Jacques Leandre (Photo: Facebook)

An opponent of attorney Jacques Leandre, one of eight candidates running in a Queens City Council special election, again accused him of engaging in "plantation-type politics" on last night's Road to City Hall when asked about Mr. Leandre's legal challenge to his petitions to get on the ballot. Michael Duncan made his claim when another candidate in the race, Donovan Richards, asked him how he felt about Mr. Leandre's challenges in a forum on the show.

"I think Jacques is a very smart brother," Mr. Duncan answered. "I think Jacques took the time to investigate my petition. I think Jacques realized I had over 1,600 good signatures. So Jacques should not use that same plantation-type politics that have been used on us for centuries."

Mr. Leandre challenged the petitions of six of the candidates in the special election last month, though he eventually withdrew his lawsuits. In a rare move, several of the candidates banded together to blast Leandre and accuse him of simply trying to waste their time and money in an effort to thin the field. Among the three other candidates who appeared on Road to City Hall--Pesach Osina, Marie Adam-Ovide, Saywalah Kesselly and Allan Jennings were not on the show--the lawsuit was a sore topic. Each took the time to tear into Leandre, who is a high-profile attorney.

"Will you be willing to to cut a check in the amount that all of the candidates have spent in good faith and give it to the City of New York?" asked Selvena Brooks, whose petitions were also challenged.

Mr. Leandre explained the legal particulars of his challenges, and defended them by arguing a candidate experienced enough to hold the office should have been able to address his challenges.

"This position is a legislative position," he said. "It's a position that presupposes that you are versed in drafting legislation and reviewing legislation and drafting bills and understanding legal processes. As an attorney, I think I am adequately prepared to represent the 31st District in the same way that I vigorously have gone through this process, the petition process, is the same way I'm going to represent the 31st District."

The election will be held on Feb. 19 to fill the remainder of James Sanders's term. Last fall, Sanders toppled the indicted Shirley Huntley in a State Senate race. Mr. Richards, the most recent chief of staff to Mr. Sanders, has received his endorsement and is leading the other candidates on the fundraising front.

Selvena Brooks (Photo: Facebook)

A candidate for City Council in a Sandy-ravaged Far Rockaway district is running on a hurricane-themed party line. Selvena Brooks is filing petitions to get on the ballot under the name of the "Rebuild Now" party.

Ms. Brooks, a communications specialist with the Service Employees International Union, will join a crowded field the special election to replace James Sanders in the 31st District. Mr. Sanders left his seat open after moving on to the State Senate in the last round of elections. Because New York City special elections are non-partisan, candidates like Ms. Brooks can more easily campaign outside of the two-party system.

“I am asking for people’s support on the Rebuild Now line, because we need strong leadership in not only rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, but also rebuilding our education system, local economy and neighborhoods,” Ms. Brooks said in a statement.

The election, set for Feb. 19, has attracted a slew of candidates. Mr. Sanders’ former chief of staff, Donovan Richards, is a considered the front runner. However, Ms. Brooks, who has worked in the State Senate, will be one of several candidates with legitimate credentials in the race including; Attorney Jacques Leandre, community activist Mike Duncan, marketing firm head Earnest Flowers, Community Board 8 District Manager Marie Adam-Ovide and Pesach Osina, a staffer of Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.

The district ropes in southeast Queens and Far Rockaway, which was hit particularly hard by Sandy. It has an African-American majority, but there is a sizable Orthodox Jewish community in Far Rockaway. A source with knowledge of the area told Politicker there are about 3,500 Orthodox registered voters, which could make Mr. Osina, who is also Orthodox Jewish, an intriguing dark horse candidate. Turnout in the election is expected to be low.