Iannece Eyeing Weprin's Seat

Community Board 11 Chairman Jerry Iannece said he is considering a bid for David Weprin’s Albany seat should the assemblyman defeat Republican Bob Turner in this fall’s special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Iannece, a Bayside Democrat who previously ran for City Council in 2001 and 2009, said he has been approached by Queens Democratic leaders about making a run for the assembly seat.

“It’s flattering,” Iannece said. “I didn’t think I’d run for office again. But I know all the civic leaders, so this would be a good fit.”

Weprin, D-Little Neck, will face off against Turner for Weiner’s seat in a special election on Sept. 13. If he wins that race, the assemblyman’s seat would be open once he vacates it.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo would then decide when a special election would be held for Weprin’s seat.

At that point, Iannece would officially announce his bid. He said he would run on issues that he tackles at the community board level.

“I’d run on bread and butter issues,” he said. “I want the district to get its fair share of resources. I’d make sure we’re not laying off teachers, that roads were getting paved and that we have enough police officers.”

He said he believed a special election for the district would be held in November if Weprin wins the congressional race.

Queens Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik has also been named as a potential candidate for Weprin's seat.