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Grodenchik is UFT choice for Queens Council seat
Special election on Sept. 10
Former Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik (at podium) thanks a large contingent of Queens elected officials and the UFT, represented by borough political action coordinator Dermot Smyth (front, fourth from right), for their support of his bid for the City Council seat for District 23. Among those at the Sept. 1 press conference were Congressman Joseph Crowley, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, state Sen. Leroy Comrie and Assemblyman Ron Kim.
Michael McMahon (front row, blue shirt, center), the Democratic candidate for district attorney on Staten Island, stops by the UFT Staten Island borough office on Sept. 2.
The UFT is supporting the candidacy of Barry Grodenchik in a special election on Sept. 10 to fill a vacant City Council seat in Queens’ District 23.
Grodenchik is one of six Democrats vying for the seat, and turnout will be critical for his victory.
“Barry Grodenchik is a strong supporter of public education, and the UFT is proud to endorse him for City Council,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.
Grodenchik, a former state assemblyman, has extensive experience in city government, most recently as director of community boards for Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. He is supported by most Queens elected officials, including Katz and Congressman Joseph Crowley.
A special election was called to fill the seat after Mark Weprin left the Council earlier this year to join Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s staff.
The 23rd council district encompasses Glen Oaks, Oakland Gardens, Bellerose and parts of Queens Village and Bayside Hills.
In two races on Staten Island on Sept. 10, the UFT also made endorsements:
For City Council District 51, Assemblyman Joseph Borelli, a Republican, has the UFT’s support for the seat once held by Vincent Ignizio, who resigned to take another job.
In the district attorney race, the UFT is endorsing Michael McMahon, a former city councilman and congressman. The post was vacated by Dan Donovan, who was elected to the U.S. Congress in May.