Taking a break from debates and candidate forums, three comptroller candidates stopped by East River State Park to snack on hot dogs, drink some wine, and chat with residents about their concerns with managing the city’s budget.
Attending the affair, sponsored by Town Square, were Councilmembers David Yassky (D-Williamsburg), John Liu (D-Flushing), and David Weprin (D-Douglaston). Queens Councilmember Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills) was not able to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
It was a low-key, intimate affair, the kind where candidates seemed to know everyone’s names, or at least had run into them multiple times while on the campaign trail.
“I’m going to go with David, because of my past history working with David,” said Community Board 1 member and Williamsburg resident Mary Odomirok.
Town Square President Susan Anderson explained that the event was one of a regular Thursday Summer Starz series being held at the East River State Park (North 8th Street and Kent Avenue), which features movies, music performances and forums, including a 34th District candidates meet-and-greet planned for later this month.
“Town Square believes that our Forum Receptions differ from the debates in that these receptions offer individuals an informal opportunity to pose their own questions to the candidates on a one-on-one or small group setting,” said Town Square Executive Director Susan Anderson.“We hope that the Forum Receptions present a more personal and, hopefully, enjoyable way of learning about the candidates and their views.”