The 23rd District includes Bellerose, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Queens Village and parts of Bayside and Fresh Meadows.
Weprin decided to run for the seat because he believes he can do more in City Hall than in Albany, especially in the fields of education and senior issues.
“I will first work on transitioning into the City Council,” he said. “I am a parent advocate and I will also set up a co-op and condo task force to protect the unique needs of owners, both tax wise and other issues.”
The father of three said he looks forward to being home more now that he won’t have to commute to Albany. “I told my wife, be careful what you wish for,” he said.
Weprin plans to be a “forceful advocate” for seniors in these tough economic times. “I am really looking forward to this job and I will have a first-class constituent office as I now have in my Assembly office,” Weprin added.
He acknowledged that “everything is a little more intense in New York City. I’m hoping the good outweighs the bad” and promises to be “the best advocate for the community.”
Weprin cornered the endorsements in the campaign. He was supported by all major Democratic officials, plus the United Federation of Teachers, numerous unions including DC 37, Communication Workers of America and the Police Benevolent Association, plus the Working Families and Independence parties
Friedrich was supported by state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) and the Corrections Captains Association.
The assemblyman raised $139,395. compared to Friedrich’s $59,828.
Weprin began his career as a public relations account executive before working for Mayor Ed Koch as an aide. After law school, he joined a legal firm in Manhattan. The candidate was first elected to finish the term of his late father, Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin, in 1994.
Because of the Assembly vacancy created by his city win, Weprin said the governor will have to call a special election, probably in February or March. He believes many people are interested in running for the position, including possibly his brother. “My brother is still analyzing the results and looking at his options,” Weprin said.
Another potential candidate is Friedrich, who said on Wednesday: “I would welcome the opportunity to bring my brand of civic leadership and advocacy to the state Legislature.There are many local issues that begin in Albany and advocating for our community is what I do best, and I have been doing it for two decades as a volunteer.”
He has vowed to maintain his “civic leadership grassroots campaign” on issues affecting the community and “continue a constructive dialogue with elected officials to address them and as always offer solutions to fix them.”
In nearby District 24, incumbent Councilman James Gennaro (D-Jamaica Estates) ran unopposed.
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