The Honorable Serphin R. Maltese

Chair, Queens County Republican Party

71-20 Myrtle Ave

Glendale, NY 11385

Dear Senator Maltese: 

We want to thank you for sending your representative, Mr. Justin DiSanzo, to our meeting last Thursday evening (August 12th). As Mr. DiSanzo has no doubt advised you by now, we discussed and voted on the question of affiliation with other Queens Republican groups at the meeting, for the purpose of chartering as proposed by district leaders Terry Ariola and Ed O'Hare. 

Our understanding of that proposal is that it involves the chartering of a single "South Queens" Club which would roll up all existing independent clubs within a single structure and with a single set of officers. Our group believes this would work against Republican efforts in Queens because, by so doing, we would lose the important local linkages that make grassroots clubs so effective. Moreover, our membership expressed concern about being able to regularly attend meetings held outside our immediate community and about losing the identity of the "Rockaway Republicans" that we have been working so hard to develop here since last fall. 

Accordingly, we propose the following: 

We seek chartering for the Rockaway Republicans as a stand-alone club for our communities on the Rockaway peninsula. However, we propose that a larger South Queens caucus be established for all of the 23rd AD in which all independent Republican clubs in good standing could jointly participate. The South Queens caucus would be led by the district leaders, currently Ms. Ariola and Mr. O'Hare, and would hold periodic meetings to be attended by officers and representatives of each of the constituent clubs.

We understand that there is at least one other club (in Ozone Park) within our district that is independent as we are. This club is already chartered by the Queens County Republicans, representing the New York State party. We have also been informed that Ms. Ariola and Mr. O'Hare are developing a Howard Beach based club at this time. If so, then we believe that these three clubs (ours plus these two) and any others which may subsequently be chartered in the 23rd AD, would be able to work together most effectively within this proposed organization. Individual clubs can contribute a portion of their dues (amounts to be determined) as well as volunteer staff to man local offices as needed. 

We believe this is the best and fairest way to proceed in reviving a strong Republican presence in South Queens and respectfully ask that you consider our petition for separately chartering the Rockaway Republicans under these terms. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter. We look forward to an early, positive decision. 

Sincerely

 Tom Lynch

President, Rockaway Republicans