Monserrate draws donations from Willets Point opponents
July 21, 2008 03:12PM By Adam Pincus
Hiram Monserrate
Businesses opposed to the massive redevelopment of Willets Point in Queens gave at least $37,500 in contributions over the past six months to the city council's most vocal critic of the project, according to the latest campaign finance records.
Queens Council Member Hiram Monserrate, a candidate for the state senate seat representing Corona, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and East Elmhurst, received another $19,250 from other real estate interests among his total of $240,114 in contributions since January.
Monserrate, a Democrat, is running in the November election unopposed for the seat now held by Democrat John Sabini, who announced his retirement in June.
Members of the Willets Point Industry and Realty Association, which has been fighting the plan to redevelop the area with the use of eminent domain, contributed the bulk of the $37,500.
Member firms that donated included Tully Construction Company, which gave $21,000 through several different entities; Feinstein Iron Works and its president, which gave $5,000 combined; and the trash hauling company Crown Container, which gave $3,000.
Other major donors to Monserrate's war chest include unions and private contributors.
Monserrate said he was defending small businesses against the Bloomberg administration's $3 billion redevelopment plan.
The Real Deal reserves the right to delete any comment it finds to be rude, obscene, racist, sexist, bigoted,
irrelevant or repetitive, as well as inappropriate comments about anyone's personal appearance. The Real Deal
does not endorse any comments posted on its Web site.
Comments
Nicky B
Interesting article! However I think you should see WHO funds The Parkside Group and Claire Schulman. That may be the REAL story. And while your at it, check the amounts of cash that Mayor Billionberg gives to EACH party and City Council members. The numbers are staggering!
Comment #1 Posted By: Nicky B 07/22/08
Thomas Mina
Your article about Mr. Monserrates accepting donations, while possibly correct, is only telling half the story. Political campaigns and self-interest contributions are as American as apple pie. Sad, but that is reality. And all the legislation to prevent it, never will eliminate it. However, in Mr. Monserrates case, he actually is FOR the project. His opposition to the Willets Point plan focuses only on the indiscriminate use of eminent domain. Yet you choose not to mention that little point.
Comment #2 Posted By: Thomas Mina 07/22/08
Jonny Sack
So tell me WPIRA members.. what do you hope to gain by funding over 15% of Monserrates campaign?.. especially when he is running unopposed.
Comment #3 Posted By: Jonny Sack 07/23/08