Sabini Spokesman Joins Gennaro

Shams Tarek is leaving his job as spokesman for Democratic State Senator John Sabini and going to work for Democratic City Councilman Jim Gennaro--both politicians represent Queens.

The move is significant, since it looks like Tarek, a veteran of at least two of Sabini's re-election campaigns, will not be on hand for what may be another tough re-election.

And it's may be an important advantage for Gennaro, who is looking to unseat Republican State Senator Frank Padavan. Tarek brings not only contacts in the state Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, but a long history in local Queens journalism (where he and I both worked for years).

Gennaro's former spokesman spokeswoman, Lee Landor, is now writing news stories for the Queens Chronicle.

Here's an excerpt of Tarek's email annoncing his departure:

"As some of you may have heard by now, this is my last week in the office of State Senator John Sabini; on Feb. 4, I'll be starting an exciting new venture as director of communications for New York City Council Member James Gennaro. Councilman Gennaro, my representative in the City Council, is a bright legislator with a long record fighting for environmental issues; I'm looking forward to helping him advance policies that will make the City--and the State--a world leader in protecting our natural resources."