SHEEPSHEAD BAY — South Brooklyn’s Republican and Conservative leaders are joining forces to create a more powerful impact for elected representatives carrying their torch.

The Kings County Conservative Party (KCCP) held its annual American Heritage Reception on Aug. 1, honoring Congressmember Nicole Malliotakis (R-11) “for her long standing commitment to city, state, and country,” Fran Vella-Marrone, KCCP chair, said. 

The event took place at the Knights of Baron De Kalb before a crowd of approximately 100 and featured a number of political players in attendance, including Jerry Kassar, chair of the New York State Conservative Party; Richie Barsamian, chair of the Kings County Republican Party; Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny (R-46); Assemblymember Lester Chang (R-49); Councilmember Inna Vernikov (R-48); former State Sen. Marty Golden and several other elected officials.
The American Heritage Award is the Party’s most prestigious award, Vella-Marrone said, and recipients vary between political leaders and those who are active in supporting their community.
“We have a long and distinguished number of people that have received this award,” she noted, adding that previous winners included New York Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry and former Congressmember Lee Zeldin. 
The ceremony, which has been in effect for decades, also serves as a kickoff to campaign season, Vella-Marrone pointed out.

“We have to now go full throttle moving into November to elect Trump and the rest of our candidates going right down the line with Nicole,” said Vella-Marrone. “All of our local elected officials that we will be supporting in the state legislature as well.”   

Shared values  

Vella-Marrone pointed out that the KCCP has a strong and long association with the congressmember, and she is very proud to support her.

“The key factors that Nicole focuses on are all things we look for in a nominee,” Vella-Marrone said.  “The congressmember supports our values: low taxes, protection of the people through law enforcement, strong national defense and securing the borders.” 

Barsamian explained that his relationship with Malliotakis goes back to when she first entered the New York State Assembly.

“She was always the voice of reason and common sense, sought to protect her constituents and listened to the people,” Barsamian said. “The congressmember is a vital part of our Republican and conservative family.” 

Kassar called Malliotakis “aggressive, outspoken, smart and an outstanding conservative and major player in D.C. on conservative issues.” 

Fighting for the future 

Upon receiving her award, Malliotakis told her constituents that it was an honor to be recognized for the work she is doing.

“It’s fantastic to be here with like-minded patriots,” Malliotakis said. “People that love this country and who understand how important the battle we’re fighting is. It’s all about the future of this country, and my job is to preserve it for future generations.”  

Malliotakis pointed out that her message is resonating, “which is why we see more Republican and Conservative candidates being elected throughout the borough of Brooklyn.”

The congressmember reiterated her platform for the future as well. 

“My top issues are public safety, border security and lowering inflation,” Malliotakis said. 

Thoughts on the top of the ticket  

Malliotakis, as well as a number of other event guests, also spoke regarding their thoughts on the upcoming presidential race.  

“Right now is a very problematic time, where everything has gone wrong under the Biden administration,” Malliotakis said. “We have a wide-open border, streets that are not safe, an affordability crisis with inflation — the highest interest rates in two decades — in addition to higher gas prices. We are also involved in two wars that were created because our president showed weakness and bad foreign policy decisions.” 

Malliotakis explained that she is trying to restore national security, public safety, affordability and economic prosperity.

“We were in a much better position when Trump was in charge,” she said. “On the world stage, we were respected.”

“It’s all about policy,” Malliotakis continued. “It doesn’t matter if Biden or Harris was running. It’s a failed policy and a failed administration. I think New Yorkers see that, and the country sees that.”

Kassar pointed out that Trump is still holding the lead with many polls, including Nate Silver, which he considered significant.

“But what really matters is records,” Kassar said. “Harris has a record as a district attorney, as an attorney general, as a U.S. Senator and as a vice president — all of which is ultra-liberal and left wing. Trump has a record as a New Yorker, a president that was outstanding and many of his proposals were top-notch. Also, the world was safer, and the economy was better.” 

Vella-Marrone referred to the Biden administration as “a mess.” 

“It provided high crime, high unemployment, high inflation and overall bad results for people living in this country,” she said. “There is also the migrant crisis and the open border. I honestly feel if Trump sticks to the issues, we will win. The issues are on our side.” 

Barsamian said that people demand change, “and on Nov. 5, not only do I want our Republican incumbents to return to office throughout Brooklyn and throughout the state, but our ultimate goal is to see Trump go to The White House with a victory.”