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Guillermo Linares at his victory party at Arka
Lounge on Broadway and W. 193rd Street.
by Juliana Schatz
The mood was jubilant and appreciative at Arka Lounge Tue., Sep. 14 when Guillermo Linares and his supporters gathered to celebrate his win in the five-way race for the 72nd Assembly seat.
The new electronic balloting system took longer than anticipated and caused some confusion as votes trickled in. But around 9:20 p.m., after just three polling stations called in with their numbers, it became clear that Linares would be victorious. By evening’s end, he would have nearly 50 percent of the vote.
Linares smiled big and walked over to his campaign manager, Laura Acosta. “I like the sound of that,” he said as he gave Acosta a hug.
Still, everyone contained their excitement until more returns came in. Acosta and others diligently counted votes as volunteer Albania Lopez animatedly marked off boxes representing each polling station on a wall chart.
At Linares’ victory party at Arka Lounge, a light bossa nova played and drinks were poured. Linares made his way around the room to hug volunteers, friends and colleagues that gathered for the celebration. After Linares gave a brief interview to Television Dominicana, Mr. Oscar A. Herasme took the microphone to introduce Mayra Linares, Dr. Linares’ daughter and key member to his campaign.
Visibly moved, Ms. Linares introduced her father with sincere gratitude for the community.
“When I was younger I didn’t understand how huge the moment was and now understanding all the work it takes, I am grateful to the community,” she said.
After another big hug for his daughter, Linares enthusiastically addressed the crowd, many of who have known him since 1991 when he was voted into City Council, becoming the first Dominican American elected to public office in the United State. After term limits ended his Council career, Linares was appointed commissioner of immigrant affairs for New York City in 2004.
It was clear Tuesday night that Linares was excited to be back as an elected official.
“I left my position with the city of New York and decided to come to stand by the community that I began serving when I was just starting as a teacher,” he said. “The community spoke and spoke very loudly. Sending a mandate, sending me as a voice that is strong and is decisive – one that is now needed badly…. What brought me back to my community were the people. The people who recognize the work we have done and the work we need to do.”
Julissa Gomez, a Washington Heights lawyer, made an impressive finish as runner up, receiving 24 percent of the vote. She recognizes her status as a political newcomer, but was not discouraged.
“I am humbled by the effort of all of the people who worked on my campaign. I consider this a winning campaign regardless,” she said during a phone interview. “I am still very young. I grew up here and feel strongly about representing my community and making a difference. I didn’t get there this time, but I think that if you have a good message for your constituents, you can get to your place.”
Other candidates in the race for 72nd district assembly included third place finisher Gabriella Rosa, as well as Nelson Denis and Miguel Estrella.
There are no other candidates for the seat from other parties so Linares is assured victory after the Nov. 2 General Election.
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