Missed The Boat
To The Editor:

It was about three months ago. We had a Colombia Day Parade on Northern Boulevard. I was at 73rd Street watching the parade, when in front of me, 10 feet away, there was Curtis Sliwa, head of the Guardian Angels. I wanted to run out and shake his hand and thank him in person, for all the good things he has done for the city. The parade moved too fast, and I lost my chance to talk to him.

Three weeks ago, we had another Cuban or Colombia parade on Northern Boulevard. Again at 73rd Street, not more than 15 feet away, was Senator Chuck Schumer in the parade. I wanted to run over to him and say, "I would like to see you running for vice president under Hillary Clinton, if she's elected." Before I could do anything, the parade moved on and so did the senator.

So now we come to my final disappointment.

This Primary Election Day as I entered I.S. 230 on 34th Avenue and 73rd Street there I was, standing behind a tall man, whom I thought was registering at the desk. He was just talking to one of the [poll workers].

I was called to the [voting machine] and as I came out, this same person was leaving, and as he turned, heading for the staircase, I couldn't believe it was Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette. I was right behind him a few minutes ago.

I would have liked to speak to him, as I first met him some 20 years ago when he had his office in the Brunson Building on 37th Avenue and 74th Street. As time passed I met him again at a convention on Jewel Avenue. Those were the days.

Now, here at the [poll site] at I.S. 230, so near and yet so far, I did want to ask him as I did many times through his office, on how to have a senior citizen center in this neighborhood.

So there you have it, three misses and you're out, that's me. Larry Kahn Jackson Heights