This is the first chance I had to offer some words on my behalf as to what I have been put through.No American should have to endure this treament for simply exercising one's right to run for office.
Where to begin? Let's start from the beginning with the school board. Those of us involved in this community were divided by lies, mistakes, secrets and simple not talking to one another. As a Community leader this deeply disturbed me. How do we fix this for ourselves and the greater community of Elmont? The call went into Assemblyman Tom Alfano's office for a solution to our problem. Scott Cushing acting as one ambassador and I the other. Our duty was to bring people together.
Calls went out, and to my surprise and sadness the people who I spoke to about this meeting were reluctant to meet. In fact they out right refused.
Happy to report that those of us who did speak or meet now have a mutual repect and understanding for each other. We call, we meet, we discuss, we disagree at times, but we all work together for the betterment of Elmont.
Fast Forward today and the election or primary of the 21 st. Assembly District. Why are many community leaders angry or hurt? We felt betrayed by Senator Johnsons office for not speaking to us, by picking someone secretly. This is not about me, this is about everyone who works and gives so much to Elmont. I personally felt, as do many, that both the Republican choice and Democrat choice to represent us in Albany is bad. However, since I am a registered Democrat I can not do anything except run against the Republican pick in November.
Here's where the problem begins. Since a member of Senator Johnson's office already picked MIMI without any input from Elmont my only recourse was to challenge MIMI in a primary. Now mind you there were talks with other community leaders about this. Any one of the many community leaders could have been picked, but many had other commitments, so it came down to me. I has glad at the time to do what is our given right, to run in a primary. Never in my wildest dream did I ever feel that the Democrats or Senator Johnson would try to crush me and stop me. What is wrong with a primary? Let the people pick instead of the party. Let there be open and fair elections for anyone to run and express their opinion, let the people decide.
Just to let everyone know, if it wasn't for Mr. Phillips and Elmont.org my right to run would have ended and my name would have been tarnished with lies. As all of you are aware Mr. Phillips attended a press conference in which papers were handed out to all the media. Also Mr. Phillips attended the court hearings and reported back true and accurate accounting of events.
Had the Republicans did the same by picking someone from Elmont without our input the same outrage would have occured. This is about respect for everyone in Elmont, a respect and courtesy that was never given by Senator Johnson's office to Elmont. Don't we have a right to disagree without being attacked? Don't we deserve respect and truth? Do we not have a right to challenge?
Patrick Nicolosi
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