NYPD Lieutenant Announces For Council Seat

DiResto with some of his supporters after his announcement for the seat left vacant by the election of Joseph Addabbo to the state Senate. Rockaway resident Glenn DiResto has announced his candidacy for City Council District 32, in the February 2009 Special Election.

This election is to fill the seat of Councilmember Joseph Addabbo Jr., who was recently elected to the state Senate. DiResto is looking to bring positive change for all residents in our community. He was born and raised here in the Rockaways. He recently retired as a lieutenant from the New York City Police Department and holds a bachelor's degree in Management from St. Joseph's College. DiResto is looking to bring his years of experience in public service to the City Council. "I spent years serving the people of this great city, now I would like the opportunity to not only serve the people of this city, but also serve the residents of the community I love," he said.

DiResto says he understands the problems that face our city and community. He wants to work with community leaders and residents, as well as city, state and federal officials, to resolve issues that are important to the future of our neighborhood. He will look to bring a new direction here in our community. DiResto said, "There is too much red tape and political favors, that's why nothing gets done. I played in the abandoned court house as a child over 30 years ago and it is still empty. The Neponsit Nursing Home is still vacant after a decade; we have no restaurants or concessions on our beaches and little economic growth. It is time for our community to cease being the dumping ground of the city and emerge as a destination for families to come and raise children."

DiResto said that he will work hard on issues that are important to the Rockaways and Broad Channel. He believes that he understands we have different needs compared to other neighborhoods. He states that we are at a crucial point and time in our community and he has vision for what could be. "Where is the high-speed ferry service we were promised? What is going to happen to the Nation Grid site once it is cleaned? What is going to happen with the revitalization of Beach 116 Street? Where is the infrastructure to accommodate all the new residents?" DiResto will look to work on these important issues as well as issues related to schools, police service, transportation, economic policy and development.

The former police officer believes his vision for our community, coupled with his experiences with the Police Department, will appeal to the voters. "I have strong roots in the community and take great pride in being a resident of Rockaway. I also take great pride in having served the people of this city as a member of the Police Department. As a retired member of the Police Department, I understand better than other candidates the problems that average New Yorkers face. In fact, many members of the Police Department have gone on to elected office and they have been effective elected officials."

Other candidates have been planning on running for this position for years, he says.

"It is not going to be easy, since I am considered a political outsider. However, our recent elections show that people are sick and tired of politics as usual and want real change." With the support of the community, DiResto believes he can bring that positive change to our city and our community.

To contact Glenn DiResto's campaign you can call 718-318-8188 or e-mail ElectDiResto@aol.com.