The reconfigured 16th State Senate District now represents a population in Queens

The reconfigured 16th State Senate District now represents a population in Queens that is more than half Asian.

While neither Democrat running for that seat — incumbent Toby Ann Stavisky or John Messer — is Asian, they both know that community could hold the key to success in the Sept. 13 primary.

Messer, 42, launched an aggressive effort to woo Asian voters with a street-based campaign. He has blanketed the district, which extends from his Oakland Gardens home to Rego Park, with posters featuring his wife and their three young children.

Messer’s wife, Wendy, is Asian American and the posters have been printed in multiple languages.

Stavisky has also made a point of stumping with Assembly candidate Ron Kim, as well as other Asian-American officials.

She bristles at comments from Messer that she has made little effort to hire Asian Americans in her office to reach out to the growing community.

“I have had close ties with the Asian community from the time I was first elected,” said Stavisky, who was elected after her husband, long-time state Sen. Leonard Stavisky, died in 1999. “I care about all parts of the community.”

Messer, a lawyer and businessman, has tapped into his personal wealth to finance his campaign — a decision he said allows him freedom from special interests.

“I’m a lawyer and small business owner and I have a master’s [degree] in government,” said Messer. “I’m running for all the right reasons. I want to make sure all our families have the same opportunity.”

Messer and Stavisky faced off two years ago in a three-way primary that included philanthropist Isaac Sasson. Messer said his chances are better this time in a one-on-one battle.

He also said Stavisky has lost a big chunk of her political base under new district lines.

Stavisky disagreed.

“Boundary lines change but I hear the same themes,” said Stavisky. “People are concerned about jobs, education and the economy. They want to make sure seniors are protected.”

Stavisky said the redistricting, which moved her Whitestone home out of the 16th District, was politically motivated. She suggested that Republican leaders were happy to help Messer, who she said has donated to Republican candidates over the years.

“I’m a Democrat,” Messer said. “I think the state Senate was pretty clear they wanted to create an Asian-majority district. I don’t know how that was re-drawn to help me.”

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-09-06/news/33656296_1_asian-voters-asian-american-vote-toby-ann-stavisky