For the Record

Dear Editor:

I am writing to correct some inaccuracies circulating regarding my position in the race for the open seat in the 23rd Assembly District. As the Democratic District Leader for AD 23 Part B, I want to be absolutely clear: I am officially staying neutral in the 23rd Assembly District race. I have not endorsed either candidate, Pesach Osina or Mike Scala, in the Democratic Primary.

This is the first Democratic Primary for the 23rd Assembly District in more than forty years. At a moment this significant, it is essential that voters, not party insiders, decide who will represent the Democratic Party in the General Election. My neutrality reflects that belief.

To be transparent, all four District Leaders scheduled a meeting with both Democratic candidates in back-to-back interviews. After those meetings, we each cast our votes to the Queens County Democratic Organization. I cast my vote for Scala, based on my direct experience working with him locally and his consistent involvement in issues affecting Part B of the district. Although Osina is well-known politically, he did not resonate as strongly with many of the voters I regularly speak with in Part B. My responsibility is to represent the district honestly, and I did so. I want to be clear – both candidates are good choices and will do justice to the constituents of the 23AD.

I was outvoted, and Osina received the official County designation. That is democracy at its best. Differences of opinion among local party leadership are normal and healthy. We are not expected to agree on every decision. What matters is that we respect one another, maintain emotional intelligence, and continue working together for the good of the community.

I am supporting the Queens County Democratic Organization’s slate, which includes:

• Jeanette Garramone (F) and Jonathan Lazo (M) for Democratic District Leaders, 23AD Part B
• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (M) and Mary J. Plunkett (F) for Democratic State Committee Members, 23AD
• Pesach Osina for Assembly, 23AD
• Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. for the 15th Senate District
• Senator James Sanders Jr. for the 10th Senate District
• Congressman Gregory Meeks for the 5th Congressional District
• Edmond Wong, Jasmine I. Valle-Bueno, and Edward Irizarry for Countywide Civil Court
• Michelle Ann McSweeney-Ortiz for Civil Court, 3rd Municipal District

I also want to clarify that Part B of the 23rd Assembly District includes not only the west end of the Rockaways, but also Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Tudor Village, and Ozone Park. Accurate information about our district’s geography is essential for understanding representation and community needs.

As we move through petitioning and into the primary season, I will continue to support local events for both Assembly candidates while maintaining my neutrality. My focus is on petitioning for my own re-election and supporting the election of my future co-leader, Jonathan Lazo, for Assembly District Leader (M) 23AD Part B.

Finally, the Lew M. Simon Regular Democratic Club recently held a New Year kickoff meeting where we celebrated our members and introduced both Democratic candidates. We look forward to continuing our work to unite the local Democratic Party and to present all candidates to the community at future meetings.

Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight and ensure voters have the facts.

Sincerely,

Jeanette Garramone