By Dee Richard
Did you ever notice how things seem to go in circles? For me this week it included getting caught up in a politician’s schedule. This was definitely a circle week for state Sen. Frank Padavan.
It started off with a fund-raiser for him at Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s private residence. It was interesting to note that all the supporters and contributors were not necessarily members of the Republican Party. One of the people in attendance was Bob Schwartz who, although a lifelong Democrat, came out for Padavan, as he believes Padavan has consistently done a great job for his constituents all these years.
If you have never been there, the mayor’s residence is absolutely fabulous, but then who would expect less?
The next Padavan event was Saturday morning at McNeil Park in College Point. It was the annual cleanup of the park and the parks waterfront area. That whole site at one time was a garbage dump and in some sections it is still toxic.
Dr. James Cervino, Sal Bacarella, Garry Bonelli — all of Land Serv — Padavan, City Councilman Dan Halloran and community leaders Will Ramirez and Joe Femenia were present and pitched in to help with the assistance of locals as well as a large group of young people of assorted ages.
In addition to cleaning up the park, Cervino, Padavan and Halloran planted a large quantity of sea grass on the shoreline, which I understand helps in reducing pollution.
A new feature being added to the park is a large group of kayaks, the majority of which were obtained with the help of Ted Gruber of the Long Island City Boat House.
A great big thank you to the Costal Preservation Network for a job well done.
The last and third event in the Padavan circle was on Sunday. This event was the grand opening of his 2010 re-election headquarters at 43-01 Bell Blvd. in Bayside. They need volunteers so donate some time. It’s fun.
And the last two Sundays events were a fund-raiser for U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney at Manducatis in Long Island City. It was a great turnout with lots of supporters. Photos to follow.
The annual honoree reception for the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, L.I. Also a fun affair.
Now for a change of pace. This next item is strictly tongue-in-cheek and is intended for amusement. We received the latest notice from Mitch Schwadron on the state of his campaign.
Mitch said, “The committee to elect Mitch Schwadron is recruiting Republican volunteers to unfurl the flag and fight the battle of the 26th Assembly District,” which is Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza’s seat.
The Queens Democratic Party is backing Community Board 11 member Edward Braunstein in the race. Other Dem candidates include Carol Gresser, John Duane, Elio Forcina, Michael Sais and Steve Behar. The GOP candidates are Rob Speranza and Vince Tabone.
He said “all other candidates are carpetbaggers.” He said he has lived in the district since 1952 — before any of the other opponents were born.
The petitioners must be fluent in English, Yiddish, Korean, Mandarin, Hindi, Urdu, Russian, Armenian and Greek. They also must be registered in the Republican Party or must be a notary public or commissioner of deeds on the first day of petitioning — June 8 — with the intent of gathering at least 4,000 good signatures from the living and at least 2,000 from the dead or non-existent. There is no salary and all the volunteers must be dedicated to the cause of honesty or fabrication in government.
That’s it for this week.
I look forward to hearing from you with information on people, parties and politics or gossip.
I like receiving your voice mails at 718-767-6484, faxes at 718-746-0066 and e-mails at deerrichard@aol.com.
Don’t forget to check out the Focus on Queens pages.
Till next week, Dee.
