Three contenders emerge for Rockaway Assembly seat

The governor has not officially called the election date to fill the State Assembly seat vacated by Audrey Pheffer on May 12, but three Rockaway residents have emerged as top contenders in the race. “You have one from Far Rockaway, one from Breezy Point, and I’m the middle-of-the road pick,” said longtime Democratic activist Lew Simon, 51, a resident of Rockaway Park, which is located near the peninsula’s midpoint.

Initially, the widely presumed successor to Pheffer was her longtime chief of staff Jo Ann Shapiro, but she dropped out on June 1, leaving the local Democratic district party leaders to choose between Simon and Far Rockaway’s Y. Philip Goldfeder, 31, an aide to Senator Charles Schumer who previously worked on the election campaigns of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Council members Simcha Felder, James Gennaro, and James Sanders.

“Phil has dedicated his professional life to serving the community. Whether it’s the community assistance unit, the Felder campaign, or his current position, it enhances his ability to serve,” said Eli Shapiro of the Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance. Shapiro stressed that Goldfeder is not an official candidate pending the decision of the four district party leaders, Shapiro, Simon, Frank Gulluscio, and Geraldine Chapey.

“Phil is a popular candidate. He’s the best news for Far Rockaway in a long time,” said supporter Richard Altabe. “He has been an amazing player in getting out the vote.” Altabe credits him with educating residents on the importance of voting through the Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance.

While excited about the possibility of his friend running, Altabe added that Goldfeder is a loyal Democrat and would run only if chosen by the party. In a special election, candidates without a party label must collect 1,000 signatures to be on the ballot. “There will be only one Democrat running, and Phil knows that I am running,” Simon said. “You need wide recognition, you can’t just concentrate on your base.”