Former NY Congressional candidate Frank Spotorno endorsed Mazi Pilip for Congress in the special election on Feb. 13 in NY -district 3, which includes parts of Queens NY and Nassau County. Spotorno ran for Congress in 2016 in some of the same Queens neighborhoods that Mazi is running in today, and realizes the importance of electing Mazi to address the critical issues facing the district and the country.
“As the owner of an elevator manufacturing company in Astoria, in 2016 I ran for Congress to talk about jobs and the need to bring our jobs home from China.
“Last year, I opened a Café in Astoria because I wanted to continue to be a part of this great community and neighborhood. I have followed the special election for Congress to represent this district and support the election of Mazi Philip on February 13.
“While we still need to bring our manufacturing jobs back to the USA, New Yorkers are dealing with a migrant crisis that is out of control. I see it everyday on the streets of Astoria and throughout Queens. It has become a dangerous situation for me as a small business owner and for the residents.
“I have listened to both candidates on the issue of immigration. I do not believe Mazi’s opponent, Tom Suozzi, nor do I know what his true position is on immigration. He proudly stated that “I kicked ICE out of Nassau County,” a few years ago. Now he is singing a different tune because the people of the district need help to control the migrant issue on their streets.
“I also do not believe that migrants should be given any benefit that many Americans don’t have. We have homeless New Yorkers, men, women and families on our streets. Many of them are Veterans; some with mental illness. In 2022, 14.3% of New Yorkers lived below the poverty line. Providing EBT cards to migrants will only encourage more migrants to illegally enter our country.
“Mazi Philip does not support the current program of giving debit cards to migrants and their families, without helping our fellow Americans who are on the street and also need help and assistance.
“Mazi will also support bringing back the SALT (State and Local Tax) Exemption for New York homeowners, which would allow them to deduct their local property taxes once again up to $10,000 per year.
“This deduction was taken away a few years ago, and Mazi understands the importance of giving that tax deduction to homeowners in Nassau County and Queens, and the other suburban communities of New York State, who pay among the highest property taxes in the country.
“Finally, I believe we need a new person to represent us in Washington. Tom Suozzi has been there before and is a career politician. Mazi Philip would help bring a new perspective to Washington and would show the country that the republican party is a diverse party. I appreciate the fact that Mazi Philip is a perfect example of the American Dream. Her family came here from Ethiopia to work hard and give her an opportunity for greatness.
“Vote for Mazi Philip to help save our country,” said Spotorno.
