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Learn more about this district in Searchlight 2002
General
Election Results
x-David I. Weprin, Dem 20,475 - 69 percent
Philip T. Sica, Rep 9,296 - 31 percent
Primary
Election Results
David I. Weprin 10,102
Jairam D. Thakral 2,830
(Official Vote Count from the Board of Elections)
Incumbent: Sheldon S. Leffler (can't
run in 2001)
The Candidates:
- Philip T. Sica (Rep/Ind/Con/RTL)
- David Weprin (Dem/Lib/Wor)
Contributors to these candidates, according to the Campaign
Finance Board:
Contributors
to Philip T. Sica
Contributors
to Jairam D. Thakral
Contributors
to David Weprin
City's
Official Primary Election Voter Guide for Residents of District
23
Campaign
Feature:
[Campaign
Update]
A Suburb In the City, Except Diverse
In many ways the neighborhoods of Queens Village, Floral Park,
Glen Oaks, and Oakland Gardens, with their many single-family
detached houses, more closely resemble western Nassau County than
the rest of the city. With its safe streets and more suburban
feel, the area has become attractive to many young families, including
new immigrants, from India, Korea, Guyana and Haiti.
That may be why, though the three candidates seeking to replace
Sheldon Leffler are remarkably different from one another, all
three have made the same two issues as their top priority - education
and "safe" new homes.
Bernice Siegal, Leffler's legal counsel, said the number one
issue facing her constituents, and the city at large, is the lack
of quality public education. As a "proud graduate" of Queens schools,
Siegal thinks city government needs to shift its emphasis from
quality of life and public safety measures to the city's sprawling
school system.
Jairam Thakral, an accountant and a native of Delhi who hopes
to become the first Indian on the city council, said the population
of District 23 has outgrown its school system. He hopes he can
use his financial experience to "give something back" to the schools
and the area.
David Weprin, brother of State Assemblyman Mark Weprin, and son
of the late Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin, points to the innovative
middle school of school district 29, in which students can choose
from an array of academic choices in the course of their studies,
as a model education initiative he would like to replicate in
his council district. Weprin, who is an attorney and an executive
in the financial services field, is opposed to school vouchers
and would like to see an increase in teacher salaries to attract
"new, young, qualified" instructors and reduce class size.
Also on the agenda for these candidates is the need for safe,
affordable housing. A long-time tenant's rights advocate, Siegal
notes that too many houses in her district have been converted
to multi-family dwellings in ways that are unsafe, putting these
homes and the people that live in them in danger from fire and
overcrowding. She also proposes a coordinated effort among various
city agencies to identify land upon which new homes can be erected.
In her plan, these new housing developments would include rent-stabilized
units for lower income residents as well as market-rate housing.
Weprin aims to keep real estate taxes low in order to attract
new families.
Despite the candidates' agreement on the issues, each claims
support from different sectors of the county party.
Thakral is counting on immigrant voters and feels the term-limits
that will oust Councilman Leffler out of his seat after 23 years
in office, provides a great opportunity for many of the city's
new residents to become more involved in politics.
"Diversity is key," said Thakral. "These people [from immigrant
groups] are professional people: doctors, lawyers, accountants,
computer technicians - and they want to take part in the process.
This is their adopted motherland."
Siegal has garnered the endorsement of State Assemblywoman Cathy
Nolan. Weprin, a county Democratic leader, enjoys the support
of the County Democratic Party hierarchy.
However Councilmember Leffler, saying he's "friendly with all
the candidates," declines to endorse any of them. Leffler's reticence
is perhaps the result of his current quest for Claire Shulman's
soon-to-be vacated post of Queens Borough President. By endorsing
his staff member Siegal, an unexpected challenger to establishment
candidate Weprin, he could risk losing the party's support in
his own race.
Weprin is currently leading in fundraising, followed by Siegal
and Thakral. But Thakral was once quoted in the Times of India
as saying his middle initial "D." stands for "dollar." He will
also have to overcome the political connections of his opponents
to win the council seat. He thinks he has a shot at it.
"American democracy should not be a dynasty," said Thakral. "It
should reflect diversity."
Campaign Update:
In May, front runner Bernice Siegal was offered a judgeship by
Queens Democratic leaders, which would mean she would have to
drop out of the race for city council and help pave the way for
candidate David Weprin.
"That night I cried," Siegal told the Queens Courier. "I knew
that I could have beaten David. The posters were ordered. A mailing
was about to go out. And I was winning. But being a judge is what
I always wanted to be. It's for a ten year term. And I'll stay
there for the rest of my career. So, in the end, I'm happy."
So is David Weprin, who was endorsed by the Queens Democratic
organization, and is banking on the $180,000 he has raised, and
his familiar family name.
"I grew up being taught that public service is a noble profession,"
said Weprin. "My father's home number was always listed for the
public, as is mine. I enjoy dealing with the public and was exposed
to it at an early age."
But Weprin's opponents said that the Queens delegation of city
council needs diversity, not a family legacy and a political machine
candidate. Jairam Thakral hopes to be the first Indian-American
in the city council.
"Unlike other immigrants who came before us, like the Jewish
community or the Italians, all of whom went into politics, South
Asians basically went on to embrace business and economics," said
Thakral in an interview with the Times of India. "We need to change
that."
Philip Sica, who is backed by the Republican, Independent, Conservative
and Right to Life parties said it is time for more Republicans
in the city council.
"If you have a minority representative in the council, it keeps
the people in power in check," said Sica, who bills himself as
the "quality of life" candidate. "I want to keep the good things
Mayor Giuliani accomplished continuing and help keep crime going
down."
Posted 8/8/01
Candidate Biographies
Philip T. Sica is a graduate of the Cardinal Hayes Memorial
High School in the Bronx, Pace University, and New York Law School.
He worked as a detective for the Housing Authority and city fire
department. After retiring from his career of civil service in
1980, he pursued a ministerial degree from Atlantic Union College
and was the pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 18
years. He also served in the United States Army and is active
in veteran affairs.
Jairam D. Thakral is a native of Delhi, India who has
lived in the U.S. since 1971. He has served as chief financial
officer of the Long Island State Veteran's home for over a decade.
Before that, he held the same position at Kings County Hospital
in Brooklyn. He has a Masters in Business Administration from
St. Johns University and is a founder of 21st Century Democratic
Club in Queens.
David Weprin is graduate of Jamaica High School, the State
University at Albany, and Hofstra University School of Law. He
has served as deputy superintendent of banking in the Cuomo administration,
chair of the Securities Industries Association, and a member of
the Giuliani administration's tax reform task force. Since 1987
he has worked as an attorney with four major Wall Street firms.
He has also served as Democratic district leader and is on the
boards of directors of many Queens organizations.
Campaign Trail
9/5/01
Newsday announces its endorsements in a number of Queens City Council races.
District 19: Jerry Iannece's "legal experience and community activism make him qualified. Each of his opponents - particularly Arthur Cheliotes, president of Communications Workers of America Local 1180, and the party-backed Tony Avella. . . is a credible candidate. But Iannece has the most innovative ideas for addressing the district's needs."
District 20. "John Liu, the party designee, could have avoided some last-minute controversy had he used better judgment. As a member of Community Board 7 in Flushing, he voted last year with the majority to approve a variance for a development company whose partners include a campaign contributor. Liu, an actuary, should have recused himself. . . . We hope he has learned something about appearances. Still, his energy and impressive command of the issues make up for his lack of political acumen. And while his civic service isn't as long as that of opponent Ethel Chen, he seems better suited to alleviate the tensions between old-time residents and new immigrants.
District 21. "Despite the ethnic conflict dividing various Latino communities in the district, the four candidates - all Latinos - are evenly matched. . . .Luis Rosero is the most appealing. . . .His background gives him intimate knowledge of government and politics. His contacts at the federal level wouldn't hurt, either. He also understands the common concerns of a diverse population."
District 22. "As a member of Queens School Board 30, John Ciafone has worked diligently on behalf of school kids. . . . But Ciafone made a mistake that we cannot overlook: His ads in a local weekly newspaper boasted of endorsements by mayoral candidates Fernando Ferrer and Mark Green. Such endorsements never existed. Ciafone says the ads should have read "supported," not "endorsed" - a stretch, to say the least. . . . That leaves Peter Vallone Jr., the party's designee. Voters get more than a name with Vallone. He helped found a community group to fight power plants in western Queens. And he has learned something from watching his father's success as Council speaker. Newsday endorses Vallone."
District 23. "David Weprin is a Democratic district leader, his brother is a state assemblyman, and their late father was Assembly speaker. By contrast, Jairam Thakral immigrated from India 30 years ago, got an MBA from St. John's and recently retired as chief financial officer of the State Veterans Home on Long Island. Thakral emphasizes his financial experience in dealing with city, state and federal governments. . . . He contrasts his "diversity" with Weprin's "dynasty." Weprin, a lawyer, was the state's deputy superintendent of banks. . . . Thakral radiates eagerness to improve the city's quality of life, but Weprin has more experience and a deeper knowledge of the district. We endorse Weprin.
District 24. "The three candidates are already on the public payroll. Barry Grodenchik is Borough President Claire Shulman's chief administrative officer. He emphasizes the downside of the 2012 Olympics, which he says could freeze development in western Queens and shut down much of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park for years. James Gennaro has been a policy analyst for the City Council since 1990, specializing in environmental issues. He's positive on the 2012 Olympics but negative on destroying Flushing Meadows wetlands to create a rowing course for the games. David Reich, chief of staff to a state senator from Brooklyn, cites his experience drafting bills in Albany . Gennaro offers greater familiarity with the council and broader concern for the environment. We endorse Gennaro."
District 25. "The organization person in this multi-candidate race is Helen Sears, a longtime district leader and community affairs director at Elmhurst Hospital Center. . . . Louisa Chan, a nurse and three-term secretary of School Board 24, wants community school boards to have more power and the central board to be elected. Magdalena Schultheis, vice president of an international hospitality consulting firm, would like to cut back bureaucracy to produce more affordable housing. James Van Bramer, community affairs manager for the Queensborough Public Library, has been an activist for campaign finance reform as well as gay and lesbian rights. . . .Finally, Rudolph Greco is a lawyer, civic enthusiast and author of a children's history of Jackson Heights. Along with a dedicated tax to provide higher teacher pay and smaller classes, he would encourage corporate partnerships to improve schools. Greco is a convivial, seasoned, one-of-a-kind candidate with a shrewd grasp of the district's needs and possibilities. Newsday endorses Greco. (Newsday)
07/31/01
In Eastern Queens, or district 23, Jairim D. Thakral hopes to
make his presence felt. He brandished himself to be the "people's
candidate." In a tour of Gurdurwara, a Mosque, and a temple, Thakral
delivered several speeches, which reflected his desire for "political
empowerment for my community." Amongst his accomplishments are
over thirty years experience at positions with both city and state.
He also has a great deal of experience as financial administrator.
He is aware of the benefits of his prior work experience. He showed
this when he stated that "I know how the government runs and how
the funds are appropriated and each district gets the money for
services depending on the power you have." His support in the
district has been great. Amongst his priorities include an improvement
in the New York health care system. He wants to save the public
hospital system, primarily for veterans and the uninsured. He
also wants to see improvements in all other areas of community
interest. Such areas include: facilities for the elderly, the
recreational system, the educational system, and facilities for
the youth of the district. The candidates share the view that
in the past, the community has focused solely on economics, employment,
education and family. Now they feel that there should be focus
on political empowerment. Should these three be elected, their
view of political empowerment could be attained. Said Thakral:
"We have nobody to take care of our interests, at the city or
state." Should they be elected, they feel the interests of our
community would no longer be a concern. (India Post)
05/24/01
Bernice Siegal, a candidate for district 23, was offered a judgeship.
"I didn't anticipate this," she told me. "But last Thursday, at
the Democratic Dinner, (Dem organization operative) Mike Reich
goes over to Honey Miller (the Dem District Leader who heads Siegal's
club, the Eleanor Roosevelt Democrats). Honey comes to me and
Honey, Mike, and I talk. Mike offers me the judgeship. That would
mean that I'd have to drop out and County's candidate, David Weprin,
would get the Council seat. I figured that a bird in the hand
is worth . . . well, I said yes. Then, that night I cried. I knew
that I could have beaten David. The posters were ordered. A mailing
was about to go out. And I was winning. But being a judge is what
I always wanted to be. It's for a ten year term. And I'll stay
there for the rest of my career. So, in the end, I'm happy." Honey
Miller was concerned that this judgeship would prejudice her club
in the granting of future judgeships. However, Reich assured her
that this judgeship would be "charged" to David Weprin and his
Saul Weprin Democratic Club. (Queens
Courier)
8/24/00
Foreign-Born Pols Aim to Make Voices Heard With term limits
forcing 36 of the 51 City Council members into retirement next
year, an unprecedented number of foreign-born New Yorkers are
already laying the groundwork to run for the vacated seats. >From
Dominicans in Manhattan's Washington Heights, to Taiwanese and
Koreans in Flushing, Queens, to Africans and Haitians in Flatbush,
these candidates and their supporters see a historic opportunity
to break new ground. If they succeed, the face of municipal government
will likely change overnight, political observers say. (Daily
News)
5/25/00
Changes in the Political Map of Queens since era of Donald
Manes ended in 1985.
There has developed a strong dynastic tendency among people in
office. At least half a dozen sons have succeeded their fathers,
or are preparing to do so. Mark Weprin succeeded his father, Saul
Weprin, in the Assembly. And Mark's brother, David Weprin, is
a candidate for City Council in a district that includes Mark
Weprin's district. Alan Hevesi's son Dan Hevesi, became State
Senator in a district that includes Alan Hevesi's old Assembly
District. Evan Stavisky became Democratic District Leader in the
same district that his father, Leonard Stavisky, represented and
Leonard Stavisky's wife, Toby Stavisky, now represents the same
State Senate district that her late husband represented. At least
five sons of famous Queens legislators are preparing City Council
campaigns for next year, and most will be favored to win. They
include the sons of Councilman Peter Vallone and former Congressman
Joe Addabbo. (Queens
Courier)
2/13/00
Jairam Thakral, the 63-year-old native of Delhi, has been
the chief financial officer of the Long Island State Veterans
Home at the State University of New York at Stony Brook since
1990. Thakral sees himself ideally cut out for the job of councilman
because of his varied experiences as an administrative person
as well as his exposure to hospital and the health-care system.
"I feel my experience can go a long way in changing things," he
said. (Times of India)
1/27/00
Already, foreign-born Queens residents are throwing their respective
hats into the ring for the 2001 elections. For instance, Trevor
Rupnarain, who was born in Guyana, made his official announcement
that he's running for Councilman Tom White's seat in the Richmond
Hill area. Jairam Thakral, who was born in India, announced in
December that he's seeking Sheldon Leffler's eastern Queens seat.
All say it's about time leaders of their communities like themselves
entered and embraced American politics. (Daily
News)
10/19/00
Over the next two years hundreds of people will be entering the
political ring in races for the City Council. Term limits have
brought the game into the reach of an endless number of political
junkies. One case is a Democratic leader from Queens, David Weprin.
Weprin is running for the term-limited seat of Sheldon Leffler.
In an effort to stay in touch with his neighbors and fellow citizens,
Mr. Weprin publishes his home phone in the ads he purchases, hoping
to solicit calls from people in need. (Queens
Tribune)