Ignizio, 31, to head borough GOP

Annadale resident is one of the youngest major-party leaders in the state

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

By TOM WROBLESKI

Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio was unanimously elected chairman of the Staten Island Republican Party during a special meeting of the GOP's county committee last night.

I'm honored to receive the vote and confidence of the county committee, Ignizio, 31, said during a telephone interview from Albany, where he remained on legislative business. My job is to grow the party, unify the party, and win.

Ignizio (R-South Shore), an Annadale resident, was unopposed last night and becomes one of the youngest major-party leaders in the state. He replaces attorney Robert Helbock, who resigned as chair to run for state Senate.

About 90 members of the GOP committee attended last night's meeting, which was held in the VFW Labetti Post, Rosebank.

Ignizio has served on the GOP county committee since 1995, and was chief of staff to GOP South Shore City Councilmen Stephen Fiala and Andrew Lanza before being elected to the Assembly in 2004.

Ignizio defended the fact that he will serve as both an elected official and county chairman, a confluence of roles that some have said is a conflict of interest.

The party's not going to be one-person-centric under my leadership, said Ignizio. The party is bigger than one person, including me. I appreciate my responsibilities to both jobs.

Ignizio also pointed out that state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Queens) and Assemblymen John Lavelle (D-North Shore), Denny Farrell (D-Manhattan) and Vito Lopez (D-Brooklyn) are party leaders. That will be an added benefit to the Staten Island Republican Party, not a detriment, he said. It puts me on a level playing field with party chairs around the state.

Committeeman Joseph Igneri said he is usually opposed to elected officials serving as chairs, but said Ignizio's case is an exception.

I think this is a very good thing, said Igneri, a New Brighton resident who is the husband of former GOP chairwoman Olga Igneri. He's young and vibrant. I think he'll help the party in the long run.

In nominating Ignizio last night, committeeman John Antoniello said the assemblyman had impeccable credentials to be leader.

Those who know him know he is a tireless worker, a dedicated public official, and someone who will go the extra mile, said Antoniello, who is the chairman of the South Shore's Community Board 3.

In seconding the nomination, Anthony Andriulli lauded Ignizio for the work he has done for GOP candidates over the last 11 years, and said Ignizio will build and fight for the party.

He knows what it's like to be in the trenches, said Andriulli, who is the deputy chief clerk of the borough Board of Elections.

I'm glad he was elected because he is really dynamic, young, and he's done great things for his party, and great things for Staten Island, said Goody Vogler of South Beach. -- Lauren Lubrino and Dan Chanod contributed to this report.

Tom Wrobleski may be reached at wrobleski@siadvance.com.

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