Curtis Sliwa blitzes Queens with fundraising stops, vows to struggle for outer boroughs
Photograph by Robert Pearl
In per week marked by grit, power, and unmistakable outer-borough satisfaction, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa introduced his marketing campaign straight to the neighborhoods he says have been ignored for too lengthy.
With three fundraisers in Queens — in Maspeth, Howard Seashore, and Whitestone — Sliwa energized loyal supporters, drew new backers, and despatched a transparent message: his marketing campaign isn’t powered by social gathering elites or large donors in Manhattan, however by the folks of the outerboroughs.
Whereas distinguished Democrats jockey for place in a crowded and costly major area, Sliwa, dealing with no major opponent, is quietly and steadily elevating funds to qualify for the town’s matching funds program. “I’m keeping my powder dry,” he advised supporters. “They can blow millions tearing each other apart. I’m building a movement with small donations and big hearts. The outer boroughs are rising.”
Photograph by Robert Pearl
In Maspeth, longtime resident and civic chief Alicia Vaichunas hosted a fundraiser on the Clinton Hill Palace, the place Sliwa was greeted by a robust native crowd, which additionally included Queens GOP Chairman Tony Nunziato. Not solely Vaichunas, Deputy Chief of Employees to outgoing NYC councilman Bob Holden and Republican NYC council candidate to interchange him, but in addition in attendance, her Democrat opponent Phil Wong, who additionally works for Holden as Constituent Providers & Finances Director. Holden heads up Democrats for Sliwa as a part of his marketing campaign contingent.
The night took an sudden flip when a fireplace erupted throughout the road — sparked, he mentioned, by an unlawful RV the place squatters had jury-rigged {an electrical} setup. The blaze rapidly unfold to the location of the previous GoodFellas Diner.
“We cannot have RVs lining our streets and people living in them full time. It’s dangerous. This fire could’ve taken lives,” Sliwa advised attendees, utilizing the incident to highlight what he calls a breakdown of primary metropolis enforcement. “When I’m mayor, I’ll make sure the law is enforced and quality of life is restored. No more RV encampments. No more chaos.”
He spoke passionately about his deep roots within the metropolis, his years of service with the Guardian Angels, and the neglect he says working-class neighborhoods have suffered below Democratic administrations. “I’ve been in all 350 neighborhoods of this city. These other candidates don’t even know there are that many. I’m out there every day — on the subways, on the streets, listening to real people, not donors in corner offices.”
Photograph by Robert Pearl
Two nights later in Howard Seashore, Sliwa was joined by radio powerhouse Sid Rosenberg at a personal gathering hosted by Jennifer DiLandro, CEO of Dolce Aesthetics. Rosenberg, a longtime good friend and colleague, launched Sliwa with typical aptitude. “This man is battle-tested,” he mentioned. “He’s already the most popular candidate, but he needs the resources to compete with these animals who’ve got millions. Let’s give Curtis a chance to win — and save this city.”
Sliwa echoed that theme. “This isn’t about politics as usual. I’m not bought and paid for. I’ve been fighting for this city for nearly 50 years. And I’m the only one talking about the things that matter: crime, housing, quality of life, and the survival of our neighborhoods.”
He railed in opposition to the controversial Metropolis of Sure initiative, lithium-ion battery warehouse initiatives being constructed close to colleges, and the sheltering of migrants in residential communities — points which have sparked outrage in neighborhoods like Howard Seashore. “Enough is enough,” he mentioned. “They dump everything on us — shelters, [lithium-ion battery] warehouses, chaos. That ends on Day One. We’re taking our city back.”
Photograph by Robert Pearl
The ultimate cease within the Queens fundraising swing got here in Whitestone, the place Councilwoman Vickie Paladino hosted a boisterous crowd on the Whitestone Republican Membership. Greater than 200 folks turned out in help of Sliwa, packing the venue with applause, cheers, and shared conviction, displaying that the individuals are able to take again New York Metropolis.
“Curtis has never abandoned us,” Paladino mentioned. “He has shown up for us again and again. It’s time we show up for him.”
Photograph by Robert Pearl
Sliwa, clearly moved by the turnout, referred to as it “an incredible night in Whitestone” and praised Paladino and the neighborhood for his or her ardour. “We’re building real momentum. We’re going to fix this city and make it work for everyone — not just the rich, not just the insiders. This is a campaign fueled by people power.” “While all the other candidates are up in the suites at a $1,000 per plate fundraiser, I’m in the streets listening to the ordinary every day New Yorkers,” he continued.
Whereas others chase headlines and endorsements, Sliwa is betting on the boroughs. “They ignore us until they want our vote. I’ve never stopped showing up. When I become mayor, it won’t just be a win for me — it’ll be a win for every block, every borough, and every New Yorker who’s tired of being forgotten.”
