|
|
Click for larger image
|
Learn more about this district in Searchlight 2002
General
Election Results
x-Melinda R. Katz, Dem 16,332 - 65 percent
Rene Lobo, Rep 7,570 - 30 percent
Norbert Chwat, Con 566 - 2 percent
Jeannette L. Evans, Gre 399 - 2 percent
Joseph E. Tiraco, Ind 254 - 1 percent
Primary
Election Results
Melinda R. Katz 7,958
Lynn C. Schulman 3,055
(Official Vote Count from the Board of Elections)
Incumbent: Karen Koslowitz (can't
run in 2001)
The Candidates:
Contributors to these candidates, according to the Campaign
Finance Board:
Norbert Chwat has not yet filed
Contributors
to Jeanette L. Evans
Contributors
to Melinda Katz
Contributors
to Renu Lobo
Contributors
to Lynn Schulman
Contributors
to Joseph E. Tiraco
City's
Official Primary Election Voter Guide for Residents of District
29
Issue
Statements :
District
29 candidates' statements on the issues, at Savvyvoter.org
Campaign
Tangle:
Jeannette Evans and Norbert Chwat have been eliminated from the
Democratic line, and Alan Munn has been removed from the Republican
line. Evans's sin was a faulty cover sheet. Chwat's campaign manager
and wife suffered a mini-stroke while attempting to defend her
husband's petition. While the couple was at the hospital, Chwat
was removed from the ballot. See the Campaign Update for more
details. Posted 8/13/01
Campaign
Feature:
[Campaign
Update]
A Sure Thing?
Compared to many parts of New York City, life in the 29th Council
District seems tranquil. Although there are students in crowded
classrooms, poor people struggling to make ends meet and senior
citizens in need of meals and other services, the district includes
some of the city's most pleasant residential neighborhoods, complete
with lawns, trees and shrubbery.
At least for now, many contenders for the council seat in the
district, which includes Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Rego Park
and parts of Maspeth and Ridegwood, have been scared off by the
presence of a perceived front runner, Melinda Katz.
Katz, an aide to Queens Borough President Claire Schulman, represented
much of the council district in the state assembly, but left that
post in 1998 to seek the U.S. House seat being vacated by Charles
Schumer. Katz had the backing of City Comptroller Alan Hevesi
and County Democratic Chairman Tom Manton but lost to Schumer's
choice, Anthony Weiner, by less than 500 votes.
Perhaps because of that experience, Katz says she is not counting
on anything this time around. "I don't think anyone should ever
take anything, particularly people's votes , for granted," she
says. "When you do, you shouldn't be seeking elective office."
Katz has at least two opponents in the Democratic Party. Like
her, both have been involved in the district for a long time.
One, Lynn Schulman, worked for the county council and then served
in city government before leaving to work in public relations.
Despite her record, "the person out on the street doesn't know
who either of us (Katz or herself) is," she says. Schulman says
she has received an endorsement from Councilmember Ronnie Eldridge.
The third Democrat, Norbert Chwat, thinks his status as the only
man in the race will boost his candidacy. Along with his wife,
Estelle, he is founder of the Forest Hills Action League. Indian-American
television journalist Renu Lobo may run on the Republican line.
Both Schulman and Katz see their government experience as an
asset, particularly in a council where many will be new to their
posts. "Anybody who's elected is going to go in on Jan 1, 2002
and then, on January 16, the mayor is going to give his budget,"
says Schulman. "You have to hit the ground running" Katz concurs:
"On Jan. 1, 2002, councilmembers are going to have to come into
office and really be able to create policy, pass budgets and represent
their constituents without missing a beat." Her experience prompted
at least one columnist to mention her as a possible Council speaker,
something she says she is not even thinking about
As more of an outsider, Chwat takes a different tact saying,
"We have to cut through the apathy of the elected officials we
have here."
Along with single family homes, brick garden and high rise apartment
buildings line many streets of the 29th District. A number of
those apartments are rent regulated. That, along with low vacancy
rates and rising housing costs, makes rent regulation in particular
and affordable housing in general a key concern.
Although crime in the area remains low, Schulman, who serves
on the 112 Precinct Community Council, says there are pockets
of crime. She is particularly concerned that officers in the area
are often deployed to other parts of Queens for special events,
such as baseball games. Katz cites education, particularly school
overcrowding, as a "huge issue."
Chwat's focus is somewhat different. Overflowing trash bins and
streets dotted with refuse sparked him to form the action league
in 1999. The group encouraged the middle and upper income people
of the area to take to the streets to press their demands.
Now, Chwat says, recent pedestrian deaths on Queens Boulevard,
which cuts through the district and which he likens to "the Long
Island Expressway with parking meters," have spurred him to run
for council. Chwat has also targeted the Forest Hills library,
which he says does not provide needed services and is difficult
for disabled people to use.
All three candidates say they are concerned about services and
quality of life. No doubt their constituents share that concern
-- even though, to many people in the city, the quality of life
in the 29th probably looks pretty good already.
posted 5/11/01
Campaign
Update:
The Board of Elections has knocked off three candidates from
the primary ballot in district 29. Jeannette Evans and Norbert
Chwat have been eliminated from the Democratic line, and Alan
Munn has been removed from the Republican line.
Munn, who was running against television journalist Rene Lobo
for the Republican nomination, could not be reached for comment
about whether he would appeal the decision.
In an unfortunate set of circumstances, his wife and campaign
manager, Estelle Chwat, suffered a mini-stroke while attempting
to defend her husband's petitions. While the couple was at the
hospital, the board voted to remove him. Chwat was offered an
opportunity to appeal at a later date, but he declined, he says,
because he was tending to his wife.
"I'm very upset and disgusted by these events," says Chwat. His
ire was directed in particular at Melinda Katz and the Queens
Democratic party's decision to challenge his petitions. "I've
been a loyal Democrat for 40 years, carrying petitions for people
like Alan Hevesi, and even Melinda Katz, but they still objected.
This is unconscionable, and I resent it deeply."
Despite the setback, Chwat continues his run as the candidate
for the Conservative party, which approached him several weeks
ago. He still hopes to focus his campaign on improving the district's
sanitation, housing, and transportation policies, and relieving
overcrowded schools.
Jeannette Evans was knocked off the Democratic ballot, she says,
for submitting a faulty cover sheet to her petition and the signatures.
"The Board of Elections just wasn't very communicative whenever
I had a question about the format for the cover sheet or the petition,"
says Evans. "It's almost pitiful."
Evans is still enthusiastic about continuing her run as the Green
party candidate. "People were very receptive," says Evans. "They
seem ready for a third party option, for a new voice and a new
viewpoint. We have people in office who are the status quo. I
oppose the status quo."
Evans has focused her campaign on several issues, arguing for
increased environmental protection, affordable housing, and education.
She has also spoken in favor of a new traffic control policy and
hopes to halt illegal construction in residential areas in order
to preserve neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, Joseph Tiraco has just begun his campaign in earnest.
The self-described community activist is running as the Independence
Party candidate.
"I would like to see more community involvement," says Tiraco.
"We've moved towards a system of centralization around the mayor,
where communities don't have much say. I'd like to see more community
action and self-governance, and fewer mayoral decrees. We can
handle our own affairs." Tiraco also hopes his status as a regular
columnist and contributor to local newspapers like the Queens
Courier will aid his campaign.
While Katz is still perceived by many as the frontrunner in the
district race, the end result is far from certain. Katz faces
a stiff challenge from Lynn Schulman in the Democratic primary,
and the other candidates -- Chwat Lobo, Munn, and Tiraco -- who
will face the winner in the November general election have vowed
to keep fighting.
Posted 8/13/01
Candidate Biographies
Norbert Chwat is a Holocaust survivor, who escaped from
Nazi Germany at the age of 14. Chwat has lived in the district
for 40 years and is currently employed at the New York State Enforcement
Agency. He is the chairman of the Public Safety Committee at Community
Board 6. He and his wife founded the Forest Hills Action League,
and Chwat now serves as the president of the civic association.
He served as a military intelligence officer in the European theater
during World War II and recently received the New York State Medal
for Merit. A graduate of the Georgetown University School of Foreign
Service in Washington, DC, Chwat also served as a U.S. foreign
service officer.
Jeannette L. Evans is a single mother of two children,
who works full time, has been active in the community, and ran
unsuccessfully for School Board 24 in 1999.
Melinda Katz is a former member of the state assembly
who stepped down to run unsuccessfully for the congressional seat
now held by Anthony Weiner. She is now a top aide to Queens Borough
President Claire Schulman, serving as the Director of Community
Boards. Katz was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1994
and authored numerous bills on health care and child abuse. Prior
to running for the State Assembly, Katz was employed by the law
firm, Weil, Gotshal, & Manges.
Rene Lobo is television journalist who is currently director
of community news for the International Television Network. A
prominent member of the Indian community in Queens, Lobo was born
in Italy and attended school in New York.
Alan J. Munn is a computer consultant and a member of
the Republican county committee for Queens. The son of immigrants
from post-Nazi Europe, Munn was born in New York City. He has
pursued a law degree and a doctorate in political science. In
addition to his job as a consultant, he has also served as a college
professor and a volunteer judge in small claims courts. He favors
school vouchers, putting city agency budgets on the internet,
and open competition for bus service.
Lynn Schulman is the senior vice president and national
crisis director for Magnet Communications. She has served as district
liaison for Assemblyman William Passannante, chief of staff for
City Councilmember Carol Greitzer, and several other positions
in city government. She is vice chair of Community Board 6 and
an officer in 112th Precinct Council. Schulman began her business
career with Edelman Public Relations, and started her own communications
firm, i~IMAGE, in 1998.
Joseph Tiraco is a self-described community activist and
freelance writer. In the past, he has focused on a wide range
of issues, such as the safety and cleanliness of residential areas
and equitable tax cuts.
Campaign Trail
8/31/01
Lynn Schulman is facing a daunting task in seeking to replace
Forest Hills Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz in district 29. Her
opponent in the Democratic primary, Melinda Katz, is well-financed
and well-connected. But Schulman has a secret weapon: She's the
only Schulman on the ballot this year. (In the past, there was
Claire Shulman, popular departing Queens borough president) Pundits
have warned, especially after the Florida election debacle, never
to overestimate a confused voter. (Daily
News)
8/22
Home to some of the city's most overcrowded schools, and some
of the scariest stretches of Queens Boulevard, District 29 is
looking for a new leader in the fall. A former assemblywoman,
a public relations executive, a TV newswoman and several community
activists are battling for the city council seat now held by Karen
Koslowitz, who cannot run again because of term limits. The district
includes the sprawling suburban areas of Forest Hills and Kew
Gardens as well as Rego Park and parts of Maspeth and Ridgewood.
Even with six candidates, there was little disagreement among
the contenders about such issues as education, Queens Boulevard
safety and rent stabilization.Public relations executive Lynn
Schulman and Melinda Katz are running for the Democratic line,
while television journalist Rene Lobo is the sole Republican.
Norbert Chwat is running as a Conservative, Joseph Tiraco on the
Independence line and Jeanette Evans with the Green Party. (Newsday)
8/7/01
Estelle Chwat apparently suffered what doctors termed a mini-stroke
while arguing, unsuccessfully, that her husband Norbert should
remain on the ballot for the Democratic primary in the 29th District.
The Board of Elections quickly disqualified Chwat, whose signature
petitions had been challenged by the Queens County Democratic
Party, which is backing Melinda Katz's bid for the seat. Chwat,
who will remain on the Conservative Party line, said he would
not challenge the board's decisions although his wife, who is
supposed to remain calm, blasted the board as a "kangaroo court"
that should be eliminated. (Daily
News)
8/2/01
Lynn Schulman, a candidate in the 29th District, is among 20 City
Council hopefuls who have signed a pledge promising that, if elected,
they will hold biannual town meetings, conduct an annual district
survey and produce an annual constituent service disclosure report.
The campaign is sponsored by Queens-based New Immigrant Community
Empowerment, or NICE and a coalition of other groups. (Daily
News)
7/31/01
Dehli-born, broadcast journalist Renu Lobo is a
familiar figure to most Indians. A common figure on weekend television,
Lobo hopes to be staunch competition in the District 29 City Council
elections. She is the first Asian woman to run for a seat in the
district. In an interview with the India post, she stressed her
desire to make "a positive impact." In a very diverse district,
in which the population is predominantly Jewish and Asian, Lobo
hopes to be the "voice of the Indians."
Lobo is involved in a variety of community projects, and is also on the verge
of completing her Citizen Police Academy training. This could prove to be a
significant step in establishing a good relationship between the police and
the community.
She has focused her campaign on a number of issues, ranging from improved
benefits for the elderly to improving the public school system. She favors a
pay increase for teachers, and modifications to the school year. Also among
her main priorities is making public housing more affordable. (India Post)
5/22/01
The Queens County Democratic machine formally voted to endorse
Melinda Katz's bid for the council seat from Forest Hills. (Daily
News)
5/19/01
The New York City Central Labor Council, a labor group with
1.5 million members in some 450 local unions, gave its backing
to 10 of 16 incumbents, skipping an endorsement in six races where
the incumbent can run again, but not backing any insurgents against
a sitting council member. Among its endorsements in races in which
there are no incumbents: John Liu in Flushing (district 20), Bernice
Siegal in Hollis (district 23), Melinda Katz in Forest Hills (district
29), Leroy Comrie in St. Albans (district 27) and Arthur Cheliotes
in Bayside (district 19). The choice of Cheliotes is not very
surprising since he is president of Local 1180 of the Communications
Workers of America. (Newsday)
5/15/01
The Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens has endorsed Melinda
Katz in the District 29 race. (Daily
News)
05/01/01
The spate of pedestrian deaths on Queens Boulevard has spurred
activist Norbert Chwat to run for City Council. (The
Communicator)
3/30/01
Community Board 6 in Queens voted unanimously to deny a cabaret
license to the new owners of Wiggles, an adult entertainment club
in Rego Park. Community Board member Lynn Schulman said that the
owner of Wiggles, Wabi Sabi Foods, is not someone "who cares about
our neighborhood." (Daily
News)
3/1/01
Last November Estelle Chwat was outraged when 14-year-old
Sofia Leviyev was killed crossing Queens Boulevard. She organized
a massive march, and politicians began to take notice. Now her
husband, Norbert, is running for City Council. (Queens
Courier)
2/25/01
If she's elected to the council, Melissa Katz could be a candidate
for speaker. (Daily
News)
2/18/01
In Forest Hills: Borough president senior aide and former Assemblywoman
Melinda Katz is seen as unbeatable. The lone Democratic opponent
not scared off so far lists nothing on her campaign finance papers.
Katz lists $114,000. (Daily
News)
2/11/01
The recent ruling by the Conflicts of Interest Board that bars
appointed officials, but not elected ones, from campaign fundraising
unless they resign, will affect several races, including an aide
to Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, Melinda Katz, who
is running in district 29. (Daily
News)
8/24/00
Renu Lobo, a television host, is one of an unprecedented number
of foreign-born candidates running for City Council. (Daily
News)
3/22/00
Indian American Renu Lobo says she's running for office partly
to encourage Indian Americans to become more involved in politics.
(India
Abroad News Service; reprinted in Times of India)
11/4/99
Norbert and Estelle Chwat have formed the Forest Hills Action
League partly to combat a growing litter problem in Forest Hills
and Rego Park. (Daily
News)
9/16/98
Anthony Weiner narrowly defeats Melissa Katz and two other Democrats
in the primary contest for the U.S. House seat being vacated by
Charles Schumer, who was running for Senate.(Daily
News )