Staten Island Advance, silive.com
Rachel Shapiro April 17, 2015
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Republican and Democratic candidates for the special election on May 5 each garnered additional endorsements recently in their bid for the empty seat formerly held by Michael Grimm.
Councilman Vincent Gentile received the endorsement of the Italian American Democratic Leadership Council.
“Vinnie Gentile epitomizes all the values of the Italian American community,” Chairman Arthur Gajarsa said. “We are proud to endorse a candidate who has the drive and passion to best serve the people of Brooklyn and Staten Island.”
Gentile’s family is from Calabria, Italy, he was born and raised in Bay Ridge, where he still lives.
Each year, Gentile represents the New York City Council’s Italian American Caucus at the Consulate General of Italy’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. Last year, he was chosen as grand marshal of Brooklyn’s annual Columbus Day Parade.
“I’m grateful to receive the strong endorsement of the Italian American Democratic Leadership Council,” Gentile said. “My Italian heritage has always been my true north; it’s something I have always been very, very proud of. The connection to my Italian ancestors who passed on such a deep focus on faith and family has always been my guiding light and a very important part of my life.”
District Attorney Daniel Donovan got the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association of the NYS Troopers, New York City Fire Marshals Benevolent Association and New York City District Council of Carpenters.
“Dan Donovan has proven his commitment to the community, New York State and the entire country through his involvement in public service,” said Dan Sisto, second vice president of the Police Benevolent Association of the NYS Troopers. “He will bring his strong work ethic and commitment to do what’s right to Congress. The challenges facing members of law enforcement are greater than ever before, and we need individuals like Dan in leadership positions to help us better serve the residents of New York State.”
William Kregler, president of the New York City Fire Marshals Benevolent Association, said, “Dan has done an outstanding job of maintaining a high quality of life on Staten Island as district attorney. Dan will continue that work ethic as congressman, and the good people of Brooklyn will soon enjoy the same representation as their Staten Island neighbors.”
Joseph Geiger, the executive secretary-treasurer of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, said, “Dan Donovan grew up in a labor household and understands the needs of the working class. He has a strong record of serving the Staten Island community, including many of our members. We know he will continue to be an advocate for issues like worker’s rights and responsible development in Congress. Dan is exactly the kind of independent leader we need in Washington, and we are proud to endorse him.”