Earlier this afternoon, I asked City Councilwoman Helen Sears of Queens about the political scene in her neighborhood, where the Democratic Party organization decided not to endorse incumbent State Senator John Sabini for reelection. Instead, they are backing his challenger, Councilman Hiram Monserrate.

Sears, a Sabini ally, said she couldn't really comment, but did tell me, “There are political decisions that are made." She added, “They’re hard decisions.”  read more »

The city’s Campaign Finance Board will be posting updated campaign finance numbers for 2009 candidates later today. But some numbers are available for campaigns that cross-filed with state Board of Elections, like City Comptroller candidate Melinda Katz.

Katz raised $582,756 and now has $1,078,196 on hand for her campaign.

She got donations from, among many others, Helen Sears ($100), Kenneth Fisher ($4,950), and James Capalino ($1,000) [link added].

Katz has spent $36,800 on mailings (anybody get one?) and $2,000 on committee dues at the American Jewish Congress.

More updates when the official numbers come in.

City Councilwoman Helen Sears is another council member who will be term-limited out of office in 2009 and may be running for a higher office.

Sears is seeking donations up to $3,850, the Campaign Finance Board’s contribution limit for borough president candidates, at a December 19 fund-raiser. The event takes place at 5:30 at the restaurant 17 Murray and the invitation gives top billing to Christine Quinn.

A message left for the treasurer of Sears’ campaign committee was not immediately returned.

Running in that race already are Peter Vallone, Jr., Leroy Comrie, and, possibly, Audrey Pheffer.

Citizens Union has posted online its study on how City Council members spend taxpayer dollars to raise their profiles.

I’m not sure what benefit top spenders like Michael Nelson and Helen Sears got for their expenditures, but others at the top of the list are widely known to be eyeing races for other offices: Domenic Recchia is running for congress. James Gennaro is likely taking a shot at state Senator Frank Padavan’s seat. Joel Rivera may run for Bronx Borough President, and James Oddo may run for Borough President on Staten Island.]]> http://www.observer.com/2007/city-council-advertising#comments Politics Domenic Recchia Helen Sears James Gennaro James Oddo Joel Rivera Michael Nelson Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:14:57 -0400 Azi Paybarah 58833 at http://www.observer.com