Former state Sen. Serf Maltese, left, endorsed Republican candidate Craig Caruana in his campaign for the 30th Council District. Photo Courtesy Craig Caruana’s Campaign
As Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) and Republican candidate Craig Caruana sprint toward the finish line that is the Nov. 5 general election, both are a flurry of activity, from knocking on doors to curry support to announcing the most recent round of endorsements for their bids for office.
Crowley’s campaign issued a statement this week saying Gov. Andrew Cuomo has thrown his support behind her bid for re-election, while Caruana announced that former Republican state Sen. Serf Maltese is green-lighting his run.
“Elizabeth Crowley is the fighter in City Hall that her constituents need,” Cuomo said in a prepared statement. “I am thrilled to endorse her for re-election. Whether it’s fighting to keep local firehouses open, or for the needs of working families, Elizabeth is always working hard for her district.”
Maltese, who represented the neighborhoods in the 30th Council District when he was in the state Senate, praised Caruana’s civic background in his endorsement.
“Craig is one of our own, born and raised in the district,” Maltese said in a prepared statement. “He has served on the board of several civic organizations. As a private citizen, he has participated in neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Gov. Cuomo threw his support behind Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley’s bid for re-election this week. Photo Courtesy Elizabeth Crowley’s Campaign
“As a veteran, I know Craig has the experience necessary to deliver results for our neighborhoods,” Maltese continued. “Craig has already worked in demanding environments, including serving as an aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the Pentagon and as a Naval Intelligence Analyst.”
Maltese goes on to say that, “we desperately need this type of leadership in the Council.
“Our police, schools, senior centers, and civic associations need a leader who will be our advocate in City Hall,” he said.
Both candidates said they were pleased with the endorsements. Crowley, who has also been endorsed by U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as a variety of other Democratic legislators, said she looks forward to working with Cuomo “and his office to continue to improve the lives of working class families.”
Caruana, meanwhile, said he will “live up to” Maltese’s expectations and “try to serve as well as he did for so many years.”
By Anna Gustafson
