Avella Will Take on Padavan

By Mike Connery on 04/05/2010 @ 04:30 PM

Tags: Frank Padavan, Tony Avella, SD-11, Reform Albany

Former city council member and mayoral candidate Tony Avella has announced that he will challenge Frank Padavan for control of New York's 11th Senate District in Queens.

“While I may not have always done what’s popular, I have always tried to do what’s right. It’s time we elect a State Senator who will look out for the interests of Queens families,” Avella said. He took the opportunity to point the finger at his opponent. “Frank Padavan has been part of the problem in Albany for 38 years. What we need now is a Senator who wants to be part of the solution. If elected, I’ll change the way Albany does business.”

Avella was flanked by other prominent Queens Democrats, including Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), who gave Avella their endorsement.

Avella, who represented the Bayside, Douglaston, Whitestone, College Point and North Flushing council district now represented by Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) from 2002-2009, first hinted at a potential challenge to Padavan in early December. Avella, known to be more conservative than most city Democrats, came out in support of same-sex marriage that same month after the State Senate rejected a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York State. Padavan joined all 30 Republicans in the chamber in voting “no” on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Avella took more steps toward a run in February.

Padavan squeaked back into office last term by the narrowest of margins, beating out Jim Gennaro by just a few hundred votes. Padavan is on the ropes, and Avella could be one of our best shots at picking up an extra seat this cycle.

Here's more on Avella's announcement from the local press:

• Queens Tribune: Avella Sets Sites on Padavan, State Senate
• Queens Courrier: Avella to Challenge Padavan for Senate
• Village Voice: Tony Avella Will Challenge Frank Padavan in State Senate Race
• Your Nabe: Avella Kicks Off Challenge to Padavan for Senate Seat
• City Hall News: The Recalibration of Tony Avella

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