Queens community leader Daniel Dromm announced last week that he has raised over $31,000 for a City Council seat he is considering running for in 2009. Dromm, who is currently the Democratic district leader in the 39th Assembly District, Part A, has also raised nearly $10,000 for re-election to that post.
"The combined total is over $40,000," said Dromm. "I am very pleased to have that level of support from my neighbors and friends. I look forward to working hard for the people of our district to make it a better place in which to live."
Dromm is exploring a run for the 25th Council District which includes Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and Woodside. The position is currently held by Council Member Helen Sears.
Dromm stated, "The Council race is still 21 months away and we have gotten off to a good start. However, I need to raise a lot more money before I make a final decision about whether to run."
Dromm also appears to have important grass roots support. "I want to thank the over 315 people who contributed to my campaign," he stated. "Most contributions were below the $175 limit that the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) will match. I'm proud of that fact." The CFB matches contributions up to $175 at a rate of 6-to-1 when a candidate chooses to participate in their program. In exchange, the candidates accept certain spending limits and regulations. Additionally, Dromm said he has met the thresholds established by the CFB to receive those matching funds. In order to meet those thresholds, Dromm needed contributions from more than 75 people in the district and to have raised over $5,000. Dromm had over 114 people from within the council district contribute to his campaign while also exceeding the minimum fundraising amount.
Dromm has been active in Queens County politics for a long time. He is a full-time NYC public school teacher and United Federation of Teachers chapter leader. Dromm has been very involved in the lesbian and gay rights movement, the Kiwanis Club of Jackson Heights, the Jackson Heights Beautification Group and various other community organizations. Dromm is a board member of the Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives at Queensborough Community College.
Dromm was recently endorsed by Assembly Member Jose Peralta. Former Public Advocate, now Air America Radio President, Mark Green attended a birthday party fundraiser held in November, 2007 to show support for Dromm. Over 250 people including Queens County Democratic Chairman Congressman Joseph Crowley, Comptroller Bill Thompson, and numerous other elected officials also attended.
"It appears that there is significant interest in my pursuit of public office and I'm very touched by that support," Dromm continued. "The road ahead looks hopeful."
"Right now I am concentrating on running for re-election as district leader and I will make a final decision about the Council seat later on. But things are definitely looking good, very good," Dromm concluded.
Labels: Fundraising
