Hopefuls vie for Sanders’, Comrie’s City Council seats
By Stephen Stirling
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| Leroy Comrie |
The extension of term limits may has changed the political landscape when it comes to the 2009 city elections, but it has not deterred dozens of potential candidates from pursuing their campaigns for Queens’ 14 City Council seats.
More than three dozen Queens residents are actively raising funds for campaigns for Council seats across the borough, according to bi−annual filing reports released by the city Campaign Finance Board last week.
But although all 14 Queens Council seats will be up for election this year, the political scene is far different than it was at this time last year. The approval of a third term for city officials and a handful of special elections have turned what was a straightforward election into a chess match for potential candidates.
Southern Queens may be the most affected by the extension of term limits since Councilmen Tom White (D−South Ozone Park), Leroy Comrie (D−St. Albans) and James Sanders (D−Laurelton) are at least entertaining the idea of running for their seats again in November.
White has only served one term since being elected in a special election in 2005 and has said he plans to run for a second term. Thus far, White has a single challenger in Lynn Nunes, who has raised $15,832 through January, according to campaign filings. White is registered as a candidate, but has not claimed any fund−raising activities, the CFB said.
Both Comrie and Sanders have remained mum on their plans for the 2009 election.
Should Comrie choose to run for re−election, only one potential candidate — Clyde Vanel — would stand in his way as of January. Campaign Finance filings show Vanel has raised $10,414 in a bid for the seat.
If Sanders decides to run for a third term, he would be entering a crowded race. According to the Campaign Finance Board, six potential candidates — including his wife, Andrea — are operating active campaigns for Sanders’ 31st District seat.
Leading the pack are Michael Duncan, who has raised $14,270; Jacques LeAndre with $11,829; and Marquez Claxton with $10,080, campaign filings show. Andrea Sanders, meanwhile, has raised $5,186, while Frederick Lewis has $5,635 and David Hooks has $1,804, according to the filings.
The post of Councilman David Weprin (D−Hollis), who is running for city comptroller, will also be up for grabs.
The race for David Weprin’s seat could remain in the family after his brother, state Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D−Little Neck), announced his intention to campaign for the position. But Mark Weprin could face a tough challenge from the well−funded campaign of Community Board 13 member Sawaranjt Singh, who has raised $102,171 in a bid for the seat. Longtime community activist Bob Friedrich is also running for Weprin’s seat, and has raised $41,043 through January, the CFB said.
The recently vacated seat of state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D−Howard Beach) will also be up for election in November, but will be filled first by a special election this February.
For more information on campaign finance disclosure reports, visit www.nyccfb.info.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e−mail at sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 138.
More than three dozen Queens residents are actively raising funds for campaigns for Council seats across the borough, according to bi−annual filing reports released by the city Campaign Finance Board last week.
But although all 14 Queens Council seats will be up for election this year, the political scene is far different than it was at this time last year. The approval of a third term for city officials and a handful of special elections have turned what was a straightforward election into a chess match for potential candidates.
Southern Queens may be the most affected by the extension of term limits since Councilmen Tom White (D−South Ozone Park), Leroy Comrie (D−St. Albans) and James Sanders (D−Laurelton) are at least entertaining the idea of running for their seats again in November.
White has only served one term since being elected in a special election in 2005 and has said he plans to run for a second term. Thus far, White has a single challenger in Lynn Nunes, who has raised $15,832 through January, according to campaign filings. White is registered as a candidate, but has not claimed any fund−raising activities, the CFB said.
Both Comrie and Sanders have remained mum on their plans for the 2009 election.
Should Comrie choose to run for re−election, only one potential candidate — Clyde Vanel — would stand in his way as of January. Campaign Finance filings show Vanel has raised $10,414 in a bid for the seat.
If Sanders decides to run for a third term, he would be entering a crowded race. According to the Campaign Finance Board, six potential candidates — including his wife, Andrea — are operating active campaigns for Sanders’ 31st District seat.
Leading the pack are Michael Duncan, who has raised $14,270; Jacques LeAndre with $11,829; and Marquez Claxton with $10,080, campaign filings show. Andrea Sanders, meanwhile, has raised $5,186, while Frederick Lewis has $5,635 and David Hooks has $1,804, according to the filings.
The post of Councilman David Weprin (D−Hollis), who is running for city comptroller, will also be up for grabs.
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The recently vacated seat of state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D−Howard Beach) will also be up for election in November, but will be filled first by a special election this February.
For more information on campaign finance disclosure reports, visit www.nyccfb.info.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e−mail at sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 138.
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JC wrote on Jan 29, 2009 4:26 PM: