Tony Nunziato for NY State Assembly - Nunziato Challenges Markey in Maspeth

By Sergey Kadinsky

Tony Nunziato is known for his activism. He served in the environmental committee of Community Board 5 and as president of Maspeth Town Hall. He makes his rounds along Grand Avenue, discussing local concerns with businesses and residents. After years of activism in protests and community organization, he is now seeking to join the most elite body of community representatives in Albany as a State assemblyman.

“This is truly grassroots, like our forefathers,” said Nunziato. On Sept. 27, his Enchanted Florist took on a new role as his official campaign office. “It’s in the back of the store,” said Nunziato.

The store was founded almost 90 years ago, and has been operated by Mr. Nunziato for about 25 years. The Nunziato family has been in the flower business since arriving to America in 1901, opening their first shop in Woodside. Behind the counter, campaign literature shares space with historical local memorabilia including a 19th century volunteer firefighter belt, a ticket to a fair at a local picnic park, and century-old maps of the neighborhood.

"Maspeth has a strong civic tradition, many families have been living here for four generations," said Nunziato. His competitor is incumbent Marge Markey, who also has a strong presence in the community. An example of Markey’s early activism is the Maspeth Town Hall, which opened in 1972. The century-old former police station and schoolhouse sat abandoned for some time before being restored by a coalition of local residents, businesses, and organizations. Markey led this coalition. Markey’s recent local accomplishments include her work in facilitating the creation of a park on the site of the Elmhurst gas tanks, and preventing a 25-foot cell phone tower from being built on 72nd Place.

At the same time, Markey was notably absent from rallies demanding the preservation of St. Savior’s church in southern Maspeth. Activist groups that led the protest effort included the Maspeth-Middle Village Task Force, headed by Nunziato.

"This was a political football," said Nunziato. “The people are not being represented.” The 161-year-old church was demolished in May 2008, and its two-block property is set for residential development. Nunziato has other plans. “We’re still pushing to make it a park. 200 trees used to grow on that site,” said Nunziato.

Nunziato is running as a Republican, which in recent years has been suffering setbacks in a neighborhood where its representatives had few, if any significant Democratic challengers. Demographic changes, as well as national trends have resulted in a decrease of votes for the Republicans. In 2006, State Senator Serphin Maltese narrowly avoided defeat by Albert Baldeo. He is currently running in a heated race against term-limited city councilman Joseph Addabbo. The city council seat once occupied by Thomas Ognibene and Dennis Gallagher also faces uncertainty. In March, Republican Anthony Como narrowly defeated Democrat Elizabeth Crowley. The margin was by a mere 18 votes.

Nunziato remains optimistic on his election chances. “When people vote for me, they’re voting for Tony Nunziato. While I agree with some Republican ideas, I am running as Tony Nunziato,” he said. In a close race, both sides are expected to actively campaign. In light of a debate held between Addabbo and Maltese, Nunziato is mulling a “town hall” debate. When asked if Maspeth Town Hall would be an appropriate venue, Nunziato replied, “I’m waiting for her call.”