OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF CANDIDACY FOR CONGRESS '04

Gonzalo “Jun” Policarpio, a former officer of the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and a resident of Douglas Manor, New York, officially announced his candidacy for Congress ’04 to represent the 5th Congressional District of New York on Wednesday, June 18, at the monthly meeting of the Northeast Queens Republican Club. Janet Malone, the Club president, introduced him after the speeches of J.C. Polanco, aide to Republican State Assembly Minority leader Charles Nesbitt and former deputy mayor Randy Mastro under the Giuliani administration.

Before the club’s officers and members assembled and a large delegation of his Filipino American and Chinese American supporters, Policarpio vigorously announced that “it’s time for Gary Ackerman to go, and I will replace him.” Ernesto V. Eustaquio, an officer of the Philippine-American Tennis Association, took a complete video tape of Policarpio’s speech that was applauded for about 25 times. He promised to legislate for prompt disposition of discrimination complaints cases from 10 to 20 years to 2 years saying “justice delayed is justice denied.” To highlight his campaign for equal opportunities in employment, homeownership, business ownership, and education, he promised to help achieve the goal that “no American shall be discriminated against.” He assured his support for America’s war on international terrorism and President Bush’ policy of a strong national defense program. He told the audience that as a congressman he will help kill the deadly West Nile virus carrying mosquitoes by all means unlike Mr. Ackerman who even tried to protect the mosquitoes. Ackerman vehemently protested the city’s mosquito extermination program during the Giuliani administration.
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Policarpio advocates for stiffer penalties against criminals, especially the aggravated felons, and prompt disposition of criminal cases. He cited the case of a Chinese immigrant storekeeper in the Bronx who was killed by an intruder. The killer was meted with only one year jail time. He promised that such a travesty of justice will not happen in the 5th Congressional District.

In reaching out to the young voters, especially the students, Policarpio promised to work hard that “no young American shall be left behind.” He cited the case of Thomas Chen, a wealthy Flushing businessman, who donated $250,000 to the Queens borough Community College to benefit indigent students and said that he will induce other wealthy individuals to follow Chen’s example given the fast rising college tuition cost.

Policarpio also conceives of a senior citizens program that would enable them to enjoy a longer life through various physical improvement activities. He also promised when elected to improve on the current Medicare reform bill if finally passed.

For the residents of Flushing, Policarpio envisions the downtown area as a tourist attraction by converting the busy commercial center as an All-American town. He promised when elected to direct the tourists coming to Manhattan to visit Downtown Flushing as a tourist haven.  Before he concluded his announcement speech, Policarpio introduced his wife and children, other relatives, and supporters from the Filipino and Chinese communities such as Lions Club presidents, Ben Santos and Flordeliz Lantin, Dr. Zeny Santos, Engineer Roland Gonzales and his wife Adel, Businessman Romeo Borja and his wife Carmen, community leaders Jon and Cora Lontok, businessman/journalist Romeo Galang, Nurse Rosario Morando, Emily Banton and son, Jim, Real Estate broker Cleoty de Dios, Photo-Journalist Rudy Sakdalan and his wife, Glen, Republican district leader Meilin Tan and her followers, Chinese-American Voters Association President Jean Ren and vice president Chi Luu, Manhattan real estate broker Lisabeth Mackinlay and her friends.

On August 15, 2003, Policarpio will hold his first fundraising dinner at the Phoenix Ballroom of Sheraton La Guardia East in Flushing.