Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 10:19 AM.
Candidates Interviewed, in Order of Appearance
Nydia Velasquez, 7th Congressional District, Incumbent
Arthur Schwartz, 66th Assembly District, Candidate
While the incumbent Deborah Glick did not attend, several Board members expressed support for her, discussing her leadership role on women's issues, and her willingness to challenge Speaker Heastie. They indicated she was effective in fighting developers seeking to open the waterfront to development.
After discussion, the Board voted to table a vote for Assembly endorsement until after a scheduled debate on Thursday, April 6.
Tom Suozzi, 3rd Congressional District, Candidate
Carolyn Maloney, 12th Congressional District, Incumbent
Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President
Though not up for re-election, also discussed supporting Candles for Clemency and her willingness to visit Judith Clark in prison, noting she has been to Bedford Hills prison several times. She endorsed increased hiring for local police. She defended reappointing long-term community board members indicating their experience increased the Community Board's effectiveness. She discussed her support for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning, but opposition to the Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA), indicating that ZQA enables the creation of buildings out of context with communities.
Members were encouraged to attend fundraisers this weekend for Council Member Laurie Cumbo and the Queens Democratic Club.
Club President Allen Roskoff reported that the Campaign Finance Control Board had reviewed the club's financial records going back to 2005 and found no issues. There was discussion regarding the new requirements for political club PAC's mandating more intense record keeping.
Keith Wright, 13th Congressional District, Candidate
Jose Serrano, 29th State Senate District, Incumbent
Jo Anne Simon, 52nd Assembly District, Incumbent
Peter Linder, 12th Congressional District, Candidate
Catherine Assante, 36th State Senate District, Candidate
Clyde Williams, 13th Congressional District, Candidate
Dan Quart, 73rd Assembly District, Incumbent
Adriano Espaillat, 13th Congressional District, Candidate
Gustavo Rivera, 33rd State Senate District, Incumbent
Endorsements
3rd Congressional District: Tom Suozzi, Unanimous
7th Congressional District: Nydia Velasquez, Unanimous
12th Congressional District: Carolyn Maloney, Unanimous
13th Congressional District: Keith Wright, Unanimous
29th State Senate District: Jose M. Serano, Unanimous
52nd Assembly District: Jo Anne Simon, 80% in favor, 20% abstention
73rd Assembly District: Dan Quart, Unanimous
33rd Senate District: Gustavo Rivera, Unanimous
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm