While somewhat surprising Republican victories occured in Queens on Tuesday, many take for granted the races for the two seats currently held by Republicans on Staten Island. Fortunately for all Urban Elephants, both James Oddo and Vincent Ignizio pulled off decisive victories again. Here's the coverage from the Staten Island Advance...
"Today was an unbelievable day, an unbelievable victory for us all," Ignizio said of the wins for himself, Oddo and Borough President James Molinaro. "It was about the successes that we've had on Staten Island and the promises that this team, for four more years, will continue."
Ignizio defeated newcomer Janine Materna, a Democrat, by earning 66 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results released last night.
Oddo sailed to an even stronger win, with unofficial results showing that he had 75 percent of the vote, defeating newcomer Democrat James Pocchia.
...the story continues and brings up an interesting topic for discussion: who will be the next minority leader?...
Results as of last night showed three Republicans were elected to the City Council in Queens, raising the question as to whether Oddo would continue to be the minority leader. Oddo said last night he was confident he would maintain his position.
...Mr. Oddo has earned the reputation as a fighter for principle on the Council and has clashed with the Mayor in the past on issues that have affected his County's constituents and struggling middle-class residents Citywide. But with three members out of five now coming from Queens County, the longtime leader may have a more difficult time keeping his leadership coalition together...
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written by Jay Golub , November 05, 2009
"Mr. Oddo has earned the reputation as a fighter for principle on the Council and has clashed with the Mayor in the past on issues that have affected his County's constituents and struggling middle-class residents Citywide."
I agree with those sentiments, Danny. And even-though, as a Queens resident, I may want to see our guys promoted accordingly, I think Jimmy has earned to keep his role and, with three more votes on his side, we should work with him to help make the most of our growing minority crew of councilman...
written by Daniel Peterson , November 05, 2009
I was under the original impression that the three winners in Queens would be Ulrich, Halloran and Ognibene. And if Ognibene had returned, I'm sure he'd make a bid to be the next minority leader. I'm sure if he won and there were 4 Queens seats, he would've sealed the deal.
Now, I'm not sure if there is much of a play here. The only elected Queens councilman who has longer service than the other two is Ulrich. I'm not sure if he would be able to make a play for the seat.
Koo and Halloran are new and I'd see if, perhaps if one were previously an Assemblyman or something, they would have the pull to make a play.
Oddo is a very down-to-earth leader. I'm sure he has the ability to secure the leadership again. But it'll be interesting to know how our Republican friends in the council will work this through.
Of course, if Jimmy challenges them all to a homerun derby, he'd win hands down.
written by Daniel Peterson , November 08, 2009
Perhaps my question made some bloggers to inquire.
Liz at Daily News http://www.nydailynews.com/blo...chall.html wrote about the Leadership of the Republican Party in the City Council.
Of course there would be discussion and inquiry.
I have a strong belief that we will be very impressed with our new five-seat body in this city council. And in 2013, we will win these five seats back and take on a few more. Maybe even one in the Bronx and one in Manhattan.
written by osher g. , November 08, 2009
Oddo has done a fairly good job as minority leader, but he has already served two terms and I think it's time to pass the reigns on to the next guy. Don't forget, if not for the extension of term limits there would have to be a new leader anyway.
I think it would be nice to have a republican leader from Queens. Maybe that would help get rid of the perception that most New Yorkers have that all republicans are from Staten Island. Who knows...
written by Daniel Peterson , November 09, 2009
I have not objection to Oddo being leader and the reason being that he has served and has some kind of collateral within the council. Eric, Peter and Dan have time to develop a base and perhaps after the 2013 election, one of them will be the next minority leader.
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