After college she became a liaison for the late senator John Marchi. “State Sen. John Marchi, he was really a legend in our community. He was the longest-serving state legislator—he was there for 50 years,” she said. Her success brought her to serve as liaison for Gov. George Pataki, whom she called “a tremendous inspiration for me.” It was working with these two elected officials that Malliotakis earned her nickname. “I’m the young, new person, and I have mentors who call me ‘Grasshopper,’” she explained.
After working in the private sector as a government-relations specialist for Consolidated Edison, she took her interest in government to the next level last year by running for the 60th Assembly District in Staten Island and Brooklyn. Malliotakis defeated the incumbent Democrat by 10 percent, but the freshman Assembly member stays grounded and focused on her community. “I learned everything we do in Albany affects people. You can’t just have legislation just to have legislation; you have to look at the costs and the end results,
and how it’s going to benefit our state.” How did your past jobs get you to where you are now? “Working alongside these two individuals, Marchi and Pataki, really solidified my interest in government. They were really passionate about what they did.” If you were not in politics, what would you be doing? “The work I did at Con Ed…but there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing right now.” Five years from now, what will it say on your business card? “Cher’s publicist.”
Nicole Malliotakis
Age: 30
State Assembly Member, Brooklyn and Staten Island Nickname: Grasshopper The daughter of two politically active immigrants—a Cuban mother and a Greek father—Nicole Malliotakis was steeped in politics since childhood. “I have a very strong passion for government and politics, and I think that stems from my background,” she said, citing her father’s activity in the Greek community, and her mother in particular. “My mother comes from a Communist country, [which] I think has really instilled in me a passion for democracy and freedom. I think that’s why I really got involved in government in the first place,” she said. Malliotakis worked on campaigns with her mother when she was just 15 years old. “Ever since then, I was involved in this community, making positive changes in government,” she said.
The history of CSEA is not as well understood or appreciated as it should be. Until now...
A Century of Service
Limited edition! Order now while supplies last!
The Story of CSEA’s First 100 Years
A must read for every New Yorker. A Century of Service chronicles the history of CSEA and the growth of New York decade by decade, through the 20th century and into the present day.
Hardcover: $34.99 plus tax Softcover: $20.99 plus tax Prices include shipping & handling
Exclusive internet offer!
www.csealocal1000.org THE CAPITOL
8635_AnnivBook.Ad3.indd 1
www.nycapitolnews.com
MAY 23, 4/4/11 201110:2819 AM