By Stephen Stirling
Some of the movers and shakers in Queens’ Asian−American community gave Mayor Michael Bloomberg a boost for his run for a third term Monday, holding a raucous campaign rally at a downtown Flushing restaurant in his honor.
Bloomberg, who had to swim through a crowd of supporters chanting and holding signs to get to the podium at Jade Asian Restaurant on 39th Avenue Monday night, promised he would be a leader of all communities if re−elected. He praised Flushing as an epicenter of Queens diversity, particularly when it comes to food.
“I don’t know that I can pronounce most of the names of dishes I’ve tried here, but my waistline shows I’ve tried them all,” Bloomberg said.
Several leaders from the Korean, Chinese and South Asian communities in Queens each announced their support for Bloomberg at the restaurant.
Yong−Hwa Ha, president−elect of the Korean−American Association of Greater New York; Robin Mui, chief executive officer of Mandarin newspaper Sing Tao Daily; and Inderjit Singh, executive chairman of the South Asian Community Council, each praised Bloomberg for how he has led the city during the last eight years and said he is the only leader fit to lead the city forward.
In a brief speech to about 100 mainly Asian supporters in attendance, Bloomberg turned to the Chinese calendar for inspiration.
“This year is the year of the ox, and the ox celebrates hard work and persistence,” he said. “These are the values that are going to help us get through this year.”
Bloomberg, who is likely facing a challenge from either city Comptroller William Thompson, U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D−Forest Hills) or City Councilman Tony Avella (D−Bayside) in the general election this November, has recently ramped up his campaign efforts by launching offices in each borough.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e−mail at sstirling@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 138.
