Taminent Regular Democratic Club members on hand for Simotas’ endorsement included (l. to r.): Democratic State Committee member Gus Prentzas, Athena Onorato, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, state Senator George Onorato, Aravella Simotas, Democratic District Leader Gloria Aloise, Queens County Clerk and Clerk of Courts Gloria D’Amico and City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. Last Thursday, the Taminent Regular Democratic Club, based in Astoria, endorsed community activist, attorney and lifelong resident of Astoria Aravella Simotas for the 36th Assembly District. This Assembly seat is currently held by Michael Gianaris, who has announced his candidacy for the 12th state senate district seat.

Simotas is a graduate of local New York City public schools P.S. 17, I.S. 126 and William C. Bryant H.S., as well as Fordham University and Fordham Law School. She has a long record of civic involvement as a long-serving member of Community Board 1, the United Community Civic Association (UCCA) and the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund. Simotas is also a former district representative for former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. and Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. She and her husband, John Katsanos, attend the Sts. Catherine and George Greek Orthodox Church of Astoria.