Scenes from a Bronx Dinner

Bill Thomson and Adolfo Carrion had a friendly chat during last night’s dinner for the Bronx Democratic County Organization at the Marina Del Rey.

At one point, I and two other reporters ran into Denny Farrell, who was hanging out with his daughter. He cheerily noted that earlier in the day he’d gotten Read More

Quinn-Themed Pride Literature from the Speaker

A reader passed on these fliers that were handed out over at the Gay Pride Parade this weekend. The fliers, which don't indicate who paid for them, highlight Christine Quinn's accomplishments in the LGBT community. I asked the Speaker's office where the fliers came from, and a spokesperson responded by telling me that they're given Read More

Weiner Gets a Gioia

In preparation for his all-but-officially declared run for mayor, Anthony Weiner has hired Lisa Hernandez Gioia, I’ve just confirmed.

She’s an accomplished fund-raiser who most recently worked for one of Weiner’s 2005 opponents, Gifford Miller. Of the many criticisms one could have made of Miller’s mayoral run that year, the campaign’s ability to raise Read More

Party Time!

Last night, the Manhattan Surrogate’s Courthouse–Tammany Hall’s glorious Beaux Arts folly–played host to the City Council’s annual Christmas party. The highlight, by unanimous consent, was a duet rendition of “Silent Night” by Council member Melinda Katz and former Council Speaker Gifford Miller.

Council members are said to have paid $35 a head for their staffers Read More

Hicks and Hillary

One interesting detail amid the mega-coverage of Hillary Clinton’s presidential gear-up is the hiring as her national field director of the highly capable Karen Hicks, who worked for Howard Dean in New Hampshire and for Gifford Miller here.

Hicks’s recent New York stint ended somewhat unhappily: she was in charge of gathering petitions for Read More

Next Stop, Sunnyside?

Eric Gioia will be courting the next generation of celebrity later this month. On April 27th Gioia will be feted by Donald Trump Jr., Justin Rockefeller, Spitzer-supporter Sara Weinstein, and almost first daughter Karenna Gore Schiff at Union Square’s Spy Club in celebration of his birthday. The host committee also includes politicos Leecia Read More

Introducing, Quinn’s Team

In a brief respite from the fired council staffers, here is a list of Christine Quinn’s new hires:

Elizabeth Fine, General Counsel
-worked in the Clinton White House

Kevin Wardally, Deputy Chief of Staff
-former senior political advisor to Gifford Miller

Maura Keaney, Deputy Chief of Staff
-ran GOTV operations for Mike’s Read More

Miller’s Successor Needs No Introduction

On Dec. 5, while newly elected City Council members met in City Hall for an orientation with departing Speaker Gifford Miller, Jessica Lappin waded in the shallow waters off the Galapagos Islands, gazing upon frigate birds, iguanas and the exotic landscape.

Ms. Lappin could afford to skip the seminar and soak up some new Read More

Miller’s Successor Needs No Introduction

On Dec. 5, while newly elected City Council members met in City Hall for an orientation with departing Speaker Gifford Miller, Jessica Lappin waded in the shallow waters off the Galapagos Islands, gazing upon frigate birds, iguanas and the exotic landscape.

Ms. Lappin could afford to skip the seminar and soak up some new scenery: Read More