Bay Ridge G.O.P. lawmaker wins U.F.T. endorsement

October 2, 2012 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Saying that Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge-Staten Island) “shares the U.F.T.’s commitment to providing kids with a world-class education,” teachers’ union president Michael Mulgrew endorsed the freshman lawmaker in her bid for a second term in office.

The endorsement announcement by the United Federation of Teachers took place on Sept. 27 in front of P.S. 53, the Staten Island public school Malliotakis attended as a child.

“Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis understands that our city’s students are the leaders of tomorrow and that our teachers are entrusted with preparing them for future success,” Mulgrew said. “New York’s children deserve access to the highest quality of education in a safe, nurturing environment. Assemblywoman Malliotakis shares the UFT’s commitment to providing kids with a world-class education from world-class teachers and we are proud to support her for re-election,” he said.

The U.F.T., representing 200,000 members working in the New York City public school system, is the largest teacher’s union in the country.

Malliotakis is running for a second term in the assembly. Her opponent in the Nov. 6 election is John Mancuso, owner of Silvestro’s Deli and Catering on Staten Island. Mancuso served as chief of staff to Vincent Gentile when Gentile was a state senator whose district went from Bay Ridge to Staten Island. Mancuso is also the captain of the auxiliary police in the 122^nd Precinct.

The 64^th Assembly District, which Malliotakis represents and Mancuso would like to represent, takes in a portion of Bay Ridge, but is concentrated mainly on Staten Island.

Mulgrew said his union is backing Malliotakis for re-election because of her support of numerous educational priorities that the union believes are critical to the success of the city’s students and teachers.

Malliotakis voted to increase funding for city schools by $292 million, supported a moratorium on local school closings, and opposed legislation that would allow the co-location of schools. She has fought to save after- school programs in local schools and to and restore yellow bus service for studentsâ.

The assemblywoman said she was thrilled with the U.F.T. endorsement and pledged to continue to work to improve education in the city.

“If New York is going to usher our nation’s economy into a new era of prosperity, we need to equip our children with the knowledge and experience necessary to lead as innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Malliotakis.
“As a proud graduate of New York City’s public school system, I want to see all children have access to the same opportunities and high-quality education as I did. In the assembly, I will continue working to supply our students and teachers with the resources they need to succeed,” Malliotakis said.

Malliotakis, who has also been endorsed by the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (C.S.A.) and New York State Unified Teachers (N.Y.S.U.T.), is a graduate of P.S. 53, Intermediate School 24, and New Dorp High School.