Hey Corey Bearak Ethics Reform Should Start at the Beginning

Hey Corey Bearak Ethics reform Should Start at the Beginning

I recently was invited to attend the Queens Civic Congress annual event to meet and greet the Legislators of our great Borough. Now I really don’t know too much about this organization so I decided to Google and do a web search and I was shocked what I found.

Corey Bearak the President of the Queens Civic Congress is a registered Lobbyist and Political Consultant! Joe Bruno gets indicted for using his influence, Corey’s old boss Sheldon Leffler gets sent to jail abusing his Power, Assembly Members Seminerio and McLaughlin both will spend time in jail for their transgressions, and yet a community leader can use his Political clout and his community position to make a ton of money and to pad his pockets.

Now Corey is rumored to be running the election of David Weprin for State Assembly. Isn’t this a conflict? How can he purport to be a “Volunteer for the Community” as he gets paid by campaigns and Lobbies Legislators and uses his Community business card to garner entry and influence?

Yes we need to reform Albany Right Away! But we also need to reform “Civic Politics” where the corruption starts.

http://nyc.gov/lobbyistsearch/search?lobbyist=Corey+B.+Bearak

Corey B. Bearak Biography of Political Service: A professional Hack

Government & Public Affairs Counselor Attorney-At-Law

Consulting Services
Public Policy and Government Affairs
Political Consulting and Strategic Campaign Management
Media and Public Affairs Political Lobbyist

Corey Bearak provides strategic consulting services for public officials, government and community agencies, unions, institutions, private firms, individuals, and political candidates, and manages non-clinical operations of a human services agency

Corey was named Legislative Counsel to then-Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer in 1999, where he developed issues and new policy initiatives, counseled the Borough President on legislation and served as a legal, media and policy advisor. Through April 2003, Corey served Mr. Ferrer's successor, Adolfo Carrion Jr., as Director of Planning, Policy and Budget. Before heading to the Bronx, Corey served more than 16 years as Counsel/Chief of Staff to a northeast Queens City Council Member who chaired the Public Safety Committee and previously the Committee on Environmental Protection. From June 2003 through May 2005, he authored a weekly column on public policy, The Public Ought to Know. Corey also served as an Assistant to then-Secretary of State Mario Cuomo and in the Office of Bronx District Attorney Mario Merola.

Liu and Koo at Fundraiser Signals New Generation Of Leaders Who Put Community First

Councilman Elect Peter Koo hosted a fundraiser just a few days ago to apparently assist in paying down debt from his successful campaign. The turnout was quite impressive, I attended as a guest of a prominent Korean leader who was a full pledged Koo fan, he is unaware of my private life as a blogger.

Well it is true Koo always stated "This is not about Republican or Democrat but Leadership and Experience" His fundraiser showed that to be true. Leaders from all Parties flocked through the door enthusiastically showing Koo's broad appeal. Senator Frank Padavan, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, Former Senator Serf Maltese, Democratic Council Candidate Isaac Sasson, Mike Niebauer Independence party Chairman, Former Republican Council Members not sure but I think Tom Ognibene, Former Assemblyman Jimmy Meng, Democratic leader Terence Park, Vince Tabone Executive Vice Chairman of the Queens GOP.

The list goes on, but perhaps even more impressive was the racial and religious and political diversity of the 350 attendees. Democrats sitting with Republicans Jews sitting with Hindus and Catholics. Chinese with Koreans, Whites with Hispanics and Blacks sitting with Indians.

The fundraiser proved one thing to me Peter Koo is a Uniter and if this is an example of how he is to govern we are in good shape!

Dan Halloran Tries to Make Peace

Say what you may about:

Councilman Dan Halloran

Is he Wild? Outspoken? Crazy? Pompous? Smart?

Ambitious? Hardworking? Capable? Arrogant?

Yes to all!

Clearly, Dan Halloran is quite a character but we at Save Flushing Queens believe he may be the one leader who may surpass all of our expectations. He has to calm down and stop defending his religion and defend his community with the same vigor (all of his community including Korean Americans).


Halloran is bright, has a grasp of the issues, has a high level of energy and is battle tested. He can step in at City Hall and make a difference, so long as he does not fall into the political trap of thinking City Hall is there to serve him rather than he serving his community at City Hall.


He may be the guiding light that his community has been looking for having had 8 years of self serving ineffective leadership under Tony Avella.


I for one am hoping that Dan will be the Man.

Yen Chou Spends Most and Still a Loser

Well the latest numbers are in and Yen Chou spent a remarkable $516,319 to try and get elected in a district that is near 5 to 1 Democrat to Republican and she losses! This has to be one of the worst showings in Political History.

Chou navigated her way through a crowded Democratic Primary field and escaping with a narrow win over SJ Jung a man who moved into Flushing 2 months before the petition period started (And has since moved again clearly for Political purposes).

Yen was criticized for her lack of Civic involvement, her failure to vote in an Election for 10 years, and her horrific attendance record as a member of the Community Education Council.

This race restores many peoples faith in government where money seems to buy election as evidenced by Mayor Bloomberg.

We as a community have to stand up to those empty suits who try to buy government and choose those who are right for the job.

Let this be a lesson for all those the electorate has awoken.

PS: We put this Poster Picture up just in case you missed it! After all it was everywhere and probably the reason she lost!

Grace Meng Announces Re-Election

Politics in Flushing is always a step ahead then the Politics of the City. You have the Asian Media who are relentless in covering their Politicians as evidenced by the recent race for the New York City Council. Political pundits are questioning the press conference of Assembly Member Grace Meng who went out of her way to announce she is seeking Re-election. Why? Everyone seems to like Grace and she is an active Assembly Member. Clearly she is more than the odds on favorite she is the eventual winner. So why the early announcement?

Does she expect a challenge from Yen Chou? She should only pray that Yen is her opponent Grace would get 75% of the Vote.

Does she expect a challenge from SJ Jung? Maybe, but again Grace would clearly be the victor.

Grace keep up your fine work as an Assembly Member and realize you will win, because people appreciate a devoted public servant who is honorable.

A Happy Thanksgiving to All.... God Bless

Happy Thanksgiving To All Bless You

I must admit I watched the entire Giant game last night and I was thinking there was not much to be Thankful for then as I opened my mail. I received a letter from Peter Koo asking my opinion on the issues of concern to the community. Imagine an Elected Official reaching out -- not for money, not for a vote but asking me what I thought!

I believe we will be in good hands for the next 4 years. Peter remember we here at Save Flushing Queens will be a hard group as we look for a better place to live. The issue you will have to address is Over development, Taxes, and the Economy.



I will write you at the Flushing Mall!

Peter Koo Congratulations and Good Luck

The 1980 Men’s Olympic Hockey team will forever be known as “The Miracle on Ice” and the 2009 Flushing City Council race will be forever known as the “Koo Miracle Election” This is not said to disparage Peter Koo on the contrary it is intended to pay him the greatest of compliments.

With an enrollment disadvantage of five Democrats to each one Republican, no one gave Peter Koo a chance. We here at Save Flushing Queens, made a decision after the primary to support Mr. Koo, because he is a man of honor and conviction and the decision was correct. We are proud of our decision and frankly the community will be proud that they stood up for change and rejected a candidate who was an empty “Red” suit.

Since the Election things have been quiet, everyone is back to their day to day lives, the annoying phone calls have stopped, the ugly proliferation of Posters has ceased. Peter Koo has begun his graceful Transition. He is attending Civic Associations, Senior Centers, Churches, and has avoided the nonsense of boring insignificant press conferences as he prepares to represent us in the City Council.

We should all work to support Peter and offer guidance and assistance as he begins the new stage in his community service as our Council Member.

Good Luck Peter.