Independence Party endorses Quaglione for council

April 11, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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John Quaglione, the Republican running for the City Council seat representing Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst, has picked up the endorsement of the New York State Independence Party in his quest to unseat popular incumbent Democrat Vincent Gentile.

Robert Pilnick, a member of the party’s executive committee, announced the endorsement at a press conference on the sidewalk outside the New Utrecht Reformed Church in Bensonhurst on April 10. “He has always strived to be involved in the community,” he said of Quaglione. “He has what it takes to be very effective for this community,” he said.

At the press conference, Quaglione was also joined by Kings County Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar, who announced that his party was endorsing the candidate. “John brings to this race several important elements that will make him an outstanding councilman; an extensive knowledge of the community and its concerns, an understanding of the bigger issues effecting the city as a whole, and a philosophy on governing that will bring about solutions,” Kassar said.

“We know what he stands in terms of the issues; tax cuts, economic development, and neighborhood. He is an incredibly electable candidate,” Kassar said.

“I welcome the support of the Conservative and Independence parties, and am ready to embark on an opportunity to form a coalition to elect new City Council leadership here in our community,” Quaglione said. “I can honestly say that over the years in public service, I have done much of the work of a city councilmember,” added Quaglione, deputy chief of staff to state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-southern Brooklyn).

Quaglione is running against fellow Republican Andy Sullivan in the GOP Primary. The winner will receive the party’s endorsement. The Conservative and Independence party endorsements mean that Quaglione’s name will be on the ballot in the November general election, despite what happens in the Republican Primary.