What’s more exciting: historic fun facts or celebrities endorsing local electeds? This newsletter has both.
It’s been a St. Patrick’s Day week, filled with green-themed parties and celebrations. Did you know: the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade is older than the U.S. Constitution? That bit of history surprised me, but it reminded me of a Political Personalities episode I did with Council Member Linda Lee, where we discovered that the Queens County Farm dates all the way back to 1697…
Speaking of history, Patrick Benn, deputy commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), is in charge of facilities management and construction… Now, if you’re missing Europe this summer, but still want to experience beautiful, historic architecture: take a trip to Surrogate’s Court. The building is filled with stunning details, and there’s even a room with ancient, yellow-paged atlases…. Amazing that the same agency that oversees historic items, also succeeds in cutting-edge innovation: cybersecurity engineer for DCAS, Christopher Morris, just completed the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation’s Cyber Academy. This program, developed by the City’s Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser and Chief Information Security Officer Kelly Moan, is just one example of how NYC is blending modern technology with its rich history to secure our future…
In Albany, Brooklyn Night was hosted by Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Randy Peers and joined by Assemblymembers Maritza Davila, Monique Chandler Waterman, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, David Weprin, Brian Cunningham (and his son Senator), as well as Senators James Skoufis, Andrew Gounardes and Jessica Scarcella Spanton… Attendees sampled bite-sized portions of Junior’s Cheesecake… Later in the week, back at the restaurant, Council Member Farah Louis was spotted holding hands with former Governor Cuomo, as she welcomed his meetings with Brooklyn leaders on his campaign trail for Mayor…
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered his State of the County address this week, touting Nassau’s federal cooperation agreement with ICE, as well as the county’s bans on public mask wearing and transgender athletes in women’s sports….
All three Democratic NYC Comptroller candidates joined beloved NY1 morning anchor, Pat Kiernan, on-air this week to discuss their campaigns, Justin Brannan maintaining a conversation purely about budget and finance – the role of the NYC Comptroller. After all, Justin has chaired the NYC Council Finance Committee for several years, overseeing the city’s $115 billion budget… Mark Levine and Kevin Parker both spoke about building affordable housing, a conversation that never ends in NYC.
New Yorkers would like to know: what’s been stopping our current public officials from making a change to provide more housing?
Jay Martin, the former CEO of CHIP, a housing advocacy group that merged with the Rent Stabilization Association to form the New York Apartment Association, appointing former Assemblyman Kenny Burgos at the helm – knows there’s more to the issue… With tens of thousands of vacant units around NYC, the issue is a legislative one, pertaining to current rent-stabilization laws…
The New York Apartment Association supports the Housing Assistance Voucher Program (HAVP) but criticizes tenant advocacy groups for opposing efforts to expand vouchers to vacant rent-stabilized apartments. They argue that the current system forces voucher holders to give up part of their assistance when renting these apartments, as rents are capped below the approved voucher amount. Property owners assert that they should be allowed to accept the full voucher amount to cover housing costs, but tenant groups oppose this, advocating for regulated rent pricing.
Tom Grech and the Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted a St. Patrick’s Day themed brunch bash at Antun’s – and if you didn’t know, now you know: the $10 commuter parking lot across the street is owned by the venue, so you can park there for events… In the room, former Queens Council Members Costa Constantinides, Danny Dromm and Karen Koslowitz posed for a photo together with Queens Borough President O’Donovan Richards (that’s his Irish name, he says)… the National Grid team including Eileen Cifone and Hunter Gross were at a table where the topic of conversation was the upcoming Inner Circle Show (April 4!)… Zach Miller from the Trucking Association of New York spoke about a recent trip to London whereby its residents loathe congestion pricing… and father-son duo, Garden City attorney Robert Morici was seated with Dan Morici who recently launched his own venture as CEO of NYC Industrial Advisors…
The James Connolly Irish American Labor Coalition hosted their annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon at Bobby Van’s in Midtown Manhattan where TWU International President John Samuelson donned a flannel button down, looking very serious as he stepped away from conversation after conversation to take phone calls – onlookers would assume he was looking for his next fight… John O’Donnell the chief of staff of TWU’s air division, was visiting from Potomac, Maryland, for the parade…
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Chairman Sean Lane captivated a large crowd with his fun facts all about organizing the parade each year and the 300,000 people who march in it. When asked about dealing with political personalities, he shared that yes they all walk, however, at the recent St. Patrick’s gala dinner at the Marriott Marquis alongside Cardinal Dolan, AG Tish James, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul all avoided each other…
Operating Engineers Local 30 Business Representative Robert Wilson was overheard speaking fondly of one of his members, Giro LaRocca, who works at the Nassau Coliseum, and spoke on-camera in favor of the Sands Las Vegas bid for its control… Former Rep. Carolyn Maloney hosted her annual St. Patrick’s Day Leadership Breakfast honoring her former DC roommate, Governor Kathy Hochul… And, actress Uma Thurman endorsed Keith Powers for Manhattan Borough President at a small house party this week.
Happy Spring Break week to those participating… We want to hear all about Geto & de Milly’s Sam Weinberger’s family trip to Peru this week – visiting the small population of Jewish people where his mother was raised!
Planning for Style Across the Aisle 2025 is underway! If you’re interested in modeling, know of a local designer, or sponsor, or would like to be part of our steering committee: please let us know!
Political Personality of the Week:
Rep. Laura Gillen, US Congresswoman
Congresswoman Laura Gillen is currently serving her first term in Congress representing the people of New York’s Fourth Congressional District – the South Shore of Long Island. A Baldwin native, she resides in Rockville Centre with her family. Gillen is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and Georgetown University, where she was a George Baker Scholar. Her time in the Baker Scholar program inspired her commitment to leadership and community service. After college, she volunteered on the front lines of the AIDS crisis and at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying in Kolkata, India. She later earned her Juris Doctor from NYU School of Law.
Gillen’s legal career began at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, LLP, where she worked as a litigator, representing domestic violence victims in pro bono cases. She then joined the Westerman law firm in Nassau County.
In 2017, Gillen made history as the first Democrat in 112 years to be elected Hempstead Town Supervisor. As Supervisor, she fought waste and corruption, improved transparency, reduced taxes, and revitalized the town’s infrastructure. She also led efforts to recover damages for contaminated water and passed key legislation on sexual harassment and veterans’ benefits.
Now serving her first term in Congress, Rep. Gillen is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Her passion for public service extends beyond her professional roles, as she has volunteered at South Nassau Communities Hospital, Camp Anchor for special needs children, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAST FACTS:
Scuba Diving Instructor: Laura became a scuba diving instructor in Thailand before beginning her career in public service.
Volunteer Work Abroad: She volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, in Kolkata, India.
Volunteering During AIDS Epidemic: Laura volunteered with GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis) during the height of the AIDS epidemic, helping people who were marginalized due to misinformation and fear.
First Democrat Elected Hempstead Town Supervisor: She made history in 2017 as the first Democrat in 100 years to be elected Hempstead Town Supervisor.
Adjunct Professor: After serving in local government, she joined Hofstra University as an adjunct professor of law.Family: Laura is married to her husband Chris, and they have four children.
