Marriage Equality and Queens

Although we don't talk politics much here, we wanted to address something recent and relevant to many of our readers and fellow citizens - the issue of marriage equality. As you most likely know, the New York State Senate voted down the marriage equality bill yesterday, 38-24.

Personally, I feel this is a travesty. I support same-sex marriage. It is hard for me to understand why my gay and lesbian friends should be denied the right to marry. As far as I'm concerned, this is a civil rights issue.

As far as who voted for and who voted against, here is the vote count. Note that four of the eight democrats that voted against come from Queens.  They are Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.; Shirley L. Huntley; Hiram Monserrate; and George Onorato.

Now, George Onorato represents Astoria, which has a sizeable GLTBIQ population. I'm going to give you his contact information if you want to contact him to express your opinion on his vote yesterday:

District Office:
28-11 Astoria Blvd.
Long Island City, NY 11102
Tel: (718) 545-9706
Fax: (718) 726-2036

Albany Office:
310 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Tel: (518) 455-3486
Fax: (518) 426-6929

Email address: onorato@senate.state.ny.us

http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/george-onorato/contact

Discussion on yesterday's results is happening here and here.  Please join in if you feel so inclined.

Finally, here is a video that I found particularly moving on this issue:

Reactions to the Recent Debate

As mentioned last week, there was a debate on Monday evening among the candidates for City Council: Peter Vallone Jr., Lynne Serpe, and Gerald Kahn. The Daily News published this yesterday:

Underdog Green party raise big cash in push for upset of Peter Vallone Jr.
By Nicholas Hirshon
Wednesday, October 21st 2009, 1:55 AM

Aspiring to topple Queens' most enduring political dynasty, an upstart City Council candidate in Astoria will have more than double the campaign cash of Democratic incumbent Peter Vallone Jr. in the race's final stretch.

The camp of Green Party contender Lynne Serpe plans to use her $100,000 war chest - about $80,000 from public matching funds - to inundate voters with mailings and TV commercials ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Vallone, meanwhile, said on Tuesday that he has just $40,000 left after forgoing matching funds - arguing their use by an incumbent wastes taxpayer dollars.

More here.

District 22 City Council Debate 10/19

As you may know, one of the positions you'll be voting on in November is the City Council seat for Queens District 22 - that's Astoria! Peter Vallone Jr. (Democrat-Conservative) has occupied that seat for some time, but he has some competition in the form of Lynne Serpe (Green Party) and Gerald Kann (Populist Party).

If you really want the dealio on their positions, be sure to attend the debate on October 19. Sponsored by the Western Queens Gazette, it's gonna be big. Gazette publisher Tony Barsamian will moderate. It will be held at Riccardo’s By The Bridge, at 21st Street and 24th Avenue, Astoria, at 8 p.m.

John Liu at Ditmars N/W Station Tomorrow

Today I got an email alerting me of the following, which is happening tomorrow:

John Liu, current City Council Transportation Committee Chair and Democratic candidate for Comptroller will be at the Ditmars Blvd N/W train stop (31 Street between Ditmars Blvd and 23rd Avenue) from 7am-9am talking to voters about his candidacy for anyone that wants to stop by and ask him a question.

Very nice. If you have a question for him, consider stopping by tomorrow morning.

Political Event this Weekend

While we're not very political here, I do want to point you to an event coming up that might appeal to some of our readers:

Rooftop House Party

Join us all in celebrating Lynne Serpe's run for City Council in District 22.

Host Committee: Dino Prentas, Brian Beard, Emily Compton, Naoki Fujita, Stacey Ornstein, Michael Rokofsky, Georgina Young-Ellis.

Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: 30-80 21st Street

RSVP at helen@serpeforcouncil.com

Lynne Serpe is new to the ballot box, but she is a long time active member of the Astoria community, working on important issues such as marriage equality, energy-efficiency, affordable housing, green jobs and community gardens.