The proposed lines for districts represented by state Sens. Shirley Huntley (l. to r.), Malcolm Smith and Joseph Addabbo are drastically different than what currently exists.

State Sens. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) and Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) may need to sign up for dance lessons if newly proposed district maps are approved because they will be doing the shuffle.

“It looks like a switcheroo,” Huntley said in a telephone interview Monday, comparing how the new lines give her parts of the Rockaways that are now Smith’s constituents.

Under the redistricting proposal submitted by the state Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, the Rockaways would be split, with Addabbo’s district representing the western Rockaway neighborhoods, including Breezy Point and Rockaway Park, while Huntley would represent Arverne and Far Rockaway.

Senate, state Assembly and congressional lines are redrawn every 10 years to account for population changes recorded by the census.

Smith now represents the entire peninsula while the Rockaways is split in Congress between U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village), who has the western part, and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans).

The task force’s proposal would take away Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Woodhaven and Richmond Hill from Addabbo and give him part of the Rockaways, Fresh Meadows and Broad Channel.

If those changes go through, Addabbo’s district would be more conservative because of Republican-leaning areas in the Rockaways.

“It’s absurd the Republicans are trying every which way to stay in power,” said Addabbo, who beat longtime Republican Sen. Serphin Maltese in 2008. “The voice of the people has totally been ignored in the process and that’s a problem.”

Both Addabbo and Huntley said they would have preferred the Rockaways to be intact as the area is now. Addabbo represented part of the Rockaways in the City Council.

“I don’t mind representing the Rockaways again — I find it intriguing — but I’ve held the position that communities should not be divided. I don’t think Rockaway should have two state senators.”

The Republican-led Senate drew up the lines for its own chamber while the Democratic Assembly did the same.

Huntley said her district and Smith’s are both heavily Democratic and Republicans would have nothing to gain by tinkering with the lines in southeast Queens.

“I frankly thought our lines would stay the same,” she said. “I have no idea why anybody would do this. They could have left me how I was. It really doesn’t benefit them to do it.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he would veto any redistricting plan that is not drawn up by an independent commission, and Addabbo said it appears the lines will be legally contested.

“We are looking at lines drawn by a court at this point,” the senator said about the likelihood of litigation over the redistricting plan, which was conceived out of “the same politics that have plagued Albany for years.”

The senator said the process should be “about voters choosing their representatives, not representatives choosing their voters.

“The process is flawed to begin with,” he said.

A state task force proposes these state Senate districts for Queens, which has received wide criticism in the borough.

No matter how you slice it, the redistricting plan drawn up by a state task force last week was widely panned in Queens by critics who said the proposal breaks up communities and gerrymanders the lines.

Every 10 years, districts for state Senate, state Assembly and congressional lines are redrawn to reflect population changes recorded in the census.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he would veto any plan not conceived by an independent commission.

The lines were proposed by the state Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, a body comprised of elected officials and members of the public selected by elected officials.

Under the group’s plan, Sens. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone) and Tony Avella (D-Bayside) would have to run against each other in a primary in one district and Sens. Jose Peralta (D-Corona) and Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) would face off in another contest.

“I can’t believe there are Democrats that would have to primary each other,” said Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), whose southern Queens district would cut Broad Channel and sections of southeast Queens and add parts of the Rockaways if the plan is enacted.

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is against the plan because it would carve up the neighborhood among three different senators: Joseph Addabbo, Malcolm Smith and Shirley Huntley

“When it comes to the Senate lines, the people of Woodhaven are being treated as pawns in Albany’s gerrymandering games,” said Alexander Blenkinsopp, spokesman for the association.

Eastern Queens United, a group of a dozen civic associations, criticized the redistricting process for dividing communities.

The task force “has abdicated its responsibility to serve the needs of the community and instead has served the needs of its politicians,” said Bob Friedrich, president of the Glen Oaks Village co-op and founder of EQU. “The new legislative maps are an abomination and are gerrymandered to break up our communities that have simply asked to remain united.”

Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck), who represents a portion of the area covered by Eastern Queens United, said he was against the task force’s map.

“Northeast Queens is a special and distinct geographic region, whose residents and community leaders have voiced their desire to be kept together in a contiguous district rather than be divided,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to offering testimony as part of [the task force’s] public review process and for my constituents to do likewise in order to end with a map that truly represents the unique character of northeast Queens.”

The Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy applauded the task force for drawing a new Asian-American majority Senate district in Queens and a new Assembly district but criticized the group for dividing Flushing.

“A compact district in Flushing-Bayside should be drawn to keep Asian-American communities of interest together in these neighborhoods,” the group said.

ACCORD also said the task force “has not brought equality to all Asian-American neighborhoods across New York” because Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park were divided into multiple districts.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, shown here with Lady Gaga look-alike Renee Cole at Resorts World Casino New York City, says the state's legal gambling age should be raised to 21.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) said he supports raising the legal age to gamble to 21 from 18, saying the move would limit the number of youngsters with gambling addictions.

“I believe the time is right to address the issues of gambling through raising awareness and legislation,” Addabbo said in a statement Monday.

The senator said a study titled “Raising the Gambling Age to 21 in New York State” and published by the Council on Alcoholism and Addictions in the Finger Lakes region of the state found the earlier in life a person starts gambling, the more likely he or she is to experience symptoms that correlate with pathological gambling.

Addabbo, who represents the area around Aqueduct Race Track and the new Resorts World Casino New York racino, is the chairman of the Senate Racing, Wagering and Gaming Committee.

He said with Gov. Andrew Cuomo in favor of changing the law to create Las Vegas- and Atlantic City-style casinos in the state, it is appropriate to consider raising the legal gambling age.

“Our economy hinges on winning the future,” Addabbo said. “For America to own this century, we must provide our younger residents with the conditions to excel academically and professionally in order to create the next Google or to invent the next critical piece of technology that revolutionizes the way people live.

“To do this, young people must have the opportunity to study in advanced fields of science and mathematics. With college costs continuing to grow, it is vital to provide a firm financial foundation for scholars to become the next entrepreneurs.”

Addabbo also said research has shown that gambling at a young age is a trigger for alcohol abuse, drug use and criminal behavior later in life, and that youngsters are more inclined to gamble than older people in games such as cards, dice and pool.

He said Youth Gambling International found young adults from 18 to 21 are three times more likely to have problems associated with gambling.

Addabbo noted that approving full gambling in the state will take a few years and that changing the legal gambling age should be done before then.

“Our state’s constitution must be amended over two consecutive legislative sessions and then a deciding vote, via the people’s vote on a referendum ballot, must also provide public assent before full casino gaming can operate in the state,” he said. “Since we have a few years before that is likely to happen, it gives us enough time to be more responsible by raising awareness to avoid youthful gambling addictions.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (r.) waves as he is introduced by Lt. Gov.Roberty Duffy before his State of the State speech at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. AP Photo/Mike Groll

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he wants the Aqueduct racino in South Ozone Park to be the site of the nation’s largest convention center during his State of the State address last week.

Cuomo said convention centers are “economic generators” and the Javits Center in Manhattan is not big enough to attract the best shows and conventions.

“Let’s build the largest convention center in the nation, period,” Cuomo said.

He called the Javits Center “not competitive.”

The governor said $4 billion would be needed from the private sector to build a convention center at the Aqueduct racino.

“It will be all about jobs, jobs, jobs — tens of thousands of jobs,” Cuomo said.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) said he was supportive of the governor’s proposal, but wants the community to have a say in what is built.

“I am an advocate for community input on this project and feel most people would want to see plans or drawings for the proposal,” the senator said in a statement. “Given our current economic situation, I would certainly work toward creating the thousands of jobs and revenue to the city and state the convention center brings.”

Cuomo said 2011, his first year in office, was successful for the state because it “established credibility” and “reversed decades of decline.

“We have big problems in New York. We also have big solutions in New York,” he said.

“I think we had a change of attitude last year,” Cuomo said. “We were done with the dysfunction of Albany, done with the label of dysfunction … and we made up our mind to change it.”

The governor said he wanted to expand gambling in the state to raise revenues.

“When it comes to casino gaming, I believe we’re living in a state of denial,” he said, referring to opponents the governor said fail to acknowledge the state already has gambling in the form of native American casinos and racinos like the one at Aqueduct.

“The debate … is just not true. We’re in the gaming business,” Cuomo said. “For us, it’s not about chips and cards. This is about the jobs that the casino industry generates.”

The governor said expanding gambling would generate $1 billion in economic benefits for the state.

He also called for repairing 2,000 miles of roads, improving 48 state parks and historic sites and repairing 114 flood-control projects.

Cuomo said he understands the politics behind those who do not agree with him on pension reform, but the governor said his proposal would only affect potential new employers in the future — what he called the “unborn.

“We have taxpayers who are suffering today and need help today,” he said. “Let’s respond to them.”

Cuomo said there needs to be improvement in education, saying the state ranked 38th in the country in graduation rates.

“We need major reform,” he said. “We have to change the paradigm.”

During his address, the governor also proposed what he called a foreclosure relief unit that would provide counseling and mediation to keep residents in their homes.

Cuomo said he expects the state to improve on last year, but cautioned that some observers viewed last year as a fluke.

“The cynics don’t know us and they don’t know New York because there’s no way we’re going back, we are going forward. There’s no way we’re going down, we are going up,” he said. “Last year we learned to walk, this year we’re going to run. The best is yet to be. They ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Judge Toko Serita (c.) performed a wedding ceremony for Therese Lendino (l.) and Laura Casini at Queens Borough Hall July 24, when same-sex marriage went into effect in New York state.

Supreme Court Judge Darrel Gavrin (front l.) completes marriage documents for Darryl Wong and Michael Kandel (r.), of Douglaston, who were one of the 90 couples to get married in Queens the first day same-sex marriages could be performed.

Desiree (l.) and Katrice Bussell, of Jamaica, were one of 90 pairs to get married in Queens July 24, when same-sex marriage was able to be performed in New York state.

Before Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill June 24 that would legalize same-sex marriage in New York state, Astoria LGBT activist Brendan Fay and his husband, Dr. Thomas Moulton, helped same-sex couples in New York cross the border into Canada or into neighboring states to get married.

Now he receives messages from people in Ireland and Poland eager to marry in New York state.

“It was just so great to see couples getting married and right here in our city,” Fay said.

The June 24 vote came down to four Republican senators from upstate New York who voted in support of the measure, but the debate had been fought in Queens for years. The state Assembly had voted for marriage equality in 2007 and 2009.

While 2011 would see all seven Queens senators vote in favor of the bill, in 2009 five of Queens’ senators voted against the measure: current state Sens. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) and Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and former Sens. George Onorato, Hiram Monserrate and Frank Padavan.

In 2011, the Queens political scene looked much different. Onorato retired and was replaced by Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria). Monserrate had been booted from the Senate following a misdemeanor assault conviction and lost the special election for the seat to Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst). Padavan, Queens’ only Republican senator, lost to Tony Avella (D-Bayside) in a contentious race.

Queens also now had two openly gay city councilmen — Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) — to advocate for the issue.

“The presence of these two capable, community-oriented, active councilmen has shown that gay legislators will do a good job of representing their constituents across the board, which in turn reinforces the idea of gay people as members of the community,” Queens College political science professor Michael Krasner said in an e-mail.

In mid-June, a large swath of Queens legislators, led by U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), held a news conference at Queens Borough Hall in support of marriage equality. Shortly afterward, Huntley and Addabbo announced they had taken polls of their districts and found their constituents now supported it.

Their flipped votes, along with a change of heart by then-Brooklyn Sen. Carl Kruger, meant all New York Senate Democrats except for Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) were in support of the measure.

The act passed June 24 and was signed by Cuomo the same day. A month later, 90 same-sex couples lined up at Queens Borough Hall to be married.

In November, Van Bramer and his longtime partner, Dan Hendrick, announced they will be joining those who have been married in Queens next year.

“I think the main impact has been to solidify the alliances between the gay community and the other liberal groups in the Democratic Party,” Krasner said. “I also think it may have the long-term effect of isolating anti-gay marriage groups.”

Some states have seen a backlash after granting same-sex marriages. The Supreme Court of California’s decision to allow gay couples to marry ended when voters passed the constitutional amendment known as Proposition 8. Iowa voters defeated three judges who ruled in favor of marriage equality.

Krasner said Assemblyman David Weprin’s (D-Little Neck) pro-marriage equality vote may have contributed to some religious groups voting for now-Rep. Bob Turner (R-Middle Village) in the race for the 9th Congressional District, but he said the main reasons for Weprin’s defeat were his weakness as a candidate and an anti-President Barack Obama sentiment.

Krasner said Addabbo and Huntley, as incumbents, will remain hard to beat.

Fay said that while a potential backlash was a concern, he nevertheless believes the vote was a turning point.

“I look forward to the day when all other states follow New York,” he said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo applauds the state Legislature coming to an agreement on reforming the tax code that will lead to cuts fo middle-class earners. AP Photo/Hans Pennink

Most Queens residents will have more money in their pockets come tax time next year after the state Legislature earlier this month approved tax decreases for those making less than $300,000.

The agreement changes the income tax structure and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the revisions will add $1.9 billion to the state’s coffers.?

Under the reforms enacted by the Legislature, those making between $300,000 and $2 million will have a base tax rate of 6.85 percent, up from 6.65 percent.

For those earning $2 million and more, the rate will be 8.82 percent, up from the 6.65 percent base rate but less than the 8.97 percent they were paying under the so-called “millionaire’s tax” surcharge.

The governor said 4.4 million New Yorkers will see tax decreases under the plan, including a $690 million reduction in taxes for the middle class, which was defined as earners making $300,000 or less.

That group had a 6.85 percent base tax rate, but those making between $40,000 and $150,000 will have a rate of 6.45 percent.

Those with an income between $150,000 and $300,000 will see their rate slashed from 6.85 percent to 6.65 percent.

State Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) said the changes to the tax code were needed.

“This tax code reform is a simple matter of fairness,” Miller said. “Reforming the tax code to support middle-class families is the right thing to do and is the best way to stimulate consumer spending and jump-start the economy. This plan will give relief to the struggling middle class and put New York on the path to fiscal stability.”

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) also applauded the move, which was approved by the Legislature during a special session called by Cuomo earlier this month.

“I am thankful to have been given an opportunity to give the middle class of this state a long-overdue and certainly needed state income tax break,” Addabbo said. “The restructuring of New York state’s tax code creates a fair and progressive tax system and provides equity to citizens across this city and state.”

Since 2009, those making more than $300,000 were hit with the millionaire’s tax on top of their base tax rate that was anywhere from 7.85 percent to 8.97 percent.

James Hong, spokesman for The Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy, stands near one of the Unity Maps for New York City, which the coalition hopes will be taken into consideration by a committee, including state Democrats and Republicans, who will redraw state legislative lines next year. Photo by Joe Anuta

State Republicans have been quietly shopping around a map of proposed legislative lines as part of the upcoming redistricting, as Queens minority groups have been advocating for lines of their own.

The GOP blueprint is still in its infancy, according to a Republican source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the first draft of the districts was not made official, but it could include some significant shuffling in Queens.

The district of state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) — which encompasses all or part of Bayside, Douglaston, Bay Terrace, Queens Village, Bellerose, Flushing, Whitestone, Little Neck, College Point, Hollis, Jamaica Estates, Glen Oaks and Floral Park — could be eliminated altogether and a new district carved out farther south.

The new district could include portions of Hollis and the northern portions of Sen. Malcolm Smith’s (D-St. Albans) district, as well as portions of Nassau County like Long Beach?, the source said. Although it is not common for state offices to cross into other counties, the district of former Sen. Frank Padavan did so in the 1980s.

There is also talk that the district of Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) could be extended farther south to include some or all of the Rockaways, the source said.

Alternatively, the district of a senior Brooklyn Republican senator could gain some ground in Queens as well.

Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn) could gain ground across the water to include conservative enclaves like Breezy Point in order to protect the senior lawmaker, the source said, since one strategy behind redistricting is to protect incumbents.

From the look of Golden’s district, it appears that it has been protected in the past.

Golden’s district is basically in three segments. The neighborhood Marine Park is connected to the middle portion of Golden’s district by a thin strip, at one point only a block wide. The middle blob, the neighborhood Sheepshead Bay, is connected to the main section of Golden’s district by a small, one-block portion as well.

And that kind of selective carving out of boundaries is what groups like the The Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy spoke out against at a Nov. 16 news conference.

“It’s very telling when your own legislators describe their districts as gerrymandered,” said James Hong, spokesman for the coalition, describing lawmakers like state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone) and Avella, the latter of whom described his district as one of the worst gerrymandered districts in the state.

An organization called the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund drew up a map of its own called the Unity Map, which looks drastically different from the current configuration in the borough.

Many neighborhoods with large immigrant populations are broken into several legislative districts. For example, the predominately South Asian neighborhood of Richmond Hill is broken up into six Assembly districts and two Senate districts?, which members of the fund said prevents the community from having a real voice in elections.

Speakers at the event said they did not simply want to elect a minority candidate into office, but wanted to make sure communities with common interests like economic status, culture and language are grouped together.

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.

Resorts World Casino New York President Mike Speller stands next to three of the video lottery terminals to be installed at Aqueduct. Photo courtesy Resorts World Casino New York

With public opinion on his side, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) said Monday he is working with the operators of the Aqueduct racino to bring full-fledged gambling to the site and the rest of the state.

A Quinnipiac poll from Sept. 21 found 56 percent of state voters favor the creation of casinos “similar to those in Atlantic City and Las Vegas,” including 56 ?percent of city voters.

The Aqueduct racino, called Resorts World Casino New York, is expected to open this month and is legally restricted to offering only video lottery terminals — devices similar to slot machines — under state law.

A majority of state voters, 56 percent of those polled, said they are in favor of Vegas-style casinos, while 37 percent were opposed.

The same percentage, 56 percent to 37 percent, of city voters approve of the expansion and 58 percent of suburban New Yorkers are in favor of it.

The largest area of support for casinos came from voters with a union member in the household. That group approved of more gambling 61 percent to 32 percent.

But nearly two-thirds of those polled — 63 percent — said casinos will lead to an increase in gambling addiction.

“Roll the dice. Spin the wheel. Hit me. New Yorkers of every stripe say what stays in Vegas should stay in the Empire State as well,” said Quinnipiac spokesman Maurice Carroll. “Casinos would be good for the economy, voters think, but they also think there’d be an increase in gambling addiction.”

Addabbo said expanding gambling to include table games would be a boon to the state’s economy.

The senator said the state constitution would have to be amended to make casinos legal, which requires two votes to approve the measure in consecutive legislative sessions followed by a public referendum.

“Rather than see the money keep going to Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Indian casinos upstate, in this stagnant economy I believe we must start the process, including public input, for the expansion of VLT racinos into full casino gaming to increase our revenues and to boost education initiatives,” Addabbo said, noting he is working with Aqueduct to change the law.

“There is much more to offer at Resorts World than just gambling. People can go there to enjoy the restaurants, live entertainment, food court, buffet and, eventually, other amenities.”

Addabbo cited the Quinnipiac poll to show that voters were on his side.

“The smart bets are that voters would want to amend the [state] constitution and ‘let the games begin’ — making it a win-win situation for the economy of our state and for our people,” the senator said.

Resorts World New York says it supports Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to legalize non-Indian casino gambling, which would enable the Aqueduct racino to have blackjack and roulette tables in addition to video lottery terminals. Rendering courtesy Resorts World New York

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given indications that he is open to legalizing non-Indian casino gambling in the state, which could pave the way for blackjack tables and roulette wheels at the soon-to-be-opened racino at Aqueduct Race Track.

The only casinos in New York are run by native American tribes, while some of the state’s racetracks have only limited gambling in the form of video lottery terminals.

About 2,500 VLTs are part of the plans for Resorts World New York, the operator of the Aqueduct racino, which is expected to open in the fall.

A spokesman for Genting, the operator of Resorts World, and state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), who represents the area around Aqueduct and is a member of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, said they welcome expanding gambling in the state.

“Resorts World New York fully supports creating tens of thousands of new jobs across the state by giving consumers more choices and looks forward to working with those in Albany who want to do the same,” said Genting spokesman Stefan Friedman.

Of course, legalizing non-native American casinos would help attract more customers to the Aqueduct racino, which is currently only allowed to have the VLTs.

Addabbo said he supports Cuomo’s idea “with conditions.

“I think we have to be competitive with the upstate full casinos,” said Addabbo, who also warned that “not every venue could accommodate gambling.

“I would hate for some storefront to have six slot machines,” he said.

Addabbo said the state Legislature is considering proposing a bill to legalize gambling when it returns in January.

“And with the governor talking in favor of it, it adds momentum,” said Addabbo, who co-sponsored legislation to legalize table games at casinos when ex-Gov. David Paterson was in office, but the bill got held up.

Addabbo said he is not against having more gambling options at nearby Belmont Race Track on the Queens-Nassau County border and believes Aqueduct could benefit from competition.

“They can co-exist if they offer different amenities,” the senator said.

Meanwhile, Resorts World has changed from a three-phase opening to a two-phase plan, which pushes its opening to October, because of lead paint and abestos removal and pigeon droppings.

“It has more to do with lead paint and asbestos, so we had some extra work to do there,” a source familiar with the project said.

But the change in plans also means 900 more VLTs will be available for the opening – 1,600 VLTs were originally slates to be available at the opening – and the food court will be accessible.

“We think we’re opening with a bit more of a bang in October” as opposed to the original plans, the source said.

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.”

City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (second from l.) hugs his partner Dan Hendricks as Councilman Daniel Dromm (l. to r.), the Rev. Ronald Tompkins and Yessika Giraldo, president of the Queens Pride Lions Club, look on. Photo by Christina Santucci

Jackson Heights resident Jackie Lui (front r.), a gay supporter of the marriage law, shakes hands with state Sen. Jose Peralta after the event. Photo by Christina Santucci

After Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed same-sex marriage into law, a city councilman had a chance to break out a long-awaited wedding cake and officials were already speculating how much revenue would come from the legislation.

By a 33-29 vote, the state Legislature passed the controversial measure late Friday night to end the summer session, drawing praise from gay rights activists across Queens and condemnation from prominent religious figures.

“New York state has said ‘I do’ to equality,” said City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), an openly gay legislator.

Dromm stood outside the Jackson Heights Post Office Saturday with a white cake bedecked in rainbow-colored candy. Someone began playing the traditional processional wedding song on a nearby piano as Dromm cut the cake along with openly gay Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), who had just returned from casting his vote in Albany.

“Yesterday was a ‘where were you?’ moment,” Peralta told a small crowd gathered on the sidewalk. “Where were you when equality became a reality?”

It was unclear whether the bill would actually pass until state Sens. Stephen Saland (R-Poughkeepsie) and Mark Grisanti (R-Buffalo) announced their last-minute support on the floor and brought the total to four Republicans in support of the bill after state Sens. James Alesi (R-Fairport) and Mark Grisanti (R-Buffalo) hopped on board earlier last week.

A crucial moment for Queens lawmakers came on June 14, when state Sens. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and Shirley Huntley (D-St. Albans) announced a sea change in their districts and flipped positions after voting against a similar bill in 2009.

The bill has divided religious organizations, but Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomed the economic boon that gay couples will provide to the city.

“Stay in a hotel. Buy flowers, clothes, a meal or whatever. It’s good for the economy,” he said Monday, adding that the city will have extra judges on hand to dole out marriage licenses the first day it is legal to do so on July 24.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) wasted no time in announcing he will host a mass same-sex wedding ceremony in Bethpage State Park July 29.

Several wedding halls around the borough, like Terrace in the Park, had not received any bookings for same-sex marriage receptions yet and Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Jack Friedman wondered just how big the impact on the borough would be.

“I don’t think it’s going to be major. It could have a minor, positive impact on the economy,” he said.

One Queens activist wanted no part in the possible economic benefits and blasted Albany for not putting in protections for private businesses.

“I pose this question, what about catering houses? Do they have the right to discriminate against these wild, flamboyant parties?” asked Frank Skala, president of the East Bayside Homeowners Association.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan, of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, opposed the bill and issued a statement expressing his dissatisfaction.

“We worry that both marriage and the family will be undermined by this tragic presumption of government in passing this legislation that attempts to redefine these cornerstones of civilization,” the statement said.

But not all religious figures were against the bill.

The Rev. Ronald Tompkins, a former Jackson Heights pastor, blessed the crowd at the post office Saturday and offered his congratulations to Dromm and the LGBT couples in attendance.

“I read the Bible. I don’t know what they are reading,” he said following the cake-cutting, in reference to religious figures who condemned the legislation. “I wish more churches were here to celebrate this moment.”

Due to language in the bill, it is up to the houses of worship to decide whether or not to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies, but those who choose not to may be missing out.

Hyman Finkelstein (from l.), Carolyn Siino, Bill Vojts and Herb Friedman call on elected officials to save their senior center. Photo by Joe Anuta

State and city officials assembled in Forest Hills last Thursday to tout legislation designed to save senior centers across the city, but there’s a $25 million catch.

Even though both the state Assembly and state Senate passed budget resolutions last week allocating $25 million in federal money to fund senior centers, that does not mean the centers are in the clear. The funds for the senior centers were taken from money used for child welfare services.

And that money has to be put back somehow.

“Instead of staring at four walls, you’ll have a place to go and see your friends,” Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone) said to a crowd at the Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior League, at 68-07 Burns St.,? one of 22 Queens senior centers slated to close under the governor’s current budget proposal. “The problem is that we have to find $25 million from another part of the budget.”

The money in question is called Title XX funding, and it comes from the federal government. The money has traditionally been used to fund senior centers, but in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s original budget proposal for this year, the Title XX funding went to youth service programs instead, said state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), who was not at the rally but also supports senior centers.

So while the dual resolutions ostensibly saved the centers, the lawmakers still have to scrape together more money to fund the youth programs.

“No matter where you shift and restore money, you must show a way to pay for it,” Addabbo said. “You better cut somewhere else or show revenue. The budget has to be balanced.”

Addabbo had several suggestions of where those cuts could come from — like many of the city’s outside contracts, for example.

Both state legislative bodies will eventually meet with representatives from Cuomo’s office to iron out the discrepancies between each party’s budget proposal, and only afterward will the seniors really know if their center will close.

But the centers themselves save money, according to Stavisky.

Speaking to the seniors — who held up signs reading “Do you know what loneliness feels like?” and “Restore Title XX funding” — Stavisky ran through the costs for three different types of care.

Senior centers run the city up to $2,000 a year per senior.? Adult day care costs $18,500 and nursing homes cost $123,000.

“Which is more cost effective?” she asked. “And how many of you want to be in a nursing home.”

No one raised their hand.

Carolyn Siino said she comes to the center to socialize and eat a hot meal, since she ran into financial trouble after her sister, the breadwinner of the household, died unexpectedly.

“If they ever close the center, I think I would seek psychiatric help in protest,” she said.

The Forest Hills center is especially dear to the seniors who attend because of the unique way the food is prepared.

It is called glatt kosher, and according to Rabbi Yehuda Loppenheimer, it prescribes more stringent requirements for the Jewish practice of consuming kosher food.

“It is for those who take kosher seriously and at a higher level,” he said. “This is the only place they can go where they can get that food.”

Both Addabbo and Stavisky were optimistic that the money would come through, which is why state Assemblywoman Marge Markey (D-Maspeth) hoped that legislators and the governor would stop threatening the seniors at Maspeth Senior Center with the prospect of closure.

“These seniors are scared,” Markey said. “I’m very confident that we can save the senior centers. It’s more than just hot meals, the workers are very in tune with the residents.”

In addition to the 22 centers, another 5 centers could face closure if Borough President Helen Marshall’s discritionary funding for aging services is cut from the city’s budget as proposed.

State Sen. Frank Padavan (second from r.) points out his colleague's lack of a tie to the delight of Philip Sica (from r.), James Trent and Dan Halloran. Photo by Christina Santucci

Former state Sen. Frank Padavan was his usual self at a Queens Village Republican Club dinner held in his honor Sunday after the political veteran suffered a minor stroke at his home late last month.

Padavan spoke toward the end of the evening and doled out many thanks to his friends and family, along with a few good-natured jabs.

“To quote America’s greatest humorist, the rumors of my demise were grossly exaggerated — personally, political or otherwise,” he said to boisterous applause after taking the stage at Antun’s in Queens Village.

The former senator has not lost any of his toughness.? He cited a 1996 New York Times article that referred to him as “the curmudgeon of the state Senate.”

“I want to explain that,” he said. “It’s because I don’t take crap from anybody.”

But Padavan offered plentiful thanks to the people who have supported him throughout his 38-year stint as the Republican senator for the 11th District, which covers a large swath of northeast Queens. “To all of you, in so many different ways, thank you so much,” he said.

Republicans who praised the former senator from the borough and beyond included Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn).

Padavan even garnered bipartisan support in the form of state Assemblywoman Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village), who thanked him for his service and for helping her with a bill problem before she entered politics.

“You’re the big ‘R.’ I’m the big ‘D.’ But that’s OK. We were both representatives of people in this room and in many parts of the community, and we worked very well together,” she said.

After the speeches concluded, Padavan said that he would not step out of the world of politics entirely.

“We’ll try to be as helpful as we can to everybody,” he said, referring to any community organization and fellow Republicans. “Many have already called for one reason or another.”

The evening was emceed by City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone), who was an Eagle Scout when he first met the former senator.

“He’s been my senator for my entire life,” Halloran said. “When I decided to run for office, he came and guided me throughout. He still does.”

Padavan, who lost a fierce race for re-election against now-Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), leaves behind an important legacy, according to Halloran.

The former senator fought hard for education, mental health patient rights and fairness in the criminal justice system, he said.

Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing) also spoke glowingly about the senator, but drew laughs from the crowd. He was encouraged to enter politics by Padavan three years ago, but heard that the senator was “very mean.”

Padavan’s loss in November was a loss for the Republicans as well, but Halloran said the party can bounce back in the future.

“I think the Republicans need to look at winnable seats,” he said, mentioning the seat of Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and Padavan’s former seat as possibilities. Serphin Maltese, former head of the Queens Republican Party, lost the seat to Addabbo in 2008.

State Sen. Tony Avella has been appointed the ranking minority member of the Cities and Environmental Protection Committees. Photo by Christina Santucci

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) is one of three freshmen Democratic senators to be appointed as ranking minority members of legislative committees in Albany, Sen. Democratic Leader John Sampson (D-Brooklyn) announced last week.

Avella, who represents the 11th Senate District, is the ranking member for the Democrats of the Cities and Environmental Protection committees and will serve on the Education, Aging and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs committees.

“As a freshman senator, it is an honor to have been tasked to serve on five committees and to be a ranking member on two,” Avella said. “As ranking member, I will be the point person for the members of my conference on bills that will go before my committees. This will allow me to point out any problems or flaws pertaining to a particular bill to emphasize the importance of specific legislation.”

The other new Democrats who were appointed ranking members were Sens. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Tim Kennedy (D-Erie County). Gianaris will head the Codes Committee and Kennedy will lead the Commerce, Economic Development and Commerce Committee.

Ranking members review all bills that go before their respective committees and serve as the authority to whom other committee members can direct questions regarding the bills. Ranking members are also influential in the appointment of new commissioners for state agencies.

After being sworn into office in the beginning of January, Avella, who toppled former Republican Sen. Frank Padavan in November’s election, said he planned to focus on the state budget and ethics reform.

“I’m worried about how the budget cuts will impact everybody — in the state, in New York City, in Queens and in my district,” Avella said last week. “Will the discretionary funds, which the nonprofits depend upon, be cut like they were last year?”

A number of Queens lawmakers landed leadership positions in a number of committees. Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) is the ranking Democratic of banks, Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) was appointed the minority party’s leader of the Ethics and the Mental Health and Development Disabilities committees, Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone), is the ranking minority member of the Higher Education Committee, for which she had served as chairwoman when Democrats were in the majority, Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) is the ranking member of the Labor Committee and Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) is the ranking member of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.

“The economic crisis of the last two years has demonstrated to all New Yorkers that government cannot function as it always has,” Sampson said in a statement announcing the ranking members. “In order to create jobs and rebuild our economy, we need to do things differently. Our conference is taking that approach to governance by championing ethics, budget and redistricting reform.”

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo walks into his polling place in Ozone Park. Photo by Christina Santucci

Anthony Como, a former city councilman and Republican candidate for the seat held by state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), conceded Monday afternoon after initially calling for the voting machines in the district to be impounded.

Como, who netted 42 percent of the vote compared to Addabbo’s 57 percent, did not concede Nov. 2 due to reports from his supporters of problems with the voting machines.

“It was important to me that every vote be properly counted and, although there are remaining discrepancies with some of the machines, it is in the best interest of the community that we move forward and put politics aside,” Como said in a statement.

Addabbo said he had already returned to work, and was glad to focus on serving constituents.

“I do appreciate the call and think it’s the professional thing to do,” Addabbo said.

The 15th Senate District encompasses Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth as well as sections of Ridgewood, Rego Park, South Ozone Park and Sunnyside.

State Assemblyman Michael Miller (D-Woodhaven) said he was not surprised by the results of the race.

“I feel that the people of the district recognize the hard work and dedication Addabbo has shown the past two years in this term,” he said.

Como’s decision not to concede had been supported by the Queens Republican Party. Robert Hornak, spokesman for the Queens GOP, said last week that there were many irregularities with the voting machines.

“It’s not as easy as it used to be, it’s a very complex system,” Hornak said.

Frank Galluscio, a Democratic district leader, called Como’s decision “silly.” He said that while he had heard of some glitches, there was nothing that would cause the city Board of Elections to impound the machines.

“I don’t know why he would do that,” Galluscio said.

In his race against Addabbo, Como raised almost $332,000, more than three times as much as Addabbo’s total of about $97,000. But Michael Krasner, a political science professor at Queens College who once had Como as a student, said the large amount of funds raised may not have helped.

“Money counts less in that kind of a race,” Krasner said.

He said that while raising money can buy television ads, television ads cannot be targeted at a district. He said to win state Senate races, a candidate needs union endorsements and manpower.

“The people who can go door-to-door, the people who can phone bank,” Krasner said.

Galluscio said he also believed Como’s negative attacks on Addabbo — Como had requested Addabbo’s role in the choosing of AEG to run the racinos at Aqueduct Race Track be investigated — hurt Como.

“It’s sad that politics has come down to that, but hopefully that’ll change with the future,” Galluscio said. “Everything is cyclical.”

Como was an intern with Maltese, whom Addabbo beat in 2008, and was considered as a potential executive director of the Board of Elections before running in this race. Como said he was proud of the race run and is looking forward to spending time with his family.

“I’ve missed so much in the past couple of months,” he said.

Krasner said Como was a “capable guy” and that while he did not know what the next logical step for him would be, he did not expect Como to completely go away.

“I’d be surprised if we didn’t hear from him again in some setting,” Krasner said.

As for Addabbo’s win, Krasner said incumbents are made vulnerable by complacency. They need to maintain an active staff, keep close ties to the community and keep in contact with constituents, which Addabbo has done.

“That was an uphill fight, it’s always hard to beat an incumbent,” Krasner said.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo celebrates with his mother Grace (c.) and wife Dawn during a party at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach. Photo by Steven Malecki

Despite the support of prominent Republican officials and raising more than three times the amount compiled by his opponent, Anthony Como lost his bid for a state Senate seat to incumbent Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), according to unofficial election results from NY1.

Jessica Proud, spokeswoman for Como, said he had not yet conceded the race as of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday but called Addabbo to congratulate him for being ahead. She said Como would not concede until the memory sticks in the machines could be examined, a process which can take two days.

“There’s just too many questions out there to really have an accurate picture of the race,” Proud said.

Addabbo, a former city councilman who became part of the state Senate in 2009, won 57 percent of the vote, with 92 percent of precincts reporting, NY 1 reported.

The senator said he was grateful for the win which he saw as an acknowledgment of the hard work he had done, and said he had a lot of work to do.

“I look forward to going back to Albany and doing the right thing for the people I serve,” Addabbo said.

Elsewhere in Queens, state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) won a full term for the seat he captured in a special election in March. With 83 percent of the districts reporting, Peralta handily beat his Republican opponent, lawyer Richard LaSalle, with 82 percent of the vote. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) took over outgoing Sen. George Onorato’s (D-Astoria) seat, winning 82 percent of the vote over his Republican opponent, businessman Jerome Patrick Tina Jr., with 72 percent of districts reporting.

In the race against Addabbo, Como brought in some heavy Republican fire power with endorsements from former Gov. George Pataki and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who compaigned with him.

Como, who had a short stint on the City Council, had been a candidate for executive director at the city Board of Elections, but withdrew from consideration to run against Addabbo. Addabbo, the son of former U.S. Rep. Joseph Addabbo Sr., served six years on the Council before ousting Sen. Serphin Maltese in 2008.

The district they were running for encompasses Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth as well as sections of Ridgewood, Rego Park, South Ozone Park and Sunnyside.

Como raised $331,773 in this campaign, with much of the money coming from individual contributions. Addabbo raised $96,645, with some of the largest contributions coming from unions. Having raised so much money, Como nevertheless was in the black for expenditures with $301,285.98 spent but Addabbo went into the red with $149,871.43 spent.

During the campaign, Como requested that light be thrown on Addabbo’s involvement in the selection of the Aqueduct Entertainment Group for a state contract to build and operate a racino at the Aqueduct Race Track. Addabbo said the bulk of the flawed bid process took place before he came into office.

Besides Aqueduct, Como pushed a platform of reform, lower taxes and government transparency. Addabbo’s campaign, on the other hand, touted his record and involvement in the community.

Former Gov. George E. Pataki and state Senate candidate Anthony Como campaign at the Peter Cardella Senior Center in Ridgewood. Photo courtesy Anthony Como

Former Councilman and state Senate candidate Anthony Como netted the support of two prominent former Republicans this week.

On Tuesday, former Gov. George Pataki endorsed the Republican in his run for the 15th state Senate district seat, which is currently held by incumbent Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach). The district covers Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of Ridgewood, Rego Park, South Ozone Park and Sunnyside.

Pataki announced his support at the Peter Cardella Senior Center on 68-52 Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood.

Como also received support from former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani campaigned for Como in front of the Stop-N-Shop in Maspeth on Thursday.

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (l.) and Assemblywoman Margaret Markey speak at a voting machine demonstration before the primary election last month. Photo by Christina Santucci

City Board of Elections officials defended themselves at a hearing sponsored by state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) last week on widespread problems on Primary Day, saying they needed more government funds to effectively implement the new voting machines.

“Nobody takes into consideration what it means to put on an election,” said George Gonzalez, executive director of the city Board of Elections. “If I had funding for the staff I needed to put on an election, some of these problems would go away.”

Addabbo held the hearing Sept. 29 following numerous complaints from borough legislators and city residents, who said broken machines, uneducated poll workers and privacy issues were pervasive throughout the city, including in Whitestone, Springfield Gardens and Sunnyside.

“There were delayed openings, malfunctions, poll workers who were not sure about handling ballots and violations of voter privacy,” city Public Advocate Bill de Blasio said at the hearing. “At my site in Park Slope, Brooklyn, there was a three-hour delay before it was fully functional. That means some voters go away and aren’t coming back.”

The new voting system, mandated by the federal Help America Vote Act, makes voters select their candidates by filling out ovals — something reminiscent of multiple-choice tests in school — on a paper ballot that is fed into a scanner.

The scanner then records the voter’s choice and the physical evidence of the ballot will remain — one of the main stipulations of the federal act, which was passed in part as a response to the confusion over the ballots in the 2000 presidential election.

Addabbo and others at the hearing said they were pleased to discuss issues involving the machines in an attempt to fix the problems before November’s general election.

“Today is about identifying problems and finding practical solutions,” Addabbo said.

Board of Elections officials said at the hearing that they worked hard to educate the public about the new voting system and contended the problems during Primary Day particularly stemmed from a lack of financial support from the state. Still, Gonzalez said city election officials were working to make the general election a more seamless process, including having poll workers undergo additional training.

“Since the city and state have not provided the board with adequate resources, the implementation of the new voting system is placed in jeopardy,” Gonzalez said.

Queens legislators have reported a number of problems in the borough.

Halloran said that after reports of “computer glitches” at the PS 209 polling site in Whitestone, he called on the BOE to fix problems with the machines and ballots, including a small font he said was difficult for people to read. Southern Queens was also hit with problems, including at the Springfield Gardens High School polling site, according to City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton).

“In my district, Springfield Gardens did not get voting machines until 3 p.m.,” Sanders said. “I don’t believe they were handing out paper ballots to people either. If this is true, then you have disenfranchised people because most people sadly will not come back.”

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) said the machines at the Queen of Angels Church in Sunnyside were not functioning when he went to vote at 7 a.m., and he had to cast an emergency ballot.

The union, which represents 90,000 freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, and self-employed workers in New York state – including 80,000 in New York City – named priority candidates as well as general endorsements.

For state Senate it endorsed incumbent Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Whitestone) in the 16th District, incumbent Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) in the 15th District, and Democrat Tony Avella in the 11th District. For state Assembly the group endorsed Democrat Francisco Moya in the 39th District, Democrat Aravella Simotas in the 36th District, incumbent Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) in the 35th District, incumbent Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) in the 28th District, Ed Braunstein in the 26th District, and incumbent Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) in the 25th District. It endorsed Democrat Andrew Cuomo for Governor, Democrat Eric Schneiderman for state Attorney General and Democratic incumbent Thomas DiNapoli for state Comptroller.

“Freelancers Union is growing a powerful political operation to give New York’s freelancers a strong voice in Albany,” Sara Horowitz, executive director of Freelancers Union who founded it as Working Today in 1995, said in a statement. “Independent workers are a third of the workforce, but without unemployment insurance and nonpayment protection, they’re getting left behind. This election season we’re working to change that by mobilizing New York’s massive network of plugged-in ‘twitteratti’.”

The reference to Twitter, the ubiquitous Web site, refers to the group’s plans to utilize social networking, as well as “traditional on the ground strategies, as well as viral and guerrilla marketing tactics” as a means to help the candidates it supports.

“The new workforce needs champions, and these candidates are those champions. We look forward to working hard for them on the campaign trail, so they can work hard for us in the state capitol,” Horowitz said.