FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com JUNE 9, 2016 • TIMES 23 around queens Goldfeder won’t run for re-election BY ROBERT POZARYCKI [email protected] @robbpoz After five years in Albany, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder says its time to focus on family, not politics. The lawmaker announced on June 2 that he would not seek re-election this November to the 23rd Assembly District seat, which represents Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Broad Channel and much of the Rockaways. “It was by far the hardest decision I ever had to make, and I caught a lot of people by surprise,” Goldfeder told QNS in a phone interview on Monday, June 6. “This is something I had been thinking about for a few months, but the birth of my son just over a month ago brought it all home, and made me realize that I owe it to my family to be home. After fi ve years of service to the community, now was the right time.” His wife, Esther, gave birth to their third child just two months ago. All three children are under 10, according to Jon Greenfi eld, a spokesperson for Goldfeder. Even so, Goldfeder told QNS that he “won’t rule anything out” regarding his future in politics. For the immediate future, he’s “exploring a few options” and “fully intends to stay involved in the community on every level possible.” “I would not rule out anything in the future,” he said. “If the right campaign came along at the right time, it would defi nitely be something I’d consider.” For state lawmakers from Queens, serving in the State Capitol means being away from home and family four days a week for roughly the fi rst six months of every calendar year. The extensive time away from home was the major factor in Goldfeder’s decision not to run for re-election. “With the birth of his son, it kind of put things in perspective for him,” Greenfi eld told QNS. Goldfeder, who previously served as a political aide to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Charles Schumer, won a special election in 2011 to succeed former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who stepped down to become Queens County clerk. One year later, as his district was slammed by Hurricane Sandy, Goldfeder advocated hard for programs and funding to expedite the rebuilding process throughout the region. In the years since, he also campaigned for public transportation improvements in south Queens, calling for the reactivation of the defunct Rockaway Beach branch of the Long Island Rail Road. Goldfeder also pushed for an end to illegal parking on residential streets near John F. Kennedy Airport, reduced noise from aircraft over the area and repairs at Frank Charles Park in Howard Beach. “In fi ve years, we made tremendous accomplishments,” Goldfeder told QNS. He added that Hurricane Sandy provided him with “some of my worst and proudest moments” in the days following the superstorm. “For a long time, it didn’t matter where you were from or what you did for a living. You were there to help your neighbors, help your community and help your city, and collectively recover from a devastating storm,” he added. “I’m really proud to have been part of that in every way.” Goldfeder’s term expires at the end of the year, and he intends “to use this time to continue my work and fi ght for the issues that matter most,” he told constituents in the June 3 newsletter. Voters will decide later this year who will replace Goldfeder as the 23rd Assembly District representative. Primaries for the seat will be held in September in advance of the Nov. 8 general election. There was no word as of yet regarding possible contenders. RIDGEWOOD TIMES/File photo Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder won’t seek another term in Albany this year. Two major Queens community centers are merging to improve their services BY ROBERT POZARYCKI years, it has grown increasingly clear [email protected] that a formal merger of the agencies @robbpoz — with our closely aligned missions — can enable us to pool our They serve thousands of people talents and resources,” Gottlieb and every day across two different areas Mendelsohn wrote in a joint email of Queens, and now they’re joining that The Courier received. “With forces to make their programs even greater scale, the merged agency can better. advocate for community needs and Little Neck’s Samuel Field Y and harness philanthropic resources more Forest Hills’ Central Queens Y will effectively and, thus, have a greater merge together over the next several impact on the communities we serve.” months, it was announced on June 3. Based at 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy., It marks the next logical step for the the Samuel Field Y serves more than two centers which have been jointly 35,000 people in northeast Queens managed for some time, according to through community programs out of Samuel Field Y President Lawrence 36 different sites. Services include Gottlieb and Executive Vice President educational and recreational activities, and CEO Jeri Mendelsohn. “Throughout these past several sports programs, camping, mental health initiatives and programs for individuals with special needs. It also operates the Tanenbaum Pool (formerly the Deepdale Community Pool) which opened last year. The Central Queens Y, located at 67-09 108th St., offers more of the same and has a nursery school for more than 300 children, day camps, teen leadership programs, adult education, cultural arts programs, a senior center and emergency food assistance. The 108th Street campus also boasts a full-sized pool and gym open to members. Both the Samuel Field and Central Queens Y’s also offer various Jewish cultural, educational and religious programs. The state must review and approve the merger agreement, a process that is expected to be completed over the next several months, according to Gottlieb and Mendelsohn. Both the Samuel Field Y and Central Queens Y are working with a planning consultant to facilitate all preparations for the organizations’ merger. Staff members at both Y’s will also be actively involved in the merger process. “The staff and board of both agencies will be working diligently on the process over the next eight months and there will be opportunity for community input,” Gottlieb and Mendelsohn wrote. RIDGEWOOD TIMES/File photo
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