When our Assemblyman, Anthony Seminerio, resigned and plead guilty to charges of corruption it set off a scramble to fill the seat he had filled for 31 years. It appeared that we were headed for a Democratic Primary between a handful of candidates, followed up by a General Election in November. However, Governor Patterson made the controversial decision to hold a "special election" which will be held September 15th. Under this scheme, both parties will select one candidate -- one of whom will win the seat on September 15th. Correction: The winner of the special election will sit for the remainder of the term that started in 2009. This means the winner will not have to run for reelection until November of 2010. And the folks in Washington and Albany wonder why their approval ratings -- across both parties -- are tanking? But that doesn't mean we don't have good folks vying to represent us, and a few of them showed up at the most recent meeting of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association. First, let's have a look at the two candidates that are left in the race. What's interesting about this pair is that neither of them is a career politician -- and both of them have long records of contributing to their community. First up is Mike Miller, a long-time member of Community Board 5, past Vice-President and current member of the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol, board member of the Greater Ridgewood, and more. You can find out more about Mike by visiting his website, www.miller09.com. And here is Mike as he spoke to the residents of Woodhaven:
Also running for the position is Woodhaven's Donna Marie Caltabiano, Exec. Dir. of the Forest Park Senior Citizens Center. Donna Marie has been a member of Community Board 9, of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 118, Kiwanis Club of Woodhaven, Friends of the Woodhaven Library, and more. You can find out more about Donna Marie by visiting her website, www.caltabianoforassembly.com. And here is Donna Marie as she spoke to the residents of Woodhaven:
As it stands now, those will be the candidates running for Assembly in our District on September 15th. However, if you have been following this story, a number of other candidates dropped out of the race -- and none of them were too happy about it. Albert Baldeo and Farouk Samaroo had already bowed out of the race -- and just before our meeting, Nick Comaianni had also dropped out. Just this week (and after her appearance at our meeting) Lourdes Ventura withdrew from the race. You can read more about all of this here. Nick Comaianni and Lourdes Ventura address the residents of Woodhaven. Both Nick Comaianni and Lourdes Ventura spoke briefly at our meeting, and that sparked a mini-discussion about the events that went on. Here's what everyone had to say:
Good luck to all parties involved -- now, a month from now and next year! 
Then, there will be another election for the seat less than 2 month later, in November. And then -- get this -- we get to do it all over again a year from now, in November 2010.This election is open to ALL registered voters. On September 15 there will be two separate elections taking place. Each election (the Primary and the Special) will have separate voting machines.
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