The Kings County Conservative Party held its 62nd Annual Fall Reception on Oct. 30, celebrating dedication and service within its ranks while rallying support for conservative candidates in the upcoming elections.
Held at Siroco’s on 13th Avenue, the event brought together numerous elected officials and candidates, making it one of the party’s most significant gatherings in recent years.
The evening’s highlights included the presentation of two prestigious awards to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to the party and its values. Chair Frances Vella-Marrone took the podium to deliver the James Gay Award to the Honorable John Ingram, recognizing his steadfast dedication to conservative principles and public service.
As Vella-Marrone described, Ingram’s career reflects a lifetime of dedication to the judiciary and public service, tracing his roots from humble beginnings in Manhattan and Queens to his current residence in Breezy Point. Ingram, a retired Supreme Court justice, has served in numerous judicial capacities, including as an acting surrogate in Kings County and a key figure in election law cases, which Vella-Marrone noted are “near and dear to our hearts here.”
Reflecting on his journey, Ingram shared a few heartfelt anecdotes, recalling his transition from a lifelong Democrat to a committed conservative, inspired by the late Mike Long, former Chair of the New York State Conservative Party.
“I did not leave the Democratic party; like Ronald Reagan said, they left me,” Ingram remarked, drawing applause from the audience. He also spoke passionately about his belief in a robust justice system that “works for all of us.”
He praised New York City police officers for their dedication amidst a challenging political landscape. His remarks included a rallying call to vote in support of conservative values to combat recent changes in state policy that he believes weaken law enforcement and public safety.
The reception continued with the presentation of the Alice Gaffney Award, awarded by secret ballot, to Executive Committee member Hedy Sigismondi. Known for her tireless work within the Conservative Party, Sigismondi was visibly moved as she accepted the award, humbly expressing her gratitude.
“I’m never at a loss for words,” she said, a bit teary-eyed, “but tonight, all I want to do is say thank you. It’s an honor to be part of this great party, and I love all of you.”
Sigismondi’s contributions span many years, often working behind the scenes to support events, campaigns, and party functions. Her fellow members noted her dedication, describing her as the “heart of the party.”
The room was filled with prominent Conservative and Republican figures, with a turnout that party leaders described as one of the largest in recent history. Attendees included U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, State GOP Chair Gerard Kassar, Brooklyn GOP Chair Richard Barsamian, Assembly Members Lester Chang, Michael Novakhov, Jaime Williams, and Simcha Eichenstein, as well as City Council Members Inna Vernikov, David Carr, and Kalman Yeger. Also in attendance were State Senator Simcha Felder and candidates Tom Sullivan (for State Assembly), Vito LaBella, Steve Chan (for State Senate), Paul Briscoe (for Congress), David Sepiashvili, former Senator Marty Golden, and former Council Member Ari Kagan.
Throughout the evening, Vella-Marrone and other leaders emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, with a particular focus on expanding conservative representation.
“We have the most elected officials [in Brooklyn] we’ve ever had since 1974,” Vella-Marrone proudly announced, “and next year, we’re determined to break that record.” She urged attendees to support the candidates present, emphasizing the significance of every vote.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees echoed calls for unity and mobilization within the conservative community. “If you don’t vote, you don’t count,” Vella-Marrone concluded, encouraging everyone to get out and make their voices heard on Election Day.
