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28 The QUEE NS Courier • october 31, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ▶politics Casino gaming, other amendments on ballot BY MELISA CHAN mchan@queenscourier.com A controversial casino gambling referendum and five other proposed changes to the state Constitution will be up for vote November 5 on the general election ballot. Voters hitting the polls to elect city candidates will also decide whether to authorize up to seven full-scale casinos in New York, though opponents say the referendum’s one-sided language is tilted in favor of its passage. According to the ballot’s wording, the amendment would promote job growth, increase aid to schools and lower property taxes through generated revenues. A lawsuit filed by Brooklyn bankruptcy lawyer Eric Snyder criticized the measure’s “advocacy language” and sought to stop it. The suit was dismissed October 16 by Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard Platkin, according to the New York Times. NYPIRG said it “has been deeply troubled by the ballot question” and language “that seems to go beyond explanatory or descriptive.” The amendment’s language, the nonpartisan group said, describes “predicted benefits” by casino boosters and fails to include negative impacts feared by opponents like the potential increase in gambling addiction and harmful effects on neighborhoods surrounding the casino. “The language appears to be worded in a way that would incline a neutral voter to vote ‘yes.’ NYPIRG believes that New Yorkers are entitled to a neutral ballot proposal, not one which subtly or overtly nudges a voter in a particular direction,” the group said. Also up for vote are amendments that would give additional civil service credit to veterans who are rendered disabled after their civil service appointment or promotion and one that would increase the maximum age until which some state judges may serve. Two more items on the ballot relate to land exchange between the state and private companies in Long Lake, Hamilton County and Lewis, Essex County. THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley and challenger Craig Caruana faced off in their first public debate at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village. Crowley VS. Caruana is contentious BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com The first public debate between Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley and Craig Caruana was caliente. The competitors faced off in a heated exchange on Monday, October 28. It was marked by frequent interruptions, yelling on both sides and cheers and jeers from attending residents of District 30, which includes Maspeth, Middle Village, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, Glendale, parts of Woodhaven and Woodside. The debate, which The Courier cohosted, was organized by the Juniper Park Civic Association at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village. The showdown exploded from the very first question, which was about the Knockdown Center, a controversial arts hall in Maspeth that has hosted parties and is seeking a liquor license. Crowley, who is in support of the center, said it will bring jobs and arts to the community. “Do I support good jobs? Yes. Do I support arts as an economic engine? Yes,” Crowley said. “Now my opponent you will hear opposes this, and I believe it’s because he doesn’t have the ability to think outside the box when it comes to creating jobs.” Caruana doesn’t believe the center will be used for arts, but as a club based on past parties that it has held. “It’s not about jobs, it’s about hipsters coming from out of the area, creating a problem…” Caruana said. “This is a club that wants to sell liquor.” The candidates sparred on various controversial projects in the community, such as the proposed Glendale homeless shelter, truck traffic and the Maspeth Bypass, the Ridgewood Reservoir development project and increased railroad garbage. Many general questions were asked as well, including how the candidates would improve education, traffic problems, quality of life issues and decrease crime. Crowley, who has been the councilmember for nearly four years, choose to answer questions based on her accomplishments, while taking jabs at Caruana. Caruana, who has no experience as an elected official, stuck to his ideas to improve the neighborhood, relying on his background as a native of Middle Village and his work at the Pentagon. Before the debate even got started crowds of Crowley and Caruana supporters were chanting at each other outside with placards, banners and megaphones for almost 20 minutes. Cuomo backs boro candidates Governor Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand endorsed Democratic City Council candidate Paul Vallone for District 19 on October 29. Cuomo said Vallone could carry the legacy of his family. “I have known the Vallone family for decades and admire their contributions of public service to the City of New York,” the governor said in a statement. “In my mind, there is no question that Paul Vallone is the right man for the job.” The governor also gave his nod to Borough President candidate Melinda Katz and Costa Constantinides, Democratic candidate for City Council District 22. THE COURIER/File photos Governor Andrew Cuomo (left) endorsed Democratic City Council candidate Paul Vallone for District 19. Ulrich, Simon look ahead to Election Day BY MAGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com The heated race for City Council District 32 is coming to a close. Councilmember Eric Ulrich, the incumbent, has represented District 32 in the City Council since 2009. He stood with Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill and Woodhaven through natural disasters and hard-pressed community issues. “I am proud of my campaign and my work in the City Council over the past four-and-a-half years. I am running on my record of accomplishments and my ability to deliver real results for my constituents,” Ulrich said. However, Lew Simon has not been far behind. He said he worked tirelessly through Sandy to ensure the safety of the district. “The support we’re getting on our calls and door to door campaigning is phenomenal - people want change and they don’t feel like they’re being represented in City Hall on issues from schools to street lights to Sandy rebuilding,” Simon said. Simon suffered a setback earlier this month when he received a stent due to partial heart blockage. He now said he’s spending every day “making sure every voter turns out” on Election Day. Councilmember Eric Ulrich Lew Simon


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