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Quaglione is off and running

March 12, 2013 Helen Klein

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by Helen Klein

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A longtime Republican operative has officially declared his candidacy for City Council.

John Quaglione, deputy chief of staff to State Senator Marty Golden, kicked off his campaign to replace City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, a Democrat, during a fundraiser on Monday, March 11 at Vicolo, at 86^th Street and Third Avenue.

Quaglione, flanked by wife Kerry and their infant daughter, Natalie, told a room filled with supporters that he decided to run because he is, Committed to the quality-of-life in this community. Its time for us all to do better. Its time that each of us and all of us together make this the corner of the city that we all want it to be.

Ive already received two key endorsements, Quaglione added, My wife, Kerry, and my daughter, Natalie. We are doing this together for each of us and all of us.

Quaglione said that he has a deep-seated desire to serve the public dating back to when he was a teenager, and cited his involvement as a parishioner with St. Anselms, as a member of the Knights of Columbus and with the BRAVO Youth Squad as examples of his long-standing community activism.

And, he told cheering supporters that he would work to change the citys culture of raising taxes and fees, year after year, while also taking aim at such problems as overflowing trash (by securing added pickups along the commercial strips), graffiti and over-enthusiastic ticket agents.

About Gentile, he charged, We have witnessed a decline in the quality-of-life under his watch. And Quaglione said that, despite Gentiles vote against extending term limits, The councilman is now running for a third term.

Johns not doing this for any love of power, noted Tim Cochrane, who introduced him at the event. Hes doing this because of an incredible love of family. He loves his church and he loves his neighborhood. This is a guy who gets things done not by bullying but by wisdom.

Quaglione will likely have to face another Republican, Andy Sullivan, in a primary, before earning his shot at the longtime incumbent.