U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (l.) replaced former Congressman Anthony Weiner in a November special election when Turner became the first Republican to hold the Queens-Brooklyn seat since 1920.

Heading into 2011, the Queens political scene was supposed to be uneventful, with District Attorney Richard Brown facing no opposition and the foregone conclusion that Democratic judicial candidates would defeat their Republican rivals as they have for every year in recent memory.

And while the November elections went as expected — Brown won a sixth term and the six Democratic judges on the ballot won seats on the bench — one unforeseen contest in September with an improbable ending would shock the borough and the country.

A showdown between state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and retired Republican businessman Bob Turner was set in motion after then-U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner began a fall from grace when he lied about sending a lewd photograph of his crotch to his followers on Twitter.

As the scandal started to unfold in early June, Weiner, who at the time was considered the odds-on favorite to be the next mayor, said the photo was not of him and that his Twitter account was hacked.

But then later that month, an X-rated photo of Weiner that he sent to a Twitter follower was released and the congressman admitted it was indeed him who sent the pictures.

As calls for his resignation grew louder, Weiner at first was granted a leave of absence and said he would go to rehab.

Ultimately, as his support diminished, Weiner held a news conference in late June at the Brooklyn senior center where he launched his political career to announce his resignation from Congress, saying the distraction he caused made it impossible for him to do his job.

As soon as Weiner left his seat and Gov. Andrew Cuomo called a Sept. 13 special election to succeed the congressman, speculation grew over who the Democratic Party would select to run on its line.

In the end, Democratic leaders from Brooklyn and Queens chose Weprin and Republicans turned to Turner, who ran unsuccessfully against Weiner in 2010.

In what was widely believed to be a cakewalk for Weprin, Turner’s campaign built momentum as the weeks went by, first gaining support from former Democratic Mayor Ed Koch and endorsements from the Daily News and the New York Post.

Weprin had a number of Democratic elected officials on his side, including U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

A series of debates between the two candidates drew hecklers on one occasion as both men challenged each other’s views on federal spending, the deficit, Israel, Medicare and Social Security.

Early polls showed Weprin ahead, but as Sept. 13 grew closer, Turner had the upper hand.

Turner went on to defeat Weprin 53 percent to 46 percent and became the first Republican to hold that particular congressional seat since 1920.?

In Queens, Weprin bested Turner 52 percent to 47 percent, but Turner dominated the Brooklyn portion of the district 67 percent to 33 percent.

The shocking result was attributed by political observers to President Barack Obama’s unpopularity at the time and Turner’s success in making the race a referendum on Obama’s policies.

Also this year, the retirement of then-Assemblywomen Audrey Pheffer and Nettie Mayersohn opened the political stage to two aides who had served behind the scenes for years.

Phil Goldfeder, a former aide to Pheffer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schumer, defeated Republican District Leader Jane Deacy to succeed Pheffer while Mayersohn’s longtime chief of staff, Michael Simanowitz, defeated College Point Republican Marco DeSena to replace Mayersohn.

U.S. Rep. Bob Turner wants Gov. Andrew Cuomo to eliminate the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge. Photo by Christina Santucci

U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village) reminded Gov. Andrew Cuomo of his Queens roots after writing the governor in an effort to end the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge.

Then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani instituted a rebate program in 1997 for Broad Channel and Rockaway residents who used the Cross Bay Bridge that gave residents a $2.26 rebate on their E-ZPass statements each time they made a round trip.

But in July 2010, citing budget woes, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority partially rescinded the rebate, only reimbursing residents after they made one round trip in a day.

“Quite simply, the toll is a discriminatory fee against Queens’ residents,” Turner wrote to Cuomo. “It forces them to pay a toll to travel from one part of the borough to another. It is a dubious and expensive distinction that my constituents who commute to New York City, who visit friends and family in Queens, and who travel throughout the area have to pay this toll.”

Turner referred to Cuomo’s roots to the borough — he grew up in Hollis — in the letter.

“You and I were raised in Queens. We understand and appreciate the area’s wonderful cultural and geographical diversity, particularly along the coastal areas in the Rockways,” Turner wrote. “I am sure that you would agree that this geographical diversity should not come at an unfair cost to the residents of the borough.

“I ask you to make this a top priority on your agenda for relieving the economic burden on the citizens of my district,” Turner said. “I look forward to working with you and other elected officials as we try to end the toll.”

The congressman’s letter comes three weeks after state Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) appealed to MTA Executive Director Joseph Lhota to get rid of the toll.

The toll was implemented to pay for construction of the bridge, which has long been paid off.

State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder says rescinding the Cross Bay Bride toll is among his top priorities.

State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) wants newly appointed MTA Executive Director Joseph Lhota to visit his district so Lhota can hear residents’ gripes about the Cross Bay Bridge toll.

“As you may know, the Cross Bay Bridge toll is the only intraborough toll in New York City and, by principle, inherently unfair,” Goldfeder wrote to Lhota Nov. 17.

The assemblyman said in a phone interview Tuesday the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has not responded to the letter.

“It’s fair to give them another day or so,” Goldfeder said. “I wanted to welcome the new director to his post and [notify him] that these were going to be our top priorities.”

Then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani instituted a rebate program in 1997 for Broad Channel and Rockaway residents who used the Cross Bay Bridge that gave residents a $2.26 rebate on their E-ZPass statements each time they made a round trip.

But in July 2010, citing budget woes, the MTA partially rescinded the rebate, only reimbursing residents after they made one round trip in a day.?

Community leaders said that policy was unfair because few residents made more than one round trip.

Goldfeder started an online petition on his Assembly website for residents to voice their displeasure with the toll and said he would be introducing legislation to do away with the surcharge.

The assemblyman said the petition has more than 1,000 signers and had the best response of any petition on the Assembly website, which includes signatures urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to reinstitute the so-called “millionaire’s tax.”

“This has gotten people more enthused and excited than anything,” Goldfeder said.

Goldfeder said the toll is a hardship to residents.

“For the residents of Broad Channel and the Rockaways, this means paying a toll to travel to and from work, drop-off and pick-up their children at school, visit the police precinct and go to the local post office, among many other everyday necessities,” Goldfeder wrote to Lhota. “The toll is hurting Queens residents and placing a great burden on the local economy and the small businesses in the area. We should be doing everything we can to attract visitors and businesses to our area, not charging them a fee to get here.”

Eliminating the Cross Bay Bridge toll was one of Goldfeder’s top priorities during his Assembly campaign, in which he defeated Republican District Leader Jane Deacy in a September special election to replace ex-Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, now the county clerk.

The assemblyman said he wanted Lhota to meet with residents.

“I invite you to visit my district to hear firsthand from the affected residents and businesses and I ask that you work with me to end the fee and make lives a little easier for the hardworking residents of southern Queens,” Goldfeder wrote.

Kings County Supreme Court Judge John Ingram (r.) swears in U.S. Rep. Bob Turner at a ceremony Sunday. Photo by Rebecca Henely

Despite a disruption from a small protest, U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Kew Gardens) was inaugurated Sunday at Metropolitan High School in Forest Hills before an enthusiastic crowd. The first Republican congressman to represent the district since 1923 received support from Republicans and Democrats at the ceremony.

“We are here today because Bob Turner stood up for what was right,” said Rep. Peter King (R-Massapequa Park), who acted as master of ceremonies for the inauguration.

About 150 people attended the event at the 91-30 Metropolitan Ave. schools in Forest Hills. Turner’s wife Peggy held the Bible as he was ceremonially sworn in by Kings County Supreme Court Judge John Ingram.

But the swearing-in did not go completely as planned when Astoria resident Adam Weissman, 33, yelled out a criticism of Turner during the oath and was escorted out.

Weissman said he was a part of TradeJustice, a collective of various organizations against free trade. The protest, which included two other people, was sponsored by the protest group Occupy Wall Street and targeted Turner’s ?yea vote on a free trade agreement with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. President Barack Obama signed the bill last month. Weissman said the law would outsource hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

“I was trying to say that Bob Turner, after two months in office, has already sold out the voters of Queens and Brooklyn,” Weissman said.

The interruption did not faze Turner, who received a standing ovation. After being sworn in, Turner said the country was off-track because of a drift in foreign policy, out-of-control spending and regulatory organizations that he claimed hindered business development.

“People are waking up as you’ve woken up,” Turner told the crowd. “Things are wrong.”

He also characterized Occupy Wall Street as being on “the wrong track” and said America’s capitalist system leaves people free to work and keep their profits.

“America has been a beacon to the world,” Turner said.

Turner’s win over state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) in the special election for the 9th District seat, which opened after former Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner resigned amid a sexting Twitter scandal, was seen as an upset for the largely Democratic district. His coverage area winds through Queens and Brooklyn, including the neighborhoods of Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Howard Beach, Glendale, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Rockaway Beach and Woodhaven.?

Former Democratic Mayor Ed Koch, whose endorsement of Turner was a great factor in him getting elected, said that while he has known Turner a short time, they have become good friends.

“I look forward to participating in his next election,” Koch said.

While Turner was joined for his inauguration by City Councilmen Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) and Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), Turner’s Democratic colleagues also attended the inauguration, including state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach).

Addabbo, who supported Weprin in the special election, said he was happy for Turner and dedicated to working with him to serve their constituents.

“People benefit when elected officials work together and that’s the oath we took,” Addabbo said.

Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (c.) is sworn into office as his wife, children and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (from second r.) and state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver look on. Photo by Ivan Pereira

Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (l.) talks with state Sen. Malcolm Smith following his inauguration. Photo by Ivan Pereira

Elected officials from all over the state gathered at Junior High School 210 in Ozone Park Sunday to pass the torch to the community’s newest representative in Albany.

State Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) was inaugurated before his family, friends, community members and fellow elected officials.

Goldfeder, who worked in the political offices of City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), Mayor Michael Bloomberg and U.S. Sen Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), succeeded former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who became the Queens county clerk in June after serving the 23rd Assembly District for 24 years.

The new Assembly member said he was grateful for all the support he received from both the party and constituents and vowed to improve their quality of life.

“As the new assemblyman, I’m going to do the things I promised on the campaign,” he said.

The district includes the neighborhoods of the Rockaways, Howard Beach and portions of South Ozone Park.

Several Democratic members of the state Legislature, including state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans), Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) and Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), were in attendance for the event, at 93-11 101st Ave., ?and said the rookie elected official will be making big waves in office.

Smith noted that two key Republicans — U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Kew Gardens) and Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) — were at the inauguration and he called on Goldfeder to continue to lead in a bipartisan manner.

“The aisles shouldn’t matter. You should do what is right,” he said.

Silver agreed and said Goldfeder’s long career in the New York political arena has made him a strong community activist, and he would not only be able to convey the community’s voice to Albany but also bring Albany’s side of the issues back home.

“You are part of a young collection of leaders who continue to define themselves as defenders of working families,” he said.

Pheffer, who was Goldfeder’s former boss, said she was confident he would be able to fill her shoes.

“There are so many, many problems that need to be worked on,” she said. “I am confident that he is going to do a better job [than me]. ?He is confident.”

Goldfeder said he is working on solving those issues, including the elimination of the toll at the Cross Bay Bridge and creating new incentives for neighborhood store owners during the down economic times.

“Right here, there are many businesses that need to survive,” he said.

Assembly candidate Phil Goldfeder gets some help from his daughter Eliana, 2 1/2, as he casts his ballot in Far Rockaway. Photo by Christina Santucci

Assembly candidate Jane Deacy makes the rounds in Breezy Point with her husband Ed. Photo by Christina Santucci

Democrat Phil Goldfeder defeated Republican Jane Deacy in the race for the 23rd state Assembly seat in southern Queens late Tuesday night.

Shortly after midnight, the Associated Press reported Goldfeder garnered 7,928 votes, or 54 percent, compared to Deacy’s 6,655, or 46 percent, with 83 of 90 districts reporting.

“It feels fantastic,” Goldfeder said after learning of the results. “This was a hard-fought campaign and at the end of the day it’s all about the voters. They felt that I was the best man to go to Albany.”

The 23rd AD seat covers the Rockaways, Howard Beach and portions of South Ozone Park.

The race pitted Deacy, a retired teacher and NYPD patrolwoman turned activist against Goldfeder, who has worked in New York City and in Queens for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former state Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who previously held the seat.

Some of the polling stations throughout the district had not seen a crush of voters in the morning but rather a steady stream.

“There was definitely no rush,” said Stacey Amato, who has worked for the city Board of Elections for two years.

Amato was managing a polling site in Far Rockaway, which is deep in Goldfeder territory and only in the state Assembly district.

Voter Hadi Gross said not only is Goldfeder from the neighborhood, but he is the right man for the job.

“I think he’s right for the position,” she said walking out of the Beach 9th Street polling station. “He’ll do what is necessary.”

By 2:30 p.m., about 500 people had voted at the station at the Young Israel of Far Rockaway, where at 8:15 a.m. Goldfeder had cast his vote.

Goldfeder signs sprouted from the grass with the frequency of trees in Far Rockaway, but over in Howard Beach more conservatives seem to be casting their ballots.

Although it took her three tries, Rita Garcia of Howard Beach finally succeeded in casting her ballot at PS 207 off Cross Bay Boulevard.

“I voted for Jane,” she said as she left the polling station.

As of 2 p.m., 468 people had cast ballots for both the state Assembly and congressional races.

Many of the voters did not want to give their names.

One man said he was voting for Deacy and Republican Bob Turner in order “to do anything to get Republicans in there.”

The partisan bickering was less pronounced than the raucous contest for the 9th Congressional District, but the two candidates drew power from Democratic and Republican strongholds within the district.

Deacy’s power base came from areas like Breezy Point, Rockaway Point and Howard Beach. She raised a total of $62,945 and spent a total of $26,653.80, according to the state Board of Elections.

Goldfeder’s supporters largely hailed from areas including Far Rockaway and Lawrence. He raised $62,945, more than double the amount of Deacy, and spent a total of $66,024.26, according to the state Board of Elections.

Republican Bob Turner (l.-r.), Socialist Workers Party candidate Christopher Hoeppner and Democratic state Assemblyman David Weprin engage in an evening debate in the Rockaways. Photo by Joe Anuta

The three candidates for the 9th Congressional District dragged themselves down to the Rockaways Thursday for a late evening debate in front of a small crowd in a school cafeteria.

Republican Bob Turner, Democract state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Socialist Workers Campaign representative Christopher Hoeppner all took to the podium at around 9 p.m., after Weprin and Turner had already participated in several debates and forums throughout the day.

The two frontrunners did not speak with the same energy that characterized their previous meetings, and Weprin expressed frustration with some Turner fans who started clapping after he mentioned his opponent’s desire to slash the federal budget.

“Some think that’s a good idea,” Weprin said to them, adding that Turner wanted to eliminate the U.S. Education and Agriculture departments.

“You can applaud that, too,” he said.

They did.

After an attack-laden debate earlier in the day on NY1where the candidates tried to capitalize on each other’s gaffes thus far in the race, they held back for the 50 or so people gathered at Peninsula Preparatory Charter School at 11-111 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Weprin mentioned the words “tax loophole,” and his desire to close them, over and over but did not bring up his opponent’s statement that “I never met a tax loophole I didn’t like.”

Turner did not ask Weprin where he was voting, as he did in an earlier debate. Turner’s campaign recently revealed the Democrat does not live in the district.

The most forceful speaker of the night was Hoeppner, who repeatedly railed against both the Democrat and Republican parties and urged the residents of the 9th CD to take to the streets and protest in order to achieve change.

“Nothing was ever solved with the stroke of a pen,” he said.

Turner and Weprin both laid out plans to create jobs.

Turner wanted to start hydrofracking in the state, create tax incentives for small businesses and abolish the National Health Care Act.

Weprin said he would close tax loopholes, give small businesses tax cuts and institute a true millionaire’s tax.

They also both said Gateway National Park is in need of assistance.

Toward the end of the short debate, when the candidates were asked if they had a scheduling problem, both Turner and Weprin raised their hands.

When Hoeppner stepped up to the microphone for the last question, he made his scheduling problem known as well.

“Yes, I have a scheduling problem,” he said, “because I have to go to work in the morning.”

Phil Goldfeder (l.) and Jane Deacy participate in a debate in the Rockaways days before the Sept. 13 election. Photo by Joe Anuta

A Rockaway debate between Phil Goldfeder and Jane Deacy Thursday seemed to be more about the past of the state Assembly hopefuls than what they promise to do in the future.

The two candidates met at Peninsula Preparatory school, at 11-111 Rockaway Beach Blvd., to square off about positions on major Rockaway issues that they largely agreed on such as abolishing the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge and getting better transportation to the isolated Queens island.

But they staked out different positions over funding for required programs. When the moderator asked Deacy and Goldfeder about pensions, both pledged to protect them.

“I support the working man, because that’s who I am and that’s who I care about,” Goldfeder said, touting the fact that he has raised two children in the district and used to commute nearly two hours to work each way.
Deacy recalled her stint working for the city.

“As a retired police officer and a retired educator, pensions are sacrosanct,” she said. “A commitment made is a commitment kept.”

When Goldfeder countered he had the support of the unions for the United Federation of Teachers, the NYPD and the FDNY, a man in the audience interrupted him.

“The unions or the rank-and-file?” the man, red-faced, repeatedly asked before standing up, walking to the front of the cafeteria and throwing his business card down on the table in front of Deacy. He then walked out of the school.

When Deacy mentioned her civic activism  on behalf of the bridge and Peninsula, several members of the audience scoffed: “What? Once?”

When Goldfeder touted his accomplishments working for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Audrey Pheffer, who previously held the 23rd state Assembly seat, a woman asked him directly: “What accomplishments?”

Both candidates said they would work to have more lifeguard coverage at the beaches.

Deacy said some residents could not even utilize the area’s sandy stretches because they closed before commuters  got back home after the long commute.

Goldfeder touted his work on another lifeguard project five years before with Schumer.

Both candidates were in support of redistricting reform and the creation of an independent body to carry out redrawing legislative lines in the city and state.

They also mentioned their political allies often: Deacy talked of her relationship with City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), while Goldfeder mentioned his relationship with Schumer.

But the two candidates repeatedly clashed after Deacy said she would like to stop government on all levels from handing down unfunded mandates, which is when a requirement that costs money is not paid for by city, state or federal entities.

“I will hope to relieve small businesses and schools of unfunded mandates,” she said.
But Goldfeder disagreed.

“I want to hold agencies accountable,” he said, adding that on an issue like the eradication of the chemical PCB in schools, should be done regardless of whether it is funded or not.

They also spoke on different topics when asked about health care.

Deacy said she envisioned the borough leaning toward regionalized health care, but stressed that the Rockaways needed to maintain urgert care since it is isolated from the rest of the borough.

Goldfeder talked about his work in protesting outside of Peninsula Hospital, which was on the brink of closure before a last-minute deal appeared to have saved the medical institution several days ago.

Jane Deacy

Party
Republican

Campaign Office
112-20 Beach Channel Drive
Rockaway Park, NY 11694
(718) 945-2323

Biography
Jane Deacy is entering her first political race to vie for the 23rd Assembly seat. She was one of the first female police officers who went on patrol in New York City in the 1970s, according to her campaign biography. After retiring from the NYPD, she went on to become a real estate agent and substitute teacher.

She worked on the campaign of City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and currently serves as the 23rd District leader for the Republican Party. She lives with her husband Ed Deacy in Rockaway Point. She has three daughters and five grandchildren.

Issues
Deacy has repeatedly said job creation is her highest priority if she were to attain elected office. She said high taxes and excessive government regulations discourage business in the city and thus stymie job growth. She wants to cut taxes for the middle class.

Another top priority of Deacy’s is the repeal of the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge. She said the toll discourages business in the Rockaways and is an unfair burden for residents who travel within Queens.

Deacy has also campaigned on repealing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority payroll tax, a city tax that requires small business owners to subsidize the MTA.

Phil Goldfeder

Party
Democratic

Campaign Office
161-16A Cross Bay Blvd.
Howard Beach, NY 11414
(347) 766-3674

Biography
Phil Goldfeder, born and raised in the borough, is vying for the 23rd Assembly seat.

He attended Brooklyn College, and after graduating subsequently began his political career as a community liaison for City Councilman James Sanders Jr. (D-Laurelton).

Goldfeder worked as the mayoral representative for the Rockaways along with central and south Queens, and then was hired by U.S. Rep. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). He was also on the staff of Audrey Pheffer, who previously held the seat Goldfeder is running for.

Goldfeder lives with his wife and two daughters in Far Rockaway.

Issues
Goldfeder said he is most concerned with promoting economic growth in the district. He has proposed rewarding small business owners for hiring new workers though a possible tax credit. He has said job training would play a crucial role in employing residents of the district.

Goldfeder said the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge is a hindrance to businesses as well as poor infrastructure in the Howard Beach and Broad Channel areas that are prone to flooding.

He said he would like to improve transportation options to residents of the district, especially those who live in the Rockaways.

Republican Jane Deacy (l.) and Democrat Phil Goldfeder are running for the 23rd Assembly District.

Less than a week remained for the two candidates vying for the 23rd state Assembly seat, and Republican Jane Deacy and Democrat Phil Goldfeder were combing the Rockaways trying to curry favor before the Sept. 13 election.

In stark contrast to the congressional campaign being waged in the 9th District, the race between Deacy and Goldfeder has been devoid of attack ads and barbs traded between the two candidates.

Both Deacy and Goldfeder live in the Rockaways and have bases of support clustered in various neighborhoods around the island.

They have largely kept to simple campaign tactics: Get out and meet the voters.

“I’ve spent my career working every corner of this borough and this city. I’m not about to stop now,” Goldfeder said, indicating he has been canvassing all areas of his district regardless of their status as Democratic or Republican strongholds. “I will continue to fight for the need of every constituent and I can’t do that without talking to everyone from every area.”

Michael Coppotelli, campaign manager for Deacy, also said that meeting voters was the main focus for the campaign.

“We are campaigning all across the district we are not taking anything for granted,” he said. “It’s not about party, religion or creed. It’s about how you help the taxpayers, make sure you’re responsible with their money and bring reform to the dysfunction that is Albany.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, Goldfeder had spent twice as much as Deacy for the campaign, according to documents from the state Board of Elections. Deacy had spent a total of $26,653.80 while Goldfeder had spent $66,024.26.

Both candidates agree on several issues, like the need to promote more business in the Rockaways. Both have expressed their desire to abolish the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge and indicated that tax breaks or credits need to be given to small businesses to encourage hiring.

But they also differ as well.

Goldfeder has worked in offices of numerous elected officials, like U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the woman who formerly held the 23rd state Assembly seat, Audrey Pheffer. And he is proud of that experience.

He said the 23rd District would best be served by investing in small business and improving transportation options to the Rockaways, Howard Beach and other parts of the district.

“I’ve been fighting on behalf of the public for 10 years,” he said. “These are not issues that are new to me. I look forward to bring a fresh voice to governance with experience.”

Deacy on the other hand has signed a pledge not to vote for any bill that raises taxes.

She said lower taxes and less bureaucratic legislation will free the business environment from constraint and kick-start the economy, according to Coppotelli.

“[Job growth] is the No. 1 issue facing the district,” Coppotelli said.

Deacy also wants to eliminate the MTA payroll tax, which takes a certain amount from business owners when they pay each employee to support public transportation.

Republican Jane Deacy (l.) has raised about one-third the amount of money as Democrat Philip Goldfeder in the race for the 23rd state Assembly seat previously occupied by Audrey Pheffer.

The two candidates vying for the 23rd Assembly District seat have raised vastly different amounts of money in the short period before the September special election.

Philip Goldfeder, a Democrat, has amassed more than three times the amount of campaign donations for the state seat compared to Republican Jane Deacy, according to records from the state Board of Elections.

As of Tuesday afternoon unions, businesses, other politicians and individuals all contributed to Goldfeder’s total donations of $163,685. He spent $49,839.97, which left him with $113,845.03 cash on hand.

Similar donor groups contributed to Deacy’s total contributions of $53,325. She had spent $19,412.48, according to the board, which left her with $33,912.52 as of Tuesday afternoon.

The majority of Deacy’s donors were from Queens, while most of Goldfeder’s were from Brooklyn, which is outside of the district.

“I’m proud to have supporters all over the city and have supporters in the district,” Goldfeder said in a telephone interview.

That money pales in comparison to other campaign war chests, which run into the millions. But the amount of money the candidates could have raised was limited by the short run-up to the special election Sept. 13.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the special election July 1. That left two months for the Republican and Democratic parties to officially give the nod to Deacy and Goldfeder, and for the candidates to raise money and campaign.

That short campaign period means money is extremely important, according to Evan Stavisky, a political consultant for Parkside Group, a Manhattan-based political consulting company that is currently working on the campaign for Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck).?

“The old adage that ‘money is the mother’s milk of all politics’ is even more true in special elections,” he said.

Because of the short time period for campaigning, each moment spent raising funds is a moment lost talking to voters, Stavisky said.

Much of the money will likely be spent on direct mailings, which are the most effective form of communication, according to Stavisky, since other modes of communication like television are far too expensive.

But according to other political sources, the discrepancy in funding will not prove to be a large handicap for Deacy.

Both candidates are expected to make heavy use of direct mailings, and Deacy should still be able to send out a significant amount.

Goldfeder said he is focusing on getting out into the community and meeting potential constituents in person.

“A short campaign definitely presents a challenge,” he said. “Money doesn’t win the election. It’s the ability to talk to as many voters as possible.”

Michael Coppotelli, campaign manager for Deacy, also said that talking to voters is the most important way for her to get the word out.

“It’s the message that counts,” he said. “Every day — morning, noon and night — her schedule is full from the moment she wakes up until the moment she lays her head on the pillow.”

But even day-to-day operations on the campaign trail are not cheap, Stavisky said.

“You have a vision for why you are the best person for office and you need to talk to 100,000 people about it,” he said. “It is an expensive undertaking.”

The candidates also need to pay staff and buy literature, posters and other means of communicating their messages to the public, Stavisky said.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (l.) endorses Assembly candidate Phil Goldfeder (third from l.) at La Villa Pizzeria in Lindenwood. They are joined by former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer and state Sen. Joseph Addabbo. Photo by Howard Koplowitz

Phil Goldfeder’s state Assembly campaign got a major boost Monday after he was endorsed by his former boss, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Goldfeder was Schumer’s director of intergovernment affairs for three years before stepping down a month ago to run for the Assembly seat that became vacant after Audrey Pheffer took the Queens county clerk position.

He is running against Republican District Leader Jane Deacy to succeed Pheffer.

Schumer said inside the La Villa Pizzeria in the Lindenwood Shopping Center that he was endorsing Goldfeder “because I know two things: I know this district and I know Phil and the two are a perfect match.”

Schumer said what the Assembly district, which includes Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Broad Channel and part of the Rockaways, needs is “an Assembly member who is going to put the community first” and someone “who never forgets where they came from.”

“That’s who Phil Goldfeder is. How do I know that? Because he’s worked for me for three years,” Schumer said. “Even when he was in my office, Phil worked on issues that were of great concern to the 23rd Assembly District. He’s not someone who forgot about the issues of hard work and caring” for the community.

Schumer said he was not making the endorsement “out of obligation or loyalty.”

“I am here out of enthusiastic dedication to these communities,” he said.

Goldfeder said his job in Schumer’s office was “to focus on communities” and that is what he would do if elected.

He said jobs and the economy are the most important issues to the district.

“Party has nothing to do with creating jobs … and that’s something I’m going to take with me to Albany,” Goldfeder said.

“Our workforce is struggling,” he said. “We need to give them the tools and training they need to work in this economy.”

If elected, Goldfeder said his first piece of legislation would be to get rid of the toll on the Cross Bay Bridge, which he called “a noose around the necks of small businesses in this community.”

Deacy also listed the Cross Bay Bridge toll as among her top issues and signed a taxpayer protection pledge Tuesday, which promises Queens residents that she will vote against any tax increases if she is elected.

“Families in our community are struggling to simply make ends meet, especially with skyrocketing property taxes, utility fees, bridge tolls and other taxes that drive the cost of living through the roof,” said Deacy. “The people of Queens need protection from state government’s addiction to tax hikes. Unlike the career politicians in Albany, when I make a promise, I keep it. That is why I signed Americans for Tax Reform’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge.”

Deacy noted that Goldfeder had not signed the pledge.

“Even though unemployment levels are through the roof and people are leaving New York in droves, my opponent still refuses to make a pledge to our community to oppose tax increases,” she said. “I am ready to be the voice for Queens in state government that our community has lacked for too long; a voice for fiscal sanity and accountability in government.”

Assembly candidate Phil Goldfeder talks to supporters during the kickoff to his campaign in Howard Beach. Photo by Howard Koplowitz

Some of the Queens Democratic Party’s heaviest hitters helped kick off the campaign of state Assembly candidate Phil Goldfeder at his Howard Beach campaign office last Thursday night.

Goldfeder is running to replace former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who retired after taking the vacant Queens county clerk position.

“He has shoes to fill, there’s no doubt about it,” said U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), who is also head of the Queens Democratic Party.

Crowley said Goldfeder’s age, 30, will not be a detriment to his campaign, noting that Goldfeder has kids and a mortgage.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are to some degree if you have those responsibilities,” Crowley said. “That is something that transcends gender. That is something that transcends race, religion. I’m very happy that Phil is representing our party and when he’s elected he’ll represent this district well.”

Goldfeder, a former staffer to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said he was “humble” about getting the backing of the Democratic Party.

Goldfeder said the people of the Assembly district he wants to represent — Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Broad Channel and parts of the Rockaways — are just like him.

“I struggle every month to pay the mortgage and pay the bills on time,” he said. “These are the things I hear all across this district; we’re struggling.”

Goldfeder, who also worked for Pheffer and City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), appeared to take a swipe at his Republican opponent, District Leader Jane Deacy, saying now is “not the time for on-the-job training.”

Democratic District Leader and Goldfeder supporter Frank Gulluscio said he knew Goldfeder from his days in Pheffer’s office.

“I believe it’s a new generation of leadership,” Gulluscio said of Goldfeder’s candidacy. “I look forward to working with him. It’s important to have someone follow in Audrey’s footsteps that’s aware of both national issues and more importantly the local issues to the benefit of the constituents.”

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) pointed to Goldfeder’s government involvement as an attribute that suits him well in the race.

“I look for candidates who ‘get it’ and Phil ‘gets it,’” Addabbo said. “Hard work pays off. Because he gets it in that way, he’ll get the position.”

Howard Beach resident Barbara Friedman said she has known Goldfeder for four years.

“Phil is a wonderful individual to follow in Audrey’s footsteps,” she said. “He has experience working in both local and national issues. Working in Bloomberg’s office and also Schumer’s office brings nonpartisan decision-making to the community.”

Sanders noted that Goldfeder got his start in politics working in his office.

“I would like to think that I saw something first in him,” the councilman said. “I share the Rockaways with the seat that was held by Audrey Pheffer. She had left such a gap that we have to ensure that we have quality representation for my community and the neighborhood.”

Jane Deacy speaks to supporters in her Rockaway office to kickoff her run for the 23rd state Assembly seat. Photo by Joe Anuta

Jane Deacy, who is running for the 23rd state Assembly seat vacated by Audrey Pheffer, officially opened her Rockaway Beach office Saturday to kick off what will be a short campaign designed to boost Republican political clout in the area.

“It’s fast and furious,” she said in an interview inside the storefront office, at 112-20 Beach Channel Drive, referring to the roughly month-long period she has to stump until the Sept. 13 special election.

Deacy, who has been a Republican district leader for the last four years, had only three weeks to prepare before opening her office, and lacked the long-term fund-raising efforts many politicians rely on to increase their visibility before an election.

“I’m relying on my supporters,” she said. “This is definitely a grass-roots campaign.”

Handmade sign-up posters hung on the walls of the room, which looked like it could have previously housed a small cell phone store or photo gallery. Colored markers attached to strings dangled from the posters, which many supports used to write their names under categories like “election day volunteers” or “special events.”

Deacy hopes to fill the seat left by Pheffer, a Democrat who was first elected to the Assembly in 1987, but left in May after she was appointed the Queens county clerk.

The seat was left vacant for several months, but on July 1 Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for the special election to be held on Primary Day.

The election is especially important for the Queens Republican Party, which is trying to gain a foothold on three tiers of government.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) represents the party on the city level. If Deacy is elected, it would give Republicans a foothold in the state Legislature.

The party is also backing Bob Turner on the federal level. Turner is involved in a special election against Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) for the congressional seat previously held by Anthony Weiner, who abruptly resigned in June over a sexting scandal.

Both Ulrich and Turner attended the kickoff, and touted the ideals of low taxes and small government they share with Deacy.

“We are on the same page ideologically,” Turner said.

Ulrich said that having an ally on the state level would be helpful in dealing with entities like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to get better service for constituents in the Rockaways.

Deacy said that one of her main priorities would be to repeal the $3.25 toll on the Cross Bay Bridge.

“The toll has to go,” she said. “It’s a noose around the peninsula.”

The toll discourages business development, Deacy said.

She also would investigate how the possible closure of Peninsula Hospital would affect the island’s extensive senior care business.

“They are pulling the plug on a lifeline in the Rockaways,” she said.

She also said quality-of-life issues surrounding the Aqueduct racino project and repealing the MTA payroll tax, which comes out of payrolls of small businesses in the city, would be on her radar.

Republican Bob Turner (top r.) gets an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Peter King as Democrat David Weprin (bottom r.), who was endorsed by 32BJ, holds a news conference in Rego Park with Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (l.) and state Sen. Toby Stavisky. Photos by Howard Koplowitz

Republican congressional candidate Bob Turner picked up the second high-profile endorsement of his campaign when he was backed Sunday by U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Massapequa Park) at Joe Abbracciamento’s Restaurant in Rego Park as his opponent, state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) was endorsed by the state’s largest private sector union.

King’s endorsement of Turner comes a week after the retired Rockaway businessman was endorsed by former Democratic New York City Mayor Ed Koch.

King said he was supporting Turner because of his position on Israel and his business experience.

“I’m proud to endorse Bob Turner,” King said during an impromptu news conference inside the Rego Park restaurant on Woodhaven Boulevard, noting that he backed Turner in 2010 against then-Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Weiner resigned amid a sexting scandal two months ago and defeated Turner 60 percent to 40 percent last year.

“It’s a whole new world now and [Turner] has a very good chance of winning,” said King, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Turner and his Democratic opponent, state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck), both disagree with President Barack Obama’s stance that Israel should go back to its pre-1967 war borders as a condition of negotiating with the Palestinians.

But King said if Turner is elected, it would be a rebuke of Obama’s “terrible policy toward Israel.”

“It would send shockwaves through the Obama administration that [Turner] would win in a district that has a large Jewish population,” the congressman said. “It will have such an impact. It will be like when Scott Brown was elected. I’m looking forward to a great victory.”

King was referring to U.S. Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), who won in an upset to succeed the late Sen. Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts.

Both Turner and Weprin, an Orthodox Jew, are vying for Jewish votes in the district, particularly in Forest Hills, Rego Park and areas of Brooklyn.

Turner said he was “grateful and happy and proud” to have King’s endorsement again.

“Congressman King has been a stand-up guy and one of the bright figures in this Congress,” Turner said.

Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Assembly candidates Phil Goldfeder and Michael Simanowitz received the backing of 32BJ last week.

Goldfeder is the Democratic candidate vying to fill the seat held by Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who left office to take the vacant Queens county clerk position. Simanowitz is running to succeed his boss, former Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn, who retired after nearly 30 years in Albany.

“Now more than ever, New York needs elected officials who represent the interests of working families,” said 32BJ/SEIU President Mike Fishman in a statement. “These candidates will help to take the steps necessary to improve our economy and the lives of working men and women.”

About 70,000 New Yorkers are members of 32BJ, the largest property services union in the country and the largest private sector union in the state. There are about 120,000 members of the union in the country.

Simanowitz, who was Mayersohn’s chief of staff for 15 years before she retired in April, said he was honored to have 32BJ’s endorsement.

“I have always stood behind working men and women in Queens and I look forward to their members’ support on Sept. 13 and beyond to keep our community the best place to raise our families,” he said.

Simanowitz is also the commanding officer of the 107th Precinct’s auxiliary unit, a position he has held for nine years.

He is running against Republican Marco DeSena in the special election while Goldfeder, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is being challenged by Republican District Leader Jane Deacy.

Democratic state Assembly candidates Philip Goldfeder (l.) and Mike Simanowitz (r.) get support from U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (third from l.), City Councilman Mark Weprin (fourth from l.) and forme Aseemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn (front) during the kick-off to their campaigns at Queens Borough Hall. Photo by Howard Koplowitz

U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), chairman of the Queens County Democratic Party, helped kick off the campaigns of two Democratic candidates seeking to fill vacancies in the state Assembly left by former Assemblywomen Nettie Mayersohn and Audrey Pheffer.

Both special elections are being held Sept. 13, Primary Day, the same day some Queens voters will head to the polls to pick a successor to dishonored former Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Mike Simanowitz, Mayersohn’s former chief of staff, is the party’s pick to succeed her in the Assembly.

Crowley pointed to the 15 years Simanowitz spent on Mayersohn’s staff to say he was qualified to fill her shoes.

“He knows this district like the back of his hand,” Crowley said of Simanowitz.

The district includes Flushing, College Point, Pomonok, Fresh Meadows, Electchester, Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill.

“I look forward to be a voice for all of those communities,” Simanowitz said.

Crowley also noted Simanowitz served in the 107th Precinct’s auxiliary police department and was the youngest person to be deputy inspector of the auxiliary service.

Simanowitz said Mayersohn, who was among the elected officials who attended the kick-off Monday outside Queens Borough Hall, taught him how to be an effective legislator.

“I learned a great deal from Nettie,” he said. “I want to continue to fight for the people she has fought for throughout the years. I’m gratified by the outpouring of support I’ve received.”

Simanowitz said his campaign platform includes tax incentives for small businesses, which he described as “the backbone of our community,” and ensuring that Queens jobs stay in the borough.

He also criticized Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan this year to shutter city firehouses, which was rejected in the budget agreement passed by the City Council.

“Public safety should not be and will not be a bargaining chip in the future,” he said.

Crowley also touted the credentials of Rockaway resident Y. Philip Goldfeder, who the Queens Democratic Party nominated to replace Pheffer in the Assembly.

The Dem chairman said Goldfeder “has been part of the fabric of the Rockaways his entire life.”

The district includes part of the Rockaways, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.

Crowley said Goldfeder, who previously served as U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) director of intergovernmental affairs, will not only make the district proud, but the rest of Queens as well.

Goldfeder said Pheffer created a void when she chose to accept the Queens county clerk position in June.

“I intend to fill that void,” he said.

Goldfeder, who also previously served as head of the Queens branch of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Community Assistance Unit, said his platform includes “strong qualifications” and “genuine accomplishments.”

Crowley said both districts strongly lean Democratic, but the party will not rest on its laurels and think of Goldfeder’s and Simanowitz’s elections as inevitable.

“These are solid Democratic districts, but we take nothing for granted,” he said. “I know that Phil Goldfeder is going to do a wonderful job. I know that Mike Simanowitz is going to represent all of the communities. They are suited to represent these communities well.”

Y. Philip Goldfeder is believed to be the favorite to land the Democratic nomination for former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer's seat.

Y. Philip Goldfeder, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) director of intergovernmental affairs, is expected to run for the seat vacated by former state Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) and has the inside track to become the Democratic nominee in the yet-to-be announced race, a source close to Goldfeder told TimesLedger Newspapers.

Goldfeder, who declined to comment, has been Schumer’s director of intergovernmental affairs for 2 1/2 years and previously worked as the Queens director of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Community Assistance Unit.

Pheffer’s seat became vacant after she accepted the position of Queens county clerk last month.

Political insiders say Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants the special election to replace Pheffer to take place on Primary Day, Sept. 13, which means he is expected to announce the contest June 24 at the earliest.

Under previous law, special elections had to be held within 30 to 40 days of the governor’s announcement, but the law was tweaked to 70 to 80 days in order to accommodate ballots from overseas.

Before his position with Bloomberg, Goldfeder, a Rockaway resident, worked for City Councilmen James Sanders (D-Laurelton) and James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows).

Democratic district leaders in the Assembly district decide who makes it on the ballot as a Democrat, with two of the leaders — Lew Simon and Geraldine Chapey — expected to run in the race.

But the source close to Goldfeder said he is expected to be supported by the other two district leaders — Jo Ann Simon and Frank Gulluscio — which would be enough backing for Goldfeder to make the ballot on the Democratic line.

Jo Ann Simon, who was Pheffer’s chief of staff, declined to run and Gulluscio is also not expected to be a candidate.

The source said Goldfeder is close to Simon and noted he worked on Gulluscio’s failed Council campaigns and the two district leaders are said to be backing him.

On the Republican side, district leader Jane Deacy is a candidate for the seat and she has the backing of Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

The source said Ulrich’s criticism of Goldfeder — he said Goldfeder is virtually unknown outside of Rockaway — was a “silly statement,” pointing to Goldfeder’s career working for two councilmen, Bloomberg and Schumer.

“Phil has spent his entire career working from within the diverse borough of Queens,” the source said.

Former state Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer vacated her seat after she was selected to become Queens County clerk.

The frontrunner for former state Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer’s seat has decided not to run in an upcoming special election, Pheffer said Tuesday, and the field is now wide open.

Pheffer’s old seat, which covers part of the Rockaways, Howard Beach and Ozone Park, has been vacant since she was chosen as Queens county clerk in April.

Pheffer had said she would endorse a run by her former chief of staff, Jo Ann Simon, but Simon decided against being a candidate.

Democratic district leaders Simon, Frank Gulluscio, Geraldine Chapey and Lew Simon choose who gets to run under the Democratic line in the election.

Lew Simon is the only confirmed Democratic candidate for the seat, with Republican Jane Deacy declared on the GOP side.

“I, God willing, expect to be the Democratic nominee,” Simon said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to call a special election for the seat, but so far he has not announced a date.

There was speculation that Y. Philip Goldfeder, a Rockaway resident who previously worked for Mayor Michael Bloomberg and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), was the preferred choice of the Queens Democratic Party for the seat if he decided to run, but Pheffer said that would be “premature.”

Goldfeder could not be reached for comment.

“I think [the party] is going to wait for the governor to call a special election and then deal with it,” Pheffer said.

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer has been selected to replace the late Gloria D'Amico as Queens County Clerk.

State Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) was appointed last week to succeed the late Gloria D’Amico as Queens County Clerk by a personnel committee of the State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division.

Pheffer, who could not be reached for comment, earlier told TimesLedger Newspapers that she would accept the position if it was offered to her.

She was recommended for the clerkship by the Queens County Democratic Party and selected last Thursday by a three-judge panel headed by A. Gail Prudenti, the presiding judge of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department.

Pheffer’s first day on her new job is May 12.

“Audrey Pheffer is a passionate and resourceful leader who has committed her life to serving the community of Queens County. She is a highly respected member of the New York State Assembly who will bring dedication, extraordinary problem-solving skills and a wealth of knowledge to her new role as the county clerk,” Prudenti said in a statement. “I believe this appointment is the next progression in Ms. Pheffer’s distinguished career of public service. I am confident that her primary objective, which is ensuring that government is responsive to the needs of the people, will build on the proud legacy of her predecessor, the late Gloria D’Amico.”

D’Amico, who had been county clerk since 1991, died of cancer in December.

The Appellate Division’s Personnel Committee chose Pheffer after an interview process and the assemblywoman “was found to be the most qualified candidate by the committee.”

It was unclear how many others beside Pheffer sought the job.

Pheffer reportedly vacated her position as a Democratic district leader and was replaced by her chief of staff, Joanne Simon, but Pheffer could not be reached to verify the reports.

The assemblywoman also said Simon was her preferred choice to succeed her in the Assembly, although other names have been floated, including Democratic District Leaders Frank Gulluscio, Lew Simon and Geraldine Chapey.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has so far not called for a special election to replace Pheffer.