poured into the campaigns, both through candidates and super PACs.
NY-22
This central New York race may be the oddest. Popular Republican Rep. Richard Hanna, who chose not to seek re-election, declined to endorse Martin Babinec Kim Myers Republican (UJP) (D) Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney. Tenney’s candidacy is also complicated by Martin Babinec, a millionaire independent running on a new Upstate Jobs Party line. A poll from late September had Tenney ahead with 35 percent of the vote, Democrat Kim Myers with 30 percent and Babinec with 24 Claudia Tenney percent. The poll also suggests most voters have already made up their minds. (R)
NY-24
This district has been a seesaw seat in recent years. A Democrat won in 2008, a Republican won in 2010, and in 2012 a Democrat won it back. Then, John Colleen in 2014, Republican John Katko won by Katko (R) Deacon (D) about 28,000 votes. A poll from early October has Katko leading Democratic challenger Colleen Deacon 53 percent to 34 percent. But it’s worth noting that in 2014, incumbent Democrat Dan Maffei had a 50-42 lead on Katko at roughly the same point six weeks out, and Katko went on to win easily. The district, which is primarily made up of Onondaga County, including the city of Syracuse, is pretty evenly split on registration numbers, with Democrats holding a slight edge.
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
ENTER THE
STALKING HORSE JOED VIERA
By JUSTIN SONDEL
ACCUSATIONS OF “FAUX” CANDIDATES SURFACE IN CONTENTIOUS RACES
OTHER CANDIDATES ACCUSED OF BEING “STALKING HORSES” TIMOTHY MORIARTY, WORKING FAMILIES
In 2012, Moriarty’s petitions were carried by a who’s who of Niagara County Republicans, including Glenn Aronow, a longtime aide to then-state Sen. George Maziarz, in a WFP primary against Maziarz’s opponent, Amy Hope Witryol. Witryol, who also ran as a Democrat, went to court to prove that Moriarty, who never showed up to an event or returned calls from reporters, was a GOP stooge meant to suck resources from her campaign. Maziarz was represented by John Ciampoli, an election law expert and Senate Republican loyalist. Ciampoli got the case dropped on procedural grounds.
ANTHONY D’ORAZIO JR., INDEPENDENCE
ABOVE: 60TH SENATE DISTRICT CANDIDATES AMBER SMALL AND CHRIS JACOBS
FOR A TIME it appeared the state Senate’s 60th District would come down to two candidates, a notable development given the history of minor-party candidates splitting the ticket. But a third-party candidate is again in the mix in the Western New York seat – and it’s prompting the Democratic candidate to accuse Republicans of foul play. James DePasquale was disqualified by the Green Party but fought to have his name put back on the ballot. This month, a state judge ruled that the Green Party procedure used to expel him from the party was flawed. But Democrat Amber Small claims DePasquale is running at the will of her GOP rival, Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs. “The people behind this were very clearly Republican operatives and board members of the Bison Fund founded by Chris Jacobs,” said Matt Tighe, a Small spokesman. “It is an outrage and a blatant effort to manipulate the electorate in favor of Chris Jacobs.” Republicans did help DePasquale’s Green Party bid. GOP Senate staffer Todd Aldinger, three employees of Republican state Sen. Richard Funke and two people with ties to the Bison Fund, a charity founded by Jacobs, helped collect signatures from Greens to nominate DePasquale, who only registered
with the party early this summer. “I worked hard to get the lines on the ballot that I’ve earned, and I’m pleased to have the support of the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform parties in November,” Jacobs said. “I don’t think I ever had a shot at the Green Party line, so I haven’t paid much attention to the politics happening behind the scenes.” DePasquale spokesman John Duke said the candidate ran to spur discussion about pollution in Hoyt Lake in Buffalo’s Delaware Park. Duke said the new Green Party leadership has ties to Small, including Amanda Huber, a Green Party member who sought to remove DePasquale and was also paid $750 in wages by the Small campaign. “Jim DePasquale didn’t need to win an election to be successful,” Duke said. “All he wanted to do was bring the focus on Hoyt Lake. He couldn’t even do that because he was in court.” Of course, in any number of races, petitions are collected for minor-party candidates who don’t spend a dime on their campaign, never schedule an event and never show up to a debate – sometimes referred to as “stalking horses.” One unnamed Republican put it bluntly: “It’s just part of the game.”
■
D’Orazio had no active campaign, but was on the ballot as an Independence Party candidate in the 2013 race for Erie County comptroller. His petitions were carried by Democrats, including the mother of Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner, some Erie County Board of Elections employees, and employees in the office of Democratic Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Republicans grumbled but did not pursue any legal remedies, and their candidate, Stefan Mychajliw, won re-election.
PAUL BROWN, WORKING FAMILIES
The 2014 candidacy of Brown, the president of the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council, was criticized as an attempt to siphon votes from Democrat Johnny Destino, who fell short in his bid for the 62nd state Senate District seat. Destino accused Brown, who did not campaign or show up to debates, of shilling for North Tonawanda Mayor Rob Ortt, the GOP nominee, who went on to win the race. Before the election, Brown sent out a letter bashing Destino, highlighting his recent departure from the Republican Party and describing himself as the contest’s only “true progressive.”
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CityAndStateNY.com
October August 15, 31, 2016
THE CITY & STATE POLITICAL REPORT:
STATE SENATE By JON LENTZ and ASHLEY HUPFL
In August, City & State previewed the battle for the state Senate, a Republican bastion in a solidly Democratic state. But the ground has shifted in some state Senate districts – altering our Election Day landscape as well. A number of factors are at play. Democrats, boosted by high turnout, tend to perform better in presidential elections, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo is making a more concerted effort to support fellow Democrats this cycle. Democrats also hope corruption charges against Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano hurt his fellow Republicans on Long Island. Meanwhile, Republicans are weathering the presidential candidacy of Donald Trump, who trails among New York voters. The question is whether Trump damages down-ballot candidates or spurs his base to turn out. With polls showing resiliency among GOP congressional incumbents, and in the absence of state Senate polls, we’re keeping some GOP veterans – including Carl Marcellino, Kemp Hannon and Bill Larkin – as leaning Republican. Republicans also hope voters will support them as a check on Democratic (and downstate) influence.
SAFE REPUBLICAN KEN LAVALLE, JOHN FLANAGAN, PHIL BOYLE, MARTIN GOLDEN, ANDREW LANZA, JOHN BONACIC, BETTY LITTLE, JOE GRIFFO, PATRICIA RITCHIE, JOHN DEFRANCISCO, JIM SEWARD, FRED AKSHAR, RICH FUNKE, JOE ROBACH, CATHY YOUNG, PATRICK GALLIVAN, MICHAEL RANZENHOFER, ROB ORTT
LIKELY REPUBLICAN TOM CROCI (District 3) MICHAEL VENDITTO (District 8) TERRENCE MURPHY (District 40) HUGH FARLEY* (District 49) MICHAEL NOZZOLIO* (District 54)
LEAN REPUBLICAN CARL MARCELLINO (District 5) KEMP HANNON (District 6) BILL LARKIN (District 39) SUE SERINO (District 41) KATHY MARCHIONE (District 43) THOMAS O’MARA (District 58) CHRIS JACOBS (District 60)
DEMOCRAT/REPUBLICAN SIMCHA FELDER (District 17)
SAFE IDC
State Senate balance of power
TONY AVELLA, DIANE SAVINO, ADRIANO ESPAILLAT*, JEFF KLEIN, DAVID CARLUCCI, DAVID VALESKY
TOSS-UPS JACK MARTINS* (District 7) GEORGE AMEDORE (District 46) REPUBLICANS: 31 DEMOCRAT CAUCUSING WITH REPUBLICANS: 1
LEANS DEMOCRAT
INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE (IDC): 5
TODD KAMINSKY (District 9)
DEMOCRATS: 26
GEORGE LATIMER (District 37)
SAFE DEMOCRAT
State Senate election landscape
JAMES SANDERS JR., MIKE GIANARIS, JOSE PERALTA, LEROY COMRIE, JOE ADDABBO, TOBY ANN STAVISKY, MARTIN DILAN, ROXANNE PERSAUD, JESSE HAMILTON, KEVIN PARKER, VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY, DANIEL SQUADRON, BRAD HOYLMAN, LIZ KRUEGER, JOSÉ SERRANO, BILL PERKINS, SAFE REPUBLICAN: 18
LIKELY REPUBLICAN: 5
DEMOCRAT CAUCUSING WITH REPUBLICANS: 1
LEAN REPUBLICAN: 7
INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE (IDC): 6
TOSS-UPS: 2
LEAN DEMOCRAT: 2
SAFE DEMOCRAT: 22
RUBEN DIAZ SR., GUSTAVO RIVERA, ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS, RUTH HASSELLTHOMPSON**, NEIL BRESLIN, TIM KENNEDY * NOT RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION ** RESIGNED
City & State New York
August 15, October 31,2016 2016
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DISTRICT 7
DISTRICT 8
DISTRICT 9
The district, with its Democratic enrollment advantage but large number of independent voters, came open when GOP state Sen. Jack Martins ran for Congress. Adam Haber, a businessman and Roslyn school board member who lost to Martins in 2014, has raised over $750,000, while Flower Hill Mayor Elaine Phillips, the GOP candidate, raised nearly $650,000. This race remains a toss-up.
Democrats are targeting the seat after state Sen. Michael Venditto’s father, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, was recently arrested on corruption charges. While it remains to be seen how damaged the younger Venditto will be by his father’s arrest, his re-election is no longer a sure thing – moving this from safely Republican to likely Republican.
State Sen. Todd Kaminsky’s record as a prosecutor could play well as Nassau County is rocked by another scandal. He beat attorney Chris McGrath in an April special election, and higher turnout will likely help the Democrat. Plus, Cuomo has made key appearances on behalf of Kaminsky. These developments move this from a toss-up to leaning Democratic.
Adam Haber (D)
Elaine Phillips (R)
John Brooks (D)
DISTRICT 31
Marisol Alcantara (D)
Chris McGrath (R)
DISTRICT 44 Marisol Alcantara, a labor organizer, faces token opposition after winning the Democratic nomination. She ran with the backing of incumbent state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, who is poised to replace Rep. Charles Rangel in Congress. Her pledge to caucus with the Independent Democratic Conference complicates matters, moving this seat from safely Democratic to the IDC column.
DISTRICT 46 The 46th District has changed hands each cycle since it was created in the last round of redistricting – but it’s hard to say whether Democrats will win it back, despite an enrollment advantage. GOP state Sen. George Amedore has a sizeable fundraising lead over Democratic Palatine Town Supervisor Sara Niccoli. The race remains a toss-up.
George Amedore (R)
Todd Kaminsky (D)
Michael Venditto (R)
Sara Niccoli (D)
Political consultants in both parties note that GOP state Sen. Terrence Murphy has been campaigning effectively and is likely will be re-elected in his Westchester County and Hudson Valley district. Republicans have long held the seat, despite strong challenges, and this year Democratic former Pound Ridge Councilwoman Ali Boak is trailing in fundraising. This moves the race from leans Republican to likely Republican.
Terrence Murphy (R)
Ali Boak (D)
DISTRICT 55
Richard Funke (R)
Republican state Sen. Richard Funke is guaranteed victory. In a missed opportunity for Senate Democrats, nominee Steve Glickman was kicked off the ballot when a court ruled he failed to meet the residency requirements in the swing district. That moves this from toss-up to safely Republican.
CityAndStateNY.com
October 31, 2016
CELESTE SLOMAN
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City & State New York
October 31, 2016
It is fairly common knowledge that Queens is the most diverse borough in New York City. But what few people realize is that it is literally the most culturally and ethnically diverse place in the entire world. The United Nations may be on the other side of the East River, but in the 70 square miles that make up the borough, you can experience the entire culture of the globe. As we put together this list, this core identifier kept coming up. Each neighborhood has its own organizers, activists, or business leaders who wield great influence where they live. Of course, this also means that there are few people who have a large impact on all areas of the borough. Just a reminder about the restrictions we’ve set for this series: The list DOES NOT include elected officials, and everyone on the list has to live in the borough. Without further ado, here’s our 2016 Queens Borough 50.
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#1
October 31, 2016
#2
DENNIS WALCOTT President and CEO, Queens Library Queens is a segmented borough of neighborhoods that are often vastly different than areas just miles away, but the one institution that unifies the borough like no other is its worldclass library system – so whoever was in charge of the organization likely would be on this list. But in Dennis Walcott, the library has a president and CEO who has dedicated his life to making Queens better and improving education throughout the city. The former New York City schools chancellor only took over the library system in March, in the wake of a troubled time for the organization’s leadership, but by all accounts he has more than righted the ship with his hand-on approach, visiting the borough’s 62 branches, talking to patrons and addressing their needs no matter how small. He has everything you’d want in a CEO of an organization like the Queens Library: experience, an effective management style, knowledge of how to navigate city and state government – and a vision for the future.
#3
HÉCTOR FIGUEROA President , 32BJ You can’t talk about Queens without talking about the two major airports that serve as economic drivers for the region. Thousands of workers head to LaGuardia or JFK every day, and most of them are members of 32BJ, the union Héctor Figueroa has led since 2012 after moving through the ranks of union leadership. In recent years he has been a fierce advocate for better wages and other rights for his workers, organizing disruptions at the major airports and successfully leading the charge for a $15 minimum wage in New York state. An immigrant from Puerto Rico, Figueroa has also become a leading voice for fair pay and providing services and education to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants across the five boroughs. His experience as a laborer and his education in economics make him a respected figure when it comes to understanding the impact of policy on workers – and a unique and powerful union boss.
LYSA SCULLY General Manager, LaGuardia Airport There’s a lot happening at LaGuardia Airport these days, including a $4 billion expansion that’s taking place as the busy aviation hub tries to make travel for millions of people efficient and comfortable. In her role as general manager, Lysa Scully oversees dayto-day operations and maintenance of the facility, which employs 11,000 people and provides roughly $15 billion in economic activity to the area. She also spearheads the efforts to upgrade the facility, adding new retail options and other amenities to improve customer service. And, when she can find the time, she answers questions from the community about everything from traffic concerns, which are never-ending, to airplane noise. Scully took control of the airport in 2013, bringing more than 30 years of experience at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia. In that short time, she has established herself as a leader in the aviation world, and a powerful influence on a large section of the Queens economy.
ACADEMIC QUALITY Uncompromising in its mission of excellence, Queensborough is committed to providing its students the life-long benefits of public higher education.
AFFORDABILITY Queensborough’s tuition rates rank among the nation’s lowest, and 90% of its students graduate without Federal student loan debt.
DIVERSITY Queensborough is located in one of the most diverse counties in the United States— rich with opportunities for academic engagement, public service, culture, and personal growth.
Queensborough Community College congratulates all of the honorees, including our president,
Dr. Diane B. Call,
on receiving a Power 50 Award.
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#4
ANNE MARIE ANZALONE Chief of Staff, Rep. Joe Crowley’s Office One rule we put in place when we set out to make this list is that we wouldn’t include elected officials. What’s been great about that restriction is that we can highlight the power and influence of people who at times fly under the radar, like Anne Marie Anzalone. As the chief of staff to Rep. Joe Crowley, Anzalone has become in many ways a gatekeeper for the powerful lawmaker who runs the Queens Democratic party. A lifelong Queens resident, Anzalone has experience handling everything from constituent services to top policy for the congressman. She has been Crowley’s right hand since 2001, so she has a full perspective of how things work in Queens, and why. Not only is she tapped into the highest levels of Democratic politics, she is also an active member and district leader of the up-and-coming Powhatan Democratic Club, and has her own impressive record of fighting for what she feels is best for the borough.
October 31, 2016
#5
#6
CARL MATTONE
CONRADO “BOBBY” GEMPESAW
President, Mattone Group
Real estate is king in New York City, and it’s no different in Queens. Carl Mattone has been building things in the borough for more than three decades, from luxury homes to massive projects like the Jamaica Center Site 1. His work in real estate development and property management makes him one of the top business leaders in the borough, but that’s not the reason he lands so high up on this list. Mattone is politically connected. He is a longtime supporter of Andrew Cuomo and several other prominent politicians, and they seek his input when it comes to what’s best for the borough and for citywide planning policy. If that wasn’t enough, Mattone is also one of the borough’s biggest philanthropists, donating to Catholic charities, veterans groups and other causes. Charitable work is so important to him that he lists “philanthropist” first when describing himself on his website.
President, St. John’s University The Catholic Church is a powerful institution in all five boroughs. In Queens, its influence is seen best in the Church’s jewel of higher education, St. John’s University. It is the nation’s third-largest Catholic University, with more than 20,000 students, most of them on the Queens campus. But while its Catholic ties are important, the school has impact far exceeding its Vincentian mission. The hiring of Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw in 2014 signaled a shift in the history of the university. He is the first professional educator and layperson to run the institution, focusing heavily on improving the educational environment for students as well as expanding on partnerships with the community and abroad. The campus is an anchor of economic development in the heart of the borough, and Gempesaw has made integration of the campus and the community a key part of his vision for the school.
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
#7
PATRICK JENKINS Founder, Patrick Jenkins & Associates
Political consultant Patrick Jenkins has been a power broker in Queens Democratic politics for decades. His deep ties to southeast Queens started with his seven-year stint working for Rep. Gregory Meeks, where he helped shape his policy and strategy in the district. Jenkins went on to establish himself as an effective consultant working on a bevy of Democratic campaigns throughout the state and country, including the gubernatorial races of Eliot Spitzer and Andrew Cuomo. His tight relationship with powerful Bronx pol Carl Heastie paid off when Heastie became Assembly speaker last year; Jenkins has seen his firm grow in size and clients on a city and state level. His rise in power has also made him more influential in the borough of Queens where he still has deep ties, serving on several planning committees. With many local decisions having to go through Albany to get approval, his experience and connections make him one of the most influential people in the borough.
#8
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#9
STUART AND ALAN SUNA
ELIZABETH LUSSKIN
Founders, Silvercup Properties
President, LIC Partnership
The TV and film industry is booming in New York City, and Stuart and Alan Suna are benefitting from that boom. Their studios in Long Island City, the largest in the five boroughs, are home to hit shows and have been used for the filming of countless movies. Thanks to a friendly economic environment for the industry, the Sunas are about to expand into the Bronx as well. Their investment in the industry has created hundreds of jobs for the borough of Queens, and added millions to the economy. But that’s not all they are doing. The two are also getting into the real estate game. They recently worked with the city’s Housing Preservation and Development agency on a sixacre mixed-use building near their studios that could be built in the next few years. The site would be a model for the fast-growing neighborhood, where the balance of residential, industrial, commercial and cultural is of the highest importance.
Top among the borough’s rapidly growing neighborhoods has to be Long Island City. From new residential high-rises to commercial and industrial developments, to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and bars and most popular museums and cultural centers, the area on the East River has it all. The neighborhood’s balanced and thoughtful growth can be attributed in part to the work of Elizabeth Lusskin. Since she took over as head of the Long Island City Partnership three years ago, the organization has been one of the most vocal cheerleaders for the area and has also weighed in heavily in planning decisions to make sure the community maintains some of its character in the midst of this economic boom. As one nominee said, “Lusskin’s leadership and tenacity will impact future policies and actions which will make Long Island City a vibrant, culturally rich mixed-use community.”
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October 31, 2016
#10
FLOYD FLAKE Senior Pastor, Greater Allen African Methodist Cathedral
The former congressman, Democratic power broker and religious leader has dedicated his professional life to the borough of Queens. These days, Floyd Flake’s primary role is as a spiritual leader to more than 20,000 parishioners of his church in Jamaica. He has built The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York into a cultural center and institution that has a dramatic influence on the borough through its charitable works and its ability to organize the communities it serves. But the main reason he is on this list is because of his political influence. Over the years, and still today, Flake has used his deep ties in and outside of the community to impact elections and policy. From social policy to city planning, he is a trusted and respected voice for both Democrats and Republicans. On top of all that, he is also a successful businessman and serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, special committees and large companies.
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
#11 HAEDA MIHALTSES
#12 DIANE CALL
Executive Director of External Affairs, New York Mets
Executive Director, Flushing Chinese Business Association
President, Queensborough Community College
The New York Mets scored big when they landed Haeda Mihaltses, the former top aide to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, to run their external affairs. Her experience coordinating the city’s needs with state and federal officials easily translated to the MLB team’s efforts to engage the community and be a better partner to Queens’ neighborhoods (many of which are home to plenty of rabid Mets fans). While only in the job for a few years, Mihaltses has already made an impact. And if her work with the Mets wasn’t enough, she also sits on the Queens Public Library’s board of trustees.
2016
#13 PETER TU
It should be no surprise that the most diverse borough in New York City is also home to one of the most diverse community colleges. As the school is quick to point out, close to half of its roughly 16,000 students were born outside the United States. Dr. Diane Call has sought to embrace and foster this diversity since taking over as president in 2013. She has implemented policies to better support the unique needs and goals of each student while also focusing on making the campus a resource to all who live in the borough.
Among the many ethnic neighborhoods in Queens is the vibrant Chinese community in Flushing, where there are tens of thousands of Mandarin, Cantonese or Taiwanese immigrants, making it one of the largest urban concentrations of Asians outside of Asia. The voice for many of these immigrants has been Peter Tu. As head of the Flushing Chinese Business Association, he is a go-to voice for the community when it comes to government and politics. And for politicians, talking to him is the quickest way to get up to speed about what’s happening in the community.
#14 MITCHELL G. TAYLOR
Co-Founder and CEO, Urban Upbound Few people have dedicated their lives to a community like Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor Sr., who has lived in Astoria’s Queensbridge Houses for more than 40 years. He has been a spiritual leader to the community, and has also spent more than a decade fighting to improve conditions for residents in the borough through Urban Unbound, a nonprofit he co-founded that provides residents with everything from financial consulting and employment services to help for young people trying to go to college, giving some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents a pathway to a better life.
QUEENS POWER 50
” For her vision and leadership in the development of numerous education-to-employment programs for Queens adults seeking economic stability, thereby improving the lives of our students and our community, we celebrate this recognition for our LaGuardian Francesca Fiore!”
— Gail O. Mellow, President, LaGuardia Community College
“ Ms. Fiore’s abilities to coordinate complex partnerships between multiple agencies is tremendous. She was instrumental in bringing to life the medical billing training program at LaGuardia Community College with Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC’s Small Business Services, and ourselves. This honor is well-deserved!”
LaGuardia Community College Congratulates Francesca Fiore!
— Barry Puritz, Harvard Business School Club of New York
To contact Francesca Fiore about partnering with LaGuardia, call (718) 482-5332 or email her at ffiore@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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#15 RYAN ELLER
President, Resorts World Casino New York City With more than 1,000 employees, Resorts World Casino is one of the biggest employers in the borough. That alone would land Ryan Eller on the list as president of the gaming establishment, but Eller has made it a priority to make sure RWNY is an active partner in the community. Under Eller’s guidance the casino has teamed up with organizations like the Queens Library, the Jamaica YMCA, and the FDNY and NYPD for an annual cook-off. And it also works with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation to do no-cost mammograms and screenings at a mobile clinic at the casino.
#16 DERMOT SMYTH
Queens Political Coordinator, United Federation of Teachers The public education system in Queens faces many unique challenges that come with having one of the most diverse urban areas in the world. Dermot Smyth has built a reputation as a fierce fighter for the men and women in the classroom. Many lawmakers have given him high praise. One assemblyman said “he masterfully balances his members’ labor issues with the reality of the overall need for a public quality education for children of all ages.” And a state senator said the “community is grateful to have him as one of the leading education advocates in Queens.”
October 31, 2016
#17 SHIV DASS
#19 MARK WEPRIN
#21 LAURA RAICOVICH
Indian immigrants are among the largest ethnic groups in Queens. Nearly 400,000 live in the borough, with the largest concentration in Jackson Heights, which is also home to tens of thousands of immigrants from other parts of South Asia. For decades Shiv Dass has been a voice for this community. He is a business leader, a community organizer and member of the local community board and has worked tirelessly to establish a positive and open relationship between the community and elected officials, and in turn he is often sought out by politicians looking to get their message out.
If you’re talking about powerful families in Queens Democratic politics, you have to include the Weprins. Since former City Councilman Mark Weprin is no longer an elected official, having joined the Cuomo administration, he lands on our list. His current portfolio may focus more on getting things done on a state level or coordinating with city officials, but it’s clear he still has clout when it comes to borough issues. With their decades spent in public service, the Weprins have a record of delivering for voters in the eastern parts of Queens.
Nestled in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Queens Museum is one of the borough’s great cultural centers. Since 2015, Laura Raicovich has been the museum’s president, continuing its tradition as a destination for residents of the borough, as well as visitors from around the world, to enjoy. In her short time in charge, Raicovich has shown commitment to the museum’s history of innovation and shown dedication to providing educational opportunities to the community, maintaining the museum as a gem of the borough.
Former Chairman, Jackson Heights Merchants Association
#18 MARCIA V. KEIZS
President, CUNY York College York College’s 8,400 student campus in downtown Jamaica has been steadily improving its academic credentials since Marcia Keizs became the school’s sixth president in 2005. In that time, the school has increased its number of national accreditations and launched new fields of study, and has also been expanding its campus. In the 2014-2015 budget the state approved a capital fund for the building of an academic village and conference center that will revitalize the community. Keizs also sits on several community boards and is a member of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council.
Deputy Secretery of Legislative Affairs, Governor’s Office
#20 AUDREY PHEFFER
Clerk, Queens County When asking several Democratic insiders to name power brokers from the Rockaways, the name that kept coming up was Audrey Pheffer. While the former assemblywoman has been a county clerk since 2011, her decades of service have clearly had a lasting impact on many in the community as well as many politicians from the area. Her daughter Stacey Pheffer-Amato appears poised to follow in her mother’s footsteps if she is elected to the Assembly in November, which just adds to Pheffer’s influence.
President and Executive Director, Queens Museum
#22 PETER VALLONE SR. Partner, Vallone & Constantinople
It’s hard to make a Queens power list without including a Vallone somewhere. The family has been a political power broker in New York for decades. Since we aren’t including elected officials on our list, it made sense to put the former city council speaker, candidate for governor and mayor of New York City, and dedicated public servant on the list. Nowadays, Peter Vallone Sr. is part of the powerful consulting firm Constantinople & Vallone, and is still called on for his knowledge and connections when it comes to big decisions in the borough.
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
#23 SHLOMO NISANOV Rabbi, Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim Central Queens is home to one of the largest populations of Bukharian Jews in the world, and the spiritual and cultural leader for many members of this tight-knit community is Rabbi Shlomo Nisaov of the Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim in Kew Gardens. In addition to being a voice for and providing services to this large group of Central Asian immigrants, he is also an astute political player. He has spoken out against anti-semitic sentiment and joined with other Jewish leaders to pressure the city for protection for his community.
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#24 JUKAY HSU
#25 BOB TURNER
Founder, Coalition 4 Queens
Chairman, Queens Republican Party
#26 MICHAEL WOLOZ
New York City is going through a mini-tech boom, and while Brooklyn and Manhattan get most of the attention, Queens also has a vibrant tech community. One reason is Jukay Hsu and the nonprofit he founded to teach tech skills to residents without college degrees. The Coalition 4 Queens has a simple goal: make the tech community more reflective of a society with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. And his work has gotten the attention of many, including the White House, where he recently sat on a panel to discuss how technology could solve the country’s biggest problems.
A former congressman, Bob Turner took over a fractured county party in 2015 and immediately set his sights on keeping the GOP factions in the borough unified. On top of his agenda has been recruiting candidates for general election races where Democrats often run unopposed. This year, 21 candidates are running for Assembly or state Senate seats in the borough. While it’s unlikely that any of them will win, the increased engagement is a comforting sign for many Republicans who feel the borough has long been conceded to the Democrats.
The Queens native is one of the city’s top lobbyists, but he is also a power player in the borough. His lobbying and public affairs firm represents the Queens Library, several real estate firms who do a lot of business in the borough, and the new Queens-based taxi app company Arro, just to name a few clients. He doesn’t just do business in the borough. He is also the co-chairman of the Powhattan Democratic Club and well connected in the party circles. His close ties to the de Blasio administration also help him wield influence in the borough and beyond.
Partner, Connelly, McLaughlin & Woloz
THE MUST-READ MORNING ROUNDUP OF NEW YORK POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT For all information of advertising opportunities and availabilities, please contact us at: advertising@cityandstateny.com or call 212 268 0442
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#27 SIMON PELMAN
CEO, Union Plaza Nursing Home You have to look close to Democratic political campaigns to notice Simon “Shimi” Pelman. For many prominent pols in Queens and elsewhere, he has served as campaign treasurer. He is a well power broker who helps raise large sums for candidates for offices from Assembly to city council to mayor. Over the past decade, he and his family have also donated more than $150,000 to a bevy of Democrats, making him one of the borough’s biggest fundraisers for the party.
32BJ Stronger Together
October 31, 2016
#28 TOM GRECH Executive Director, Queens Chamber of Commerce
The Queens Chamber of Commerce has been around for more than 100 years. It’s kept to its mission of promoting business interests through advocacy, networking and education, but lately the chamber has added to that mission. With the borough being one of the most diverse urban areas in the world, Grech has spent his first year in charge trying to reach out to the many communities to see how the chamber can better serve all Queens businesses. He’s also made energy issues a key part of his work to help make sure the growing borough doesn’t run into capacity problems.
#29 ARCHIE SPIGNER
#30 TRAVIS TERRY
Few people have done more for southeast Queens than Archie Spigner. He spent 27 years in the City Council, representing low-income neighborhoods with great needs, fighting for funds in the budget and infrastructure projects to improve the daily lives of his constituents and serving as a calm voice for the city when racial tensions flared. Since leaving the council in 2001 he has remained a respected voice in the community, an active member of the powerful Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club and a mentor to many younger politicians looking to serve.
When it comes to lobbying in the city, Capalino+Company is king. And since 2007, Travis Terry has been the firm’s COO, helping guide the team of lobbyists to assist countless clients on everything from land use projects to advocacy campaigns, many of which impact the lives of the people of Queens. A resident of Forest Hills, Travis has a long CV that includes work at city nonprofits and real estate giants. He’s also an active member of the community, lending his support most notably as a leader of the QueensWay project – the borough’s version of the High Line.
Former City Councilman
Chief Operating Officer, Capalino + Company
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
#31 ANA MARÍA ARCHILA
Co-Executive Director, The Center for Popular Democracy For the hundreds of thousands of immigrants in Queens, organizations like the Center for Popular Democracy and its sister organization, Make the Road New York, are vital. These groups fight for policies to make their lives better in the long term and provide daily services to help them get by. Ana María Archila emigrated from Colombia when she was 17. Since then, she has been an effective organizer and fighter for immigrants to have more access to the electoral process, education equity, and a host of other issues.
#32 JOSHUA MUSS
Principal, Muss Development For more than a centur y the Muss family has been involved in development in Queens and other areas of the city. They have become one of the biggest real estate development companies in New York , building massive commercial, residential and retail space throughout the borough, from Forest Hills Tower to Flushing Plaza. When it comes to politics, they are prolific donors to city and state Democrats, giving more than $100,000 in contributions in the past decade.
#33 LEROY GADSDEN
#34 HAL ROSENBLUTH
Among the many dedicated community activists in southeast Queens is Leroy Gadsden. He is a unifier, constantly working with community boards, elected officials and clergy to get things done to help residents in and around Jamaica. An active member of the NAACP for more than 30 years, Gadsden has fought hard on issues that impact the lives of residents, including advocating for infrastructure projects like sewer system improvements to reduce flooding, voter registration drives and re-entry workshops for former felons who are trying to reintegrate into the community.
There is a nearly $9 billion film and TV wave in New York City, and Hal Rosenbluth is on the crest of it. The almost century-old Kaufman-Astoria Studios is growing fast, with two new sound stages scheduled to open in the next few years. And that means hundreds of new jobs are coming to Queens, in addition to the thousands of jobs the studio already sustains. The studio is also committed to being an environmentally friendly member of the borough, installing hundreds of solar panels on its buildings to offset the large energy use that comes with production.
President, Jamaica Branch NAACP
Success starts
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President and CEO, Kaufman Astoria Studios
OPEN HOUSE Queens Campus Sunday, November 20 • Tour campus • Explore over 100 majors • Meet current students • Learn about admission and financial aid
Register at stjohns.edu/openhouse16
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October 31, 2016
#35 RUSCHELL BOONE
#36 TONY BARSAMIAN
#37 IVAN MRAKOVCIC
#38 JANICE MELNICK
Most Queens residents get their news from the hodgepodge of local newspapers and the big TV stations that generally only report on the borough when something bad is happening. But for more than a decade, Ruschell Boone has been focused on covering Queens, from the community fights over land use to the horrific crimes to the unique issues that pop up in the many diverse neighborhoods throughout the borough. There is no journalist more respected in the borough, and that comes from her honest reporting over many years.
Publisher, planner, cheerleader and advocate: Tony Barsamian is all of these things, but mostly he is a dedicated resident of Astoria who works tirelessly to better the trendy neighborhood. As publisher of the Western Queens Gazette, he has his ear to the ground of the community. He is usually the first to hear about complaints residents have, even before many politicians. And as head of the Steinway Astoria BID, he wears another hat, advocating for smart planning to make sure that business continues to boom.
A Queens High Line? That’s the vision of Ivan Mrakovcic, who is leading an effort to reclaim 3 1/2 miles of abandoned railways to create a new park and bike trail called the QueensWay. The project already has support from private donors as well as the city and state. Leading the way is the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Regional Economic Development Council, which has put $444,000 toward the project. Mrakovcic is also the co-founder and president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society.
In a borough where each neighborhood has its own distinct culture and vibe, Flushing Meadows Corona Park serves as a unifying place where people from all over can see world-class sporting events, check out wonderful museums or just hang out. Janice Melnick, a veteran of the city parks department, is in charge of making sure the park is maintained. She also runs the newly formed Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Alliance, which was designed to raise funds to help restore the park’s historic buildings, specifically the ones from the world’s fairs.
Queens Reporter, NY1
Chairman, Steinway Astoria Partnership
Congratulations to
Former Speaker of the New York City Council Peter F. Vallone, Sr. Congratulations to and to the Queens Power 50 Honorees Former Speaker of the New York City Council OnPeter this most remarkable F. Vallone, Sr.and distinguished leadership achievement and to the Queens Power 50 Honorees From your family & friends at Constantinople & Vallone Consulting, On this most remarkable and LLC distinguished leadership achievement From your family & friends at Constantinople & Vallone Consulting, LLC
Co-Founder, Friends of QueensWay
Administrator, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
City & State New York
October 31, 2016
#39 STEVEN TAYLOR
President, Cambria Heights Civic Association In New York City, civic associations can have a lot of power, but only if they are well run. If you want an example of how to organize one, look no further than the Cambria Heights Civic Association and its president, Steven Taylor. Several people who have had business in the neighborhood have been impressed with how well-organized, informed and passionate the members of the association are when new developments are proposed. The result has been the protection of a residential community made up overwhelmingly of single-family homes.
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#40 LESLIE BROWN
#41 JOHN KAITERIS
#42 JUSTIN RODGERS
A small-business owner herself, Leslie Brown knows what entrepreneurs and business owners need to succeed through changing times. As president of the Forest Hills Chamber, she works hard for the tightknit group of more than 200 members who make the area a thriving business community with a focus on creating a vibrant culture for residents. To this point, she has recently pushed back hard on city proposals to limit street fairs, which are a fixture of the neighborhood.
No one is more tapped into Queens’ large Greek population than John Kaiteris. For more than 40 years he has led the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee, helping vulnerable populations from all backgrounds. What started as a committee to help Greek immigrants in Astoria get the assistance they needed has grown into a nonprofit that helps roughly 30,000 seniors, children and immigrants each year. Kaiteris has also done extensive work on services for seniors with other committees and agencies throughout the borough.
Southeast Queens, and specifically Jamaica, have seen tremendous growth thanks in part to the work of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. Justin Rodgers has been central to several of the biggest economic development projects, from the forming of the Jamaica Now Action Plan to the work to designate the Jamaica LIRR as a Brownfield Opportunity Area. Whether he’s leading negotiations with developers or making the case for more funding, the lifelong resident works tirelessly to help grow the region.
President, Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director and CEO, HANAC
Managing Director, Real Estate and Economic Development, Greater Jamaica Develop. Corp.
Congratulations to Patrick B. Jenkins on being named to City & State’s Queens Borough 50 List
119 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12210 ∙ 5 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1913, New York, NY 10001
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#43 JOHN
“SEAN”
CROWLEY
Partner, Davidoff, Hutcher & Citron
October 31, 2016
#45 ANN BROWN
President, East ElmhurstCorona Civic Association
John “Sean” Crowley is the brother of Queens Democratic Party boss and Congressman Joe Crowley, which we couldn’t ignore when making the list. He is well connected in the borough’s Democratic politics. He’s also an effective attorney and lobbyist focusing mainly on city and state issues, much of which have an impact on the direction of the borough. The Forest Hills resident is active in the community and volunteers his time for several charities.
There is a lot of activity in the East Elmhurst-Corona area lately with the expansion of LaGuardia Airport, development plans for Willets Point and renovations to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, not to mention the steady stream of smaller projects popping up in the heavily populated section of the borough. All of this keeps Ann Brown busy as the head of the area’s civic association. A longtime resident of the neighborhood and active member of the community, she has a hand in all of these decisions, serving as a conduit from the public to the politicians, and vise versa.
#44 MICHAEL NUSSBAUM
#46 MARGARET HONEY
Publisher, Queens Tribune
There are a bevy of local newspapers in Queens that keep residents up to speed on what’s happening, including the Queens Tribune. But Michael Nussbaum’s influence stretches beyond his work as publisher of the weekly newspaper. He has deep ties to politicians, including Democrats and Republicans, and close alliances in the borough’s many Jewish communities. In 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Nussbaum has “had a huge impact on civic life, and the discourse of this borough … he’s done so many other extraordinary things to benefit this community.”
President and CEO, NYSCI The New York Hall of Science is one of many outstanding educational institutions in the borough, and Dr. Margaret Honey has built it into a leader in science, technology, engineering and math education. Honey is a national leader on developing and implementing STEM education, and she has brought her experience and creativity to NYSCI to the benefit of thousands of young minds in Queens. Most recently, NYSCI has worked with the Department of Education to launch a pre-K program to start 4-year-olds on a path to loving STEM subjects.
#47 YOSSI BLESOFSKY
Rabbi, Chabad Lubavitch of NE Queens While many synagogues in Queens have had to merge for various reasons, Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky’s Chabad Lubavitch in Bayside has thrived. An immigrant from Australia, Blesofsky has been a part of the northeast Queens community since the early ’90s. In addition to providing spiritual guidance to thousands, he has also built a Chabad that provides a host of free services to local residents from after-school programs to adult education.
#48 FRANCESCA FIORE
Assistant Dean of Workforce Development, LaGuardia Community College For many of the immigrants who call Queens home, LaGuardia Community College is a beacon of hope. The school provides a clear pathway to employment in a host of industries like construction, manufacturing and technology. Francesca Fiore has worked directly with small businesses in the borough to make sure that students find work. The college estimates that the small business program Fiore oversees has saved or created 9,000 jobs and generated $460 million in revenue for Queens.
#49 ORLAITH STAUNTON
Co-Founder, Rory Staunton Foundation for Sepsis Orlaith Staunton is one of the nation’s fiercest advocates for sepsis education. She successfully pushed for the implementation of new protocols for early diagnosis and treatment in hospitals throughout New York in 2013 and now has taken her work to many other states. At age 12, her son Rory Staunton contracted sepsis through a cut on his arm. If his condition had been identified sooner, he could have easily survived, but at the time there was a lack of knowledge about the topic. Because of Staunton’s work that is no longer the case, and thousands of lives have been saved.
#50 DONNIE WHITEHEAD Community activist
In the 2008 presidential primary, Barack Obama didn’t have a lot of supporters in New York, where the party machine was solidly behind Hillary Clinton. But Donnie Whitehead didn’t care. Along with his wife, JoAnn, he organized members of his Southeast Queens community into a political force that helped turn out votes for Obama and became a thorn in the side of established Dems with checkered ethics records. Now Whitehead is a respected leader in the community whom local pols often consult if they are seeking office, or want the community to get behind a project or idea.
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City & State New York
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CONGRESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
By the CITY & STATE EDITORIAL BOARD
3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Suozzi a natural fit for gridlocked Congress IN THE SIMPLEST TERMS, while Republican state Sen. Jack Martins is a scalpel, Democrat Tom Suozzi is a hammer. Suozzi has made a career out of pushing issues uncomfortable for both Republicans and Democrats, so long as he felt he was right. Over the years, Suozzi has deployed this character trait for good, with discipline and focus on issues that truly matter to voters. On property taxes, he was a thorn in the side of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, to the point that Spitzer put him in charge of a commission on the issue. Lo and behold, a few years later there was a property tax cap in New York state. While we are not under the illusion that Suozzi deserves sole credit for the tax cap, he threw gas on that fire when it was merely simmering. His opponent is an admirable legislator. Martins has strong convictions on labor is-
sues, the environment and gun control that may put him at odds with the majority of his party, but are firmly in line with his constituents. When it comes to working with Republicans and Democrats, Martins clearly has the approach of a consensus builder, who will reject the dogma of the House Freedom Caucus. It would be nice if you could send a thoughtful, reasonable politician like Martins to Congress and feel confident that he could be effective. But in Washington, D.C.’s highly polarized political climate, we would need to send about 50 Jack Martinses to the House in order to make any real difference. The more likely outcome is that if elected as a rare true centrist, he will be ostracized by both parties. With Suozzi, voters will get a member of Congress who has a clear plan on how to
combat the status quo and make the establishment feel uncomfortable. For this iteration of Congress, Suozzi’s approach and skill set are a better fit. We encourage voters in the 3rd Congressional District to cast their ballots for him on Nov. 8.
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19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Teachout’s independent voice needed in D.C.
BEING REFERRED TO as “a pain in the ass to Hillary” in an email released by WikiLeaks in this unhinged election cycle would put most Democratic candidates in a difficult spot. But for Zephyr Teachout it’s been a positive as she has established herself as an independent voice in the intense race for Congress in New York’s 19th District. On jobs and helping small businesses,
Teachout has laid out sensible ideas, from cutting unnecessary regulations to pressuring big banks to loan money. Her overall approach to governing is also appealing, balancing local concerns with a vision for how Congress, and the country, could improve. When it comes to addressing corruption in government, Teachout has been an outspoken and clear advocate for taking actions to address the impacts of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, as well as an unapologetic advocate for public financing of campaigns and tougher restrictions on the revolving door of government employees becoming lobbyists. John Faso, on the other hand, is in many ways an articulate exponent of the status quo. He is thoughtful and balanced in
his approach to governing and represents many of the traditional Republican positions on key issues. He also clearly knows the district well and is aware of the specific concerns of many residents, such as the impact DoddFrank has had on small community banks, an issue Teachout agrees is a problem that needs to be addressed. But a vision of how to achieve the change needed in Washington, D.C., doesn’t appear to be a part of Faso’s political DNA. If elected, it seems likely he’d fall into line with the party and do little to advocate for making the system better. Therefore, we encourage voters in this battleground district to send Zephyr Teachout, an independent progressive thinker and doer, to Congress.
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October 31, 2016
STATE SENATE ENDORSEMENTS
By the CITY & STATE EDITORIAL BOARD
rguably the most important decision New York voters will make when they head to the polls on Nov. 8 is who they choose as their state Senate representative. Their votes will impact which party has control of the chamber, which in turn influences the policies and budget decisions made in Albany that have a significant effect on the lives of all residents. As an editorial board we considered endorsing a specific party to control the chamber. We understand that for many voters this
is the most important criteria in choosing a candidate. But in our calculation, no matter what happens on Election Day, the balance of power likely will not be so clear-cut that partisanship will matter more than the talent and effectiveness of the legislators in the chamber. This was our guiding principle as we vetted the candidates in two specific races we feel will be particularly close and could sway the balance of power.
7TH SENATE DISTRICT Phillips’ environmental record sets her apart
THE 7TH STATE Senate District has long been an extension of Nassau County’s seesawing politics. The seat has swapped hands between Democrats and the GOP – Republican Michael Balboni was replaced by Democrat Craig Johnson, who subsequently lost a tight race to the district’s current senator, Republican Jack Martins, who is running for Congress – and has come to be defined less by partisanship and more by the representative’s ability to deliver on the issues that matter most to constituents, be it high tax rates, uneven school funding or failing infrastructure. With party politics less of a factor in this district, it is significantly harder to find daylight between the two candidates vying to replace Martins: Republican Elaine Phillips, the mayor of the Village of Flower Hill, and Democrat Adam Haber, a businessman. Both have resumes and reputations that certainly qualify them to serve in the state Legislature, but Phillips’ philosophy of balancing her political principles to deliver for her constituents makes her the better choice.
Phillips and Haber are in lockstep on a number of positions, including their support for the state’s property tax cap and opposition to the imbalanced formula for public school funding. On ethics reform, neither supports a legislative pay raise, and while only Haber supports banning outside income, both agree on imposing term limits and pension forfeiture for corrupt legislators. What sets Phillips apart is her commitment to the environment. In a district that
includes many waterfront communities, Phillips made a convincing case that she would call for greater investment in infrastructure resiliency to protect her district from future storms and flooding. Phillips has also been vocal about protecting the state’s drinking water, and the tree-planting program she instituted as mayor drew acclaim from the League of Conservation Voters for helping to combat erosion and groundwater pollution in the area. At a time when the world is facing its greatest
October 31, 2016
existential crisis in the form of global climate change, the state could use more legislators like Phillips. Perhaps most importantly, Phillips has also demonstrated more
City & State New York
willingness to work across the aisle, a key quality in what is likely to be a razor-thin majority for either Senate Republicans or Democrats after Nov. 8.
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PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES OCTOBER 31, 2016
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46TH SENATE DISTRICT Niccoli’s populist the better choice THE 46TH state Senate District is sprawling, stretching from Poughkeepsie all the way to Montgomery County. It includes pockets of poverty in its southern edge, wealthier suburbs outside of Albany, and rural areas and small villages in between. It has also switched party hands over the last few elections since it was created in redistricting in 2012. While both candidates vying to represent this district are capable, with thoughtful proposals and the necessary experience for the job, we believe the challenger, Sara Niccoli, is the better choice. Tax and regulatory burdens on small businesses, farmers and property owners concern many in the district. Both candidates prioritize creating economic opportunity – whether by supporting collective bargaining rights for all workers in Niccoli’s case, or addressing unfunded mandates that get passed down to residents via heavier property tax burdens in incumbent George Amedore’s view. The two approach these issues from different perspectives. Niccoli has more of a populist perspective framed by the struggles of small farmers and managing town politics. Amedore draws on his experience as an assemblyman and a state senator, and skills gained while running a family-owned construction company.
perspective is
Another key issue to voters is the need for significant ethics reform, and here the candidates differ widely. Amedore is in favor of legislators earning outside income in order to encourage citizen representatives who have experience navigating state bureaucracies and who possess fiscal discipline gained from managing private and commercial businesses. Niccoli favors limiting outside income so that legislators can stay focused on the business of the people. She also places an emphasis on closing the LLC loophole to keep special interest money out of political campaigns. On these issues and many others, Amedore’s convictions are strong, and that is honorable. However, regardless of how the balance of power shakes out in Albany, the winning candidate’s ability to legislate effectively will depend on whether he or she can work across the aisle and craft bipartisan solutions. In this area, we believe Niccoli has the edge, and we give her our endorsement. Her experience as Palatine town supervisor and director of the state Labor-Religion Coalition shows her ability to bring varied voices to the table, and her positions contain a nuance that lends itself to collaborative decision-making and potentially stronger outcomes for her constituents.
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Aimsley Management Group LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/12/2016. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: Aimee Berger. The principal business address of the LLC is: 225 E 34th St. Apt 8J NY NY 10016 Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
Office location: NY County. SSNY designated agent upon whom process may be served against LLC to principal business address: 42 Wadsworth Terrace, # 3C, NY, NY 10040. Purpose: any lawful act.
Notice of Qualification of Law Offices of Morton & Associates LLLP. Auth. filed w/ SSNY on 7/5/16. Office: NY Cnty. LLLP formed in FL on 5/12/16. SSNY designated as agent of LLLP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to princ. bus. addr. of LLLP: 246 W. Broadway, NY, NY 10013. NOTICE IS HEREBY Name/addr. of genl. ptrs. GIVEN THAT AN ON available from SSNY. Cert. PREMISE WINE & of LLLP filed w/ SSFL, LIQUOR LICENSE. #TBA R.A. Gray Bldg., 500 S. HAS BEEN APPLIED Borough St., Tallahassee, FOR BY DOKA INC FL 32399. Purpose: any D.B.A. DOKA SQUARE lawful activity. TO SELL BEER, WINE AND LIQUOR AT RETAIL IN A RESTAURANT Notice of formation of E S TA B L I S H M E N T. SHOWREELS LLC Art. of FOR ON PREMISES Org. filed with the SSNY CONSUMPTION UNDER on October 7, 2016. Office: THE ABC LAW 51 53 New York County. SSNY DELANCEY STREET, designated as agent of the NEW YORK, NY 10002. LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of NOTICE OF FORMATION process to the LLC 1412 of Constance Artistry Care, LLC. Arts of org Broadway FL 21, New York NY 10018. Purpose: filed with Secy. of state of Any lawful purpose. NY (SSNY) on 9/15/2016.
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Notice of formation of JAE Tech, LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ Secy. of State of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/4/16. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to 155 E. 49th St. #6B, NY, NY 10016. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
SYSTEMS, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/14/2016. Office loc: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, Attn: Michael Vitale, M.D., 34 North Brook Lane, Irvington, NY 10533. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
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SSNY designated agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to principal business address: 20 W 64th St., #43O, NY, NY 10023. Purpose: any lawful act.
19958. Cert. of Form. filed Notice of Qualification with DE Secy. of State, of Cerberus Redwood John G. Townsend Bldg., Levered Opportunities 401 Federal St., Dover, GP B, LLC. Authority filed DE 19901. Purpose: Any with NY Dept. of State on lawful activity. 9/30/16. Office location: NY County. Princ. bus. addr.: 875 3rd Ave., NY, Notice of Qualification NY 10022. LLC formed in of CROISIC BUILDING, DE on 9/15/16. NY Sec. of LLC Appl. for Auth. filed 210 THE LLC. Art. of State designated agent of with Secy. of State of Org. filed with the SSNY LLC upon whom process NY (SSNY) on 10/05/16. on 10/14/16. Office: against it may be served Office location: NY County. New York County. SSNY and shall mail process Notice of Qualification of LLC formed in Delaware designated as agent of the to: c/o CT Corporation ATLAS ASSET ADVISORS (DE) on 09/27/16. SSNY LLC upon whom process System, 111 8th Ave., NY, Notice of Formation LLC Appl. for Auth. filed designated as agent of against it may be served. NY 10011. DE addr. of of INTEGRATED with Secy. of State of NY LLC upon whom process SSNY shall mail copy of LLC: c/o The Corporation PERFORMANCE (SSNY) on 10/19/16. Office against it may be served. process to the LLC, 210 Trust Co., 1209 Orange SOLUTIONS LLC Arts. location: NY County. LLC SSNY shall mail process West 77th Street, New St., Wilmington, DE of Org. filed with Secy. formed in Delaware (DE) to c/o Dino & Sons Realty York, NY 10024. Purpose: 19801. Cert. of Form. filed of State of NY (SSNY) on on 10/10/16. Princ. office Corp., 1590 Troy Ave., Any lawful purpose. with DE Sec. of State, 401 10/11/16. Office location: of LLC: 1251 Ave. of the Brooklyn, NY 11234. Federal St., Dover, DE NY County. Princ. office Americas, Ste. 4600, DE addr. of LLC: 2711 725 ELEVENTH AVE LLC. 19901. Purpose: all lawful of LLC: 911 Park Ave., Ste. NY, NY 10020. SSNY Centerville Rd., Ste. 400, Art. of Org. filed with the purposes. 2C, NY, NY 10075. SSNY designated as agent of Wilmington, DE 19808. SSNY on 09/26/16. Office: designated as agent of LLC upon whom process Cert. of Form. filed with New York County. SSNY Notice of Qualification LLC upon whom process against it may be served. DE Secy. of State, Div. of designated as agent of the of Cerberus Redwood against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process Corps., 401 Federal St., LLC upon whom process Levered Opportunities SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. against it may be served. GP A, LLC. Authority filed to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, Purpose: Any lawful SSNY shall mail copy of with NY Dept. of State on Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. activity. process to the LLC, 128 9/30/16. Office location: NY 12207-2543. Purpose: of LLC: 2711 Centerville East 70th Street, New NY County. Princ. bus. Any lawful activity. Rd., Ste. 400, Wilmington, York, NY 10021. ATTN: addr.: 875 3rd Ave., NY, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. Notice of Qualification of Downing Realty. Purpose: NY 10022. LLC formed in filed with Secy. of State, CAITHNESS SERVICES Any lawful purpose. DE on 9/15/16. NY Sec. of Div. of Corps., John G. LLC Appl. for Auth. filed CAPPAWORLD, LLC. State designated agent of Townsend Bldg., 401 with Secy. of State of Articles of Organization LLC upon whom process Notice of Formation of Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, NY (SSNY) on 10/14/16. filed with the Secretary of against it may be served meemama productions DE 19901. Purpose: Any Office location: NY County. State of New York (SSNY) and shall mail process LLC. Art. of Org. filed with lawful activity. LLC formed in Delaware on 07/07/16 Location: to: c/o CT Corporation the SSNY on October 6, (DE) on 10/04/16. SSNY New York County. SSNY System, 111 8th Ave., NY, 2016. Office: New York designated as agent of designated as agent for NY 10011. DE addr. of County. SSNY designated LLC upon whom process service of process on LLC, Notice of Qualification of LLC: c/o The Corporation as agent of the LLC upon against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy to: 22-12 JACKSON OWNER Trust Co., 1209 Orange whom process against SSNY shall mail process CAPPAWORLD, LLC 19 LLC Appl. for Auth. filed St., Wilmington, DE it may be served. SSNY to c/o Corporation W 8th Street, Apt. 7, New with Secy. of State of 19801. Cert. of Form. filed shail mail copy of process Service Co., 80 State St., York, NY 10011. Purpose: NY (SSNY) on 10/20/16. with DE Sec. of State, 401 to the LLC, 150 West Albany, NY 12207-2543. Any lawful act or activity. Office location: NY County. Federal St., Dover, DE End Ave, 9F, New York, DE addr. of LLC: 2711 LLC formed in Delaware NY 10023. Purpose: Any 19901. Purpose: all lawful Centerville Rd., Ste. 400, (DE) on 05/19/16. SSNY purposes. lawful purpose. SAR 17, LLC Articles Wilmington, DE 19808. designated as agent of of Org. filed NY Sec. of Cert. of Form. filed with LLC upon whom process State (SSNY) 10/12/16. DE Secy. of State, 401 against it may be served. Notice of Forma LLC. Art Notice of Qualification of Office in NY Co. SSNY Federal St., Dover, DE SSNY shall mail process or Org filed with Secy. CRAFTSTONE CAPITAL, desig. agent of LLC upon 19901. Purpose: Any to c/o Adam America of State of Ny (sony) LLC Appl. for Auth. filed whom process may be lawful activity. Real Estate, 850 Third 0n 10/20/2015. Office with Secy. of State of served. SSNY shall mail location: Ave., 47th Fl., NY, NY NY county. NY (SSNY) on 10/11/16. copy of process to c/o Notice of formation of 10022. DE addr. of LLC: SSNY designated agent Office location: NY County. Cornicello, Tendler & Pristine Credit Solutions, 2711 Centerville Rd., upon whom process may LLC formed in Delaware Baumel -Cornicello, LLP, LLC. Arts of Org filed Ste. 400, Wilmington, DE be served and shall mail (DE) on 11/30/15. SSNY 2 Wall St., 20th Fl, NY, with Secy of State OF 19808. Cert. of Form. filed copy of process against designated as agent of NY 10005. Purpose: Any NY (SSNY) on 8/10/16. with Jeffrey W. Bullock, LLC. to: Us Corp. Agents, LLC upon whom process lawful purpose. Office loc: NEWY. SSNY Secy. of State, John G. Inc. 7014 13th Ave, Set. against it may be served. designated agent upon Townsend Bldg., 401 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228 SSNY shall mail process whom process may be Federal St., Dover, DE Purpose: any lawful act. to c/o Corporation Service Notice of formation of served: 7014 13th Ave 19901. Purpose: Any Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY A TUS PIES, LLC. Ste 202 Bkyn NY 11228 lawful activity. NY 12207-2543. DE addr. filed with the Secy. of Principal business addess Notice of Formation of NK of LLC: Harvard Business State of NY (SSNY) :300 E75 St 3O NY NY Grant Writing & Nonprofit Services, Inc., 16192 on 10/07/2016. Office 10021. Consulting LLC. Arts Coastal Hwy., Lewes, DE location: NY County. VERTEBRAL ANCHOR of Org filed with Secy.
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of State of NY (SSNY) NY, NY 10024. Sec. of 8/5/2016. Office location: OF LIMITED LIABILITY The Kaplan Law Group, on 7/1/2016. Office State designated agent of NY County. SSNY PC, 51 John F. Kennedy COMPANY. NOBLE location: NY County. LLC upon whom process designated agent upon HOUSE USA LLC Articles Pkwy., Ste. 1E/RXR, Short SSNY designated agent against it may be served whom process may be Hills, NJ 07078. Purpose: of Organization were upon whom process and shall mail process to: served against LLC to: filed with the Secretary of Any lawful activity. may be served against Belnord Holdings LLC, c/o US Corp. Agents, Inc. State of New York (SSNY) LLC to principal business Talbert & Talbert LLC, 80 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 9/21/16. Office location: Notice of Qual. of 500 address: 308 W. 103rd Maiden Lane, Ste. 1506, 202, Brooklyn NY 11228. NY County. SSNY has Seventh Mezz Funding St., #10E, NY, NY, 10025. NY, NY 10038. Purpose: Purpose: any lawful act. been designated as agent LLC, Auth. filed Sec’y of Purpose: any lawful act. all lawful purposes. of the LLC upon whom State (SSNY) 8/5/16. Off. process against it may be NOTICE OF FORMATION loc: NY Co. LLC org. in DE served and shall mail a Notice of Qualification Notice of Formation of OF Slow Sugar, LLC. Art. 8/3/16. SSNY desig. as copy of process to NOBLE of Comprehensive Belnord Hotel Operating of Org. filed with SSNY on agent of LLC upon whom HOUSE USA LLC, 708 Hospitalists of Florida, LLC. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed 07/15/16. Office location: NY proc. against it may be Third Avenue, 5 Fl., New Authority filed with Secy of with NY Dept. of State on County. SSNY designated served. SSNY shall mail York, New York, 10017, State of NY (SSNY) on 7/19/16. Office location: agent upon whom process copy of proc. to NRAI, attention Rubin Ferziger. 7/7/2016. Office location: NY County. Princ. bus. against it may be served. 111 Eighth Ave., NY, NY Purpose: for any lawful NY County, LLC formed addr.: 209 W. 87th St., Principal business address: 10011, the Reg. Agt. purpose. in FL on 5/13/11. SSNY NY, NY 10024. Sec. of 860 Park Avenue, NY, NY upon whom proc. may be designated agent upon State designated agent of 10075. Purpose: any lawful served. DE off. addr.: 160 whom process may be LLC upon whom process purpose. Notice of Formation of Greentree Dr., Ste. 101, served and shall mail copy against it may be served Dover, DE 19904. Cert. MATTHEW BERNSTEIN, of process against LLC and shall mail process to: M.D., PLLC Arts. of Org. of Form. on file: SSDE, NOTICE OF FORMATION to: 11 Eighth Ave, New Belnord Hotel Operating filed with Secy. of State of Townsend Bldg., Dover, of SHADMOOR, LLC. Arts York, NY 1011. Principal LLC, c/o Talbert & NY (SSNY) on 09/07/16. DE 19901. Purp: any of Org filed with Secy. of business address: 200 Talbert LLC, 80 Maiden Office location: NY lawful activities. State of NY (SSNY) on Corporate Blvd. Lafayette, Lane, Ste. 1506, NY, NY County. Princ. office of 9/28/2016. Office location: LA 70508. Certificate of 10038. Purpose: all lawful PLLC: 406 Massachusetts New York County. SSNY Notice of Qual. of 500 LLC filed with Secy of State purposes. Ave., Arlington, MA 02474. designated agent upon Seventh Funding LLC, of FL Located at: 1200 S SSNY designated as whom process may be Auth. filed Sec’y of State Pine Island Rd, Plantation, agent of PLLC upon whom served and shall mail copy Name of LLC: SIGN (SSNY) 8/5/16. Off. loc: NY FL, 33324. Purpose: any process against it may be of process against LLC to: Networks LLC. Arts. of Co. LLC org. in DE 8/3/16. lawful act. served. SSNY shall mail 652 Grandview Avenue Org. filed with NY Dept. SSNY desig. as agent of process to c/o Abrams #2R, Ridgewood, New of State: 5/1/15. Office LLC upon whom proc. Fensterman, et. al., LLP, York 11385. Purpose: any Notice of Formation of loc.: NY Co. Sec. of State against it may be served. 1111 Marcus Ave., Ste. lawful act. Aten Lighting Design, designated agent of LLC SSNY shall mail copy of 107, Lake Success, NY LLC. Articles of Org. filed upon whom process proc. to NRAI, 111 Eighth 11042. Purpose: Medical with Secy. of State of against it may be served Ave., NY, NY 10011, the Notice of Formation purpose. NY (SSNY) on July 18, and shall mail process Reg. Agt. upon whom of Broadsheet 2016. Office location: NY to: James P. Healy, Jr., proc. may be served. DE Communications LLC. Art. County. SSNY has been 200 E. 10th St., Ste 719, Notice of Formation of off. addr.: 160 Greentree of Org. filed with SSNY designated as agent upon NY, NY 10003, regd. agt. SkyFloat LLC Arts. of Org. Dr., Ste. 101, Dover, DE 9-1-16. Office Location: whom process may be upon whom process may filed with Secy. of State of 19904. Cert. of Form. on NY County. SSNY served and shall mail copy be served. Purpose: any NY (SSNY) on 09/14/16. file: SSDE, Townsend designated as agent of the of process against LLC to lawful act. Office location: NY County. Bldg., Dover, DE 19901. LLC for service of process. principal business address: SSNY designated as Purp: any lawful activities. SSNY shall mail a copy of 350 Cabrini Blvd., Apt 3H agent of LLC upon whom any process to c/o The 315 Rose Hill Holdings NY, NY 10040. Purpose: process against it may be Notice of Qual. of 333 LLC, P.O. Box 427, NY, LLC – Arts of Org. filed any lawful purpose. served. SSNY shall mail East 22 Lessee LLC, Auth. NY 10272. Purpose: To with Secy. Of State of process to c/o Gonen filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) engage in any lawful act or NY (SSNY) on 7/18/2016. Productions & Talent, Inc., 7/19/16. Off. loc: NY Co. activity. Notice of formation of Office location: New York 105 E. 34th St., Ste. 240, LLC org. in DE 7/15/16. SempreLei LLC. Art. Of Co. LLC address c/o NY, NY 10016. Purpose: SSNY desig. as agent of Org. filed with SSNY Ganfer & Shore LLP, 360 Notice of Formation of Mrs. Mobile device accessory LLC upon whom proc. 6/8/2016. Office: NY Lexington Avenue 13th Gallery, LLC. Arts of Org manufacture, sales and against it may be served. County. SSNY designated Flr., New York, NY 10017. filed with Secy. of State of distribution. SSNY shall mail copy of agent upon whom process SSNY designated as NY (SSNY) on 7/14/2016. proc. to NRAI, 111 Eighth may be served and shall agent of LLC upon whom Office location: Ave., NY, NY 10011, the mail copy of process to process against it may Notice of Formation of T/S NY County. SSNY Reg. Agt. upon whom business address: 246 be served. SSNY shall 221 EAST 17, LLC Arts. of designated agent upon proc. may be served. DE Mott Street, NY, NY 10012. mail process to: Ganfer & Org. filed with Secy. of whom process may be off. addr.: 160 Greentree Purpose: any lawful act. Shore LLP, 360 Lexington State of NY (SSNY) on served against LLC to: 26 Dr., Ste. 101, Dover, DE Ave., 13th Flr, New York, 09/15/16. Office location: Apollo St., #2, Brooklyn, 19904. Cert. of Form. NY 10017. Purpose: any NY County. Princ. office NY 11222. Principal on file: SSDE, Townsend Notice of Formation of lawful activities. of LLC: 221 E. 17th St., business address: 60Bldg., Dover, DE 19901. Belnord Holdings LLC. NY, NY 10003. SSNY 40 56th Drive, Maspeth, Purp: any lawful activities. Arts. of Org. filed with designated as agent of NY 11378. Purpose: any NY Dept. of State on NOTICE OF FORMATION LLC upon whom process lawful act. 7/19/16. Office location: of GRS Lab USA LLC. against it may be served. NY County. Princ. bus. Arts of Org filed with Secy. SSNY shall mail process addr.: 209 W. 87th St., ADVERTISE HERE of State of NY (SSNY) on NOTICE OF FORMATION to Brad M. Kaplan, Esq.,
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CITY & STATE NEW YORK MANAGEMENT & PUBLISHING Chairman Steve Farbman, President/CEO Tom Allon tallon@cityandstateny.com, Vice President of Strategy Jasmin Freeman, Comptroller David Pirozzi dpirozzi@cityandstateny.com, Business & Sales Coordinator Patrea Patterson, Junior Sales Associate Cydney McQuillan-Grace cydney@cityandstateny.com
Who was up and who was down last week
DIGITAL - digital@cityandstateny.com Digital Manager Chanelle Grannum, Digital Content Coordinator Michael Filippi MULTIMEDIA Multimedia Director Bryan Terry
BYRON BROWN – We don’t know what the Buffalo mayor’s former right-hand man, Steve Casey, is saying to the feds, but it’s probably making Brown nervous. Casey is reportedly singing after having his home raided last year. Plus, lawyers for a developer in a legal dispute with City Hall are claiming Casey corroborated their allegation that Brown killed a project because they wouldn’t bring an ally of the mayor on board.
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wins lawsuit making NYC education meetings public
ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN
wins $12 million (in settlements) from DraftKings, FanDuel
SLANT Slant Editor Nick Powell npowell@cityandstateny.com, Editor-at-Large Gerson Borrero gborrero@cityandstateny. com, Slant Columnists Nicole Gelinas, Bruce Fisher, Richard Brodsky, Karen Hinton CREATIVE - creativedepartment@cityandstateny.com Creative Director Guillaume Federighi, Senior Graphic Designer Alex Law, Junior Graphic Designer Kewen Chen
LOSERS ERROL LOUIS – The NY1 anchor is hosting a more aptly named show now that de Blasio announced weekly appearances on Louis’ “Inside City Hall.” Surely de Blasio’s desire to speak directly to New Yorkers ahead of his 2017 re-election bid contributed to the move, but it’s a boon for Louis. Of course, it would be nice if the mayor wouldn’t hide from the rest of the press.
OUR PICK
OUR PICK
WINNERS
Sometimes Mayor Bill de Blasio just can’t win. He shows up late for a few events, and everybody gets mad at him. When his driver speeds or runs stop signs while shuttling him around town, the mayor gets criticized. Now he’s taking flak just for taking a couple helicopter rides! But this week, we’re giving him a pass and keeping him off our Winners & Losers list. To see who did make it, read on.
EDITORIAL - editor@cityandstateny.com Editorial Director Michael Johnson mjohnson@ cityandstateny.com, Senior Editor Jon Lentz jlentz@ cityandstateny.com, Albany Reporter Ashley Hupfl ahupfl@ cityandstateny.com, Buffalo Reporter Justin Sondel jsondel@cityandstateny.com, City Hall Reporter Sarina Trangle strangle@cityandstateny.com, Managing Editor Ryan Somers, Web/Engagement Editor Jeremy Unger, Editorial Assistant Jeff Coltin
ADVERTISING Vice President of Advertising Jim Katocin jkatocin@ cityandstateny.com, Account/Business Development Executive Scott Augustine saugustine@cityandstateny.com, Event Sponsorship Strategist Danielle Koza dkoza@ cityandstateny.com EVENTS - events@cityandstateny.com Events Manager Lissa Blake, Senior Events Coordinator Alexis Arsenault, Events and Marketing Coordinator Jenny Wu
Vol. 5 Issue 42 October 31, 2016
DOJ overrules Brooklyn prosecutor in Garner case
BRIAN CHESKY
CEO sees hotels celebrate state law targeting Airbnb
DAVID GURFEIN
past domestic abuse won’t help congressional candidate
THOMAS KRUMPTER
Nassau police commish crashes car – a third time
WINNERS & LOSERS is published every Friday morning in City & State’s First Read email. Sign up for the email, cast your vote and see who won at cityandstateny.com.
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October 31, 2016
Illustration by Javier Muñoz Fernández Art Direction Guillaume Federighi CITY & STATE NEW YORK (ISSN 2474-4107) is published weekly, 48 times a year except for the four weeks containing New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas by City & State NY, LLC, 61 Broadway, Suite 1315, New York, NY 10006-2763. Application to Mail at Periodicals Prices is pending at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to City & State New York, 61 Broadway, Suite 1315, New York, NY 10006-2763. General: (212) 268-0442, info@cityandstateny.com Copyright ©2016, City & State NY, LLC
NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS INVITES YOU: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2OI6 TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, 67th Street and Central Park West
HONORING CIVIC CHAMPION JACK RUDIN AND ATHLETE CHAMPION MEB KEFLEZIGHI
JACK RUDIN
CIVIC CHAMPION
VIP Reception 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Main Reception, Program, Performance, and Auction 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. RICHARD BYRNE, MICHAEL GROSS Event Co-Chairs GENEROUSLY UNDERWRITTEN BY THE RUDIN FAMILY Proceeds benefitting New York Road Runners’ youth and community programs.
MEB KEFLEZIGHI
ATHLETE CHAMPION
New York Road Runners is a non-profit community running organization, founded in 1958, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. We serve more than 430,000 people—including 215,000 youth—annually.
TM
PROUDLY SUPPORT CITY & STATE’S QUEENS BOROUGH POWER 50 LIST CONGRATULATIONS TO HAEDA MIHALTSES AND THE REST OF TODAY’S HONOREES