Gioia’s early start: Polls close at 9:00 pm

September 15, 2009 | Posted by Sunnyside Post

A New York Times blog places Eric Gioia at his boyhood school. It’s a nice touch to a gruelling campaign.

NEW YORK TIMES

7:24 a.m. | Just after 6:15 a.m., City Councilman Eric N. Gioia arrived at his old elementary school in Queens (Public School 11) wearing his lucky tie (red striped) to vote in the third election with his name on the ballot (this time, for public advocate).

“Morning, everybody!” Mr. Gioia said to the dozen poll workers who greeted him, along with a gaggle of aides and video cameras.

“Oh my God, you look so familiar!” said Bessie Cassaro, a ballot inspector in dangling Obama earrings, playing to the cameras as she went in for a hug. “You must be Eric Gioia!”

Mr. Gioia showed up just as the early-morning confusion had died down, and the experienced poll workers patiently showed new volunteers how to operate the machines. Just a little while before, at 6:01 a.m., a coordinator, Elizabeth M. Berry, glanced at the clock and shouted, “Everybody ready, the voters are coming in!”

Ms. Berry said she expected that turnout at the polling station, on Skillman Avenue in Woodside, would be higher than average because it was in Mr. Gioia’s City Council district.

Mr. Gioia was beaten to the polls by Rich Lazzaro, who cast his ballot at 6:05 a.m. On his way out, Mr. Lazarro said that he did not always vote in primary elections.

“I know Eric,” he said, explaining why he decided to vote this time. “I know his father, I know the whole family. He’s always around here.”

Categories: General News, Politics | Tags: Gioia, Politics | No Comments »