On a very warm and welcoming evening in the “Annadele Terrace”, Staten Island, a fund raising event of the Greek American community for the Honorable Nicole Malliotakis (US House of Representatives), took place. Ms. Malliotakis is seeking her reelection in the upcoming mid-term election.
Most of the guests at the event, as organized by Mr. George Drogaris, were friends and neighbors of Ms. Malliotakis, who grew up in Staten Island. Ms. Malliotakis’ parents were present as well. Mr. Malliotakis proudly spoke of his daughter as he talked to the Hellenic News of America about his relationship with his native Creta. Ms. Malliotakis was introduced by the host as well as by Mr. Michael Tannousis, the member of New York State Assembly (District 64), who took Malliotakis’ place, once she was elected to the House of Representatives. Steve Bakousis the owner of the restaurant, another proud Cretan, was responsible for the culinary delights of the evening.
Ms. Malliotakis gave in a brief but passionate speech presenting her agenda for the upcoming elections, sharply criticizing her opponents for the current problems of the country, fleshing out specifically the issues of high inflation, high taxation, changes in immigration policy following the last presidential election, public safety, and the focus in education on matters that are not part of the traditional American values.
“All this happened under one party rule, and now is the time to restore checks and balances and common sense. It is time to restore the American Dream for the generations to come, to live in a country that we recognize!” Ms. Malliotakis also addressed the New York State elections, calling on her voters to actively support the cause, since, as she mentioned, it is a big and rare opportunity for the Republican party to win the State elections, as many of the issues addressed above are decided on that level, regretting that many of her voters were forced out of NY State because of high taxation and increased criminality.
Asked by the Hellenic News of America on the issue of the purchase by Turkey of F-16 fighters of the last generation (Block 70, the so called Viper) and kits to upgrade its own F-16 fighters to the same level, Malliotakis said that despite the last step back, that the issue is still open and the approval of the US. Congress in no way given, as many Representatives and Senators are sharing her concerns regarding Turkish threats to Greek National Security. Malliotakis also said that the people that are meant to lead the foreign affairs committees of the Senate and the House, in case that the Republicans win the majority are also sharing the her concerns.
Ms. Malliotakis warmly thanked all guests, accepting their wishes for her reelection. The Hellenic News of America wishes Ms. Malliotakis and all of the candidates of Greek origins the best for the elections!
