FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com december 12, 2013 • The Courier sun 47 Smith challenger already steps up BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com Munir Avery announced he will be the first challenger for State Senator Malcolm Smith’s seat in the 2014 election. “I was born and raised in Queens Village, and I want to continue to serve my community. I want to bring the services to my community,” said the attorney. Smith, who was indicted in April for allegedly trying to bribe his way onto the Republican ticket for mayor, has not publicly decided whether to run again. Reps for the 13-year Democratic incumbent said he is not going to comment on his challenger. In the State Senate, Smith caucused with a group of Democrats that govern with Republicans, said Avery. “Because of that, the Democrats don’t have their chairmanship in Albany,” he said. If elected, Avery plans to caucus with the Democrats in order to work and fight for the party’s agenda. “It’s cleaning up the system,” he said. “That would be the reason I felt the need to run against Smith.” Al t h o u g h this is Avery’s first run at office, he is no stranger to politics. He is currently counsel to Assemblymember Michael Simanowitz and previously worked for the Queens district attorney’s office and PHOTO COURTESY OF MUNIR AVERY Munir Avery plans to run for State Senator Malcolm Smith’s seat in the 14th Senate District. on City Council campaigns. as well. Avery hopes to address various issues surrounding schools. including funding a universal pre-kindergarten, nurturing scholar athletes and implementing art and after-school programs. “When I went to public school, we were able to have art, gym,” he said. “I want to see that back in the schools and I’m going to fight for that.” He also wants to promote open government in Albany and “try to get the big money out,” which he said Smith has failed to do. YOUR PROMOTIONS SUPERMARKET SINCE 1995 CORPORATE & TEAM OUTFITTING H Staff Shirts H Giveaways H Family Reunions H School/Camps H Organizations/Events CUSTOM APPAREL H T-SHIRTS POPULAR BRAND WHITE TEE SCREEN PRINTED (1 COLOR) MIN. 144* ONLY $295 $495 QueensCourier.com (Screen Printed or Embroidered) 2013 THE QUEENS H CAPS/HATS H UNIFORMS H JACKETS H BACK PACKS H BAGS H TROPHIES EACH *SAME DEAL: SWEATSHIRTS EACH CALL FOR FREE CATALOG of the 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 YOU NAME IT, WE GOT IT!!! (We can customize your art, logo, messages on anything!) Pens (All Types) Bags (Plastic/Paper) Calendars Water Bottles Awareness Bracelets Food Gifts Corporate Gifts Badges & Buttons Electronics Calculators Computer Accessories Eco Friendly Products Full Color Magnetic Business Cards 10 ¢ each Minimum 1,000 Your Business Card Their Refrigerator 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 www.PROMOTIONALEMPIRE.com Disney characters and artwork ©Disney, Disney/Pixar characters ©Disney/Pixar. #DisneyOnIce 245427 Tickets On Sale Now! JAN. 9 – 12 Buy tickets at disneyonice.com, Retail Locations, Nassau Coliseum Box Office or call 1-800-745-3000
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