LTE: Lavelle and Iraq

In a Wednesday 'Letter to the Editor' (LTE) in the SI Advance, a writer notes that the late Assemblyman Lavelle was long a man of conscience having opposed the idea of invading Iraq before it was a well supported position;

This war is an international crisis that has engulfed us at every level, killing and maiming our soldiers, decimating Iraqi families, and siphoning off our tax dollars that should be being used for education, housing, public safety and health care. John Lavelle's answer back in 2003 showed courage and leadership. Where are the courageous leaders today?

Read the whole piece here.

As for where Rep. Vito Fossella is today? Well he is typically at the airport sending troops off in style, that is without training, without protective body armor and without enough resources. How dare anyone question his loyalty.

LTE: John Lavelle

In a Monday 'Letter to the Editor' (LTE) in the SI Advance a writer recalls some of Mr. Lavelle's contributions to the community specifically through his values and leadership;

He didn't take credit for this because the most strength a community can derive is from one group coming to the aid of another, not from one person unrealistically claiming to carry it all on his/her shoulders.

Read the full letter here.

LTE: Fossella is no Lavelle

In a Wednesday 'Letter to the Editor' (LTE) Philip Blitz talks about Rep. Vito Fossella's self promoting speech at Mr. Lavelle's funeral;

Fossella claimed that he was concerned about the poor, yet for at least seven years he was opposed to an increase in the minimum wage and voted huge tax deductions for the wealthy. Lavelle worked to provide recent immigrants easier access to health care and employment and regularly brought food to soup kitchens; Fosella voted against providing health care for them.

But Lavelle was not nearly as good as Fossella in raising campaign money, especially from the National Rifle Association and the tobacco industry; nor was he as good at getting his picture in the paper. John was too busy quietly providing help to those in need.

Read the entire piece here.

Spitzer sets special election date for Lavelle's seat

via NY1;

Spitzer says the special election for the 61st Assembly seat is scheduled for March 27th.

In related news, last night's special election for the south shore City Council seat went to Vinnie Ignizio (R) over Manny Innamorato (D);

Vincent M. Ignizio, 3,902 (72%)
Emanuele Innamorato, 1,511 ( 28%)

There will now possibly be a special election to fill Ignizio's now vacant Assembly seat.

UPDATE
See this previous post for a list of announced and potential candidates for the 61st Assembly seat election.

Daniel Lavelle to seek father's seat

via the SI Advance;

The youngest son of the late Assemblyman John Lavelle intends to seek his father’s heavily Democratic North Shore seat.

“My father and I were always close,” said Daniel Lavelle, 30, a Democrat who is the call-center manager for the city Board of Elections. “I want his work to continue.”