Addesa, Thomas Joseph

(Senator Addabbo is on leave from Addabbo & Greenberg while serving his constituents)

In his four terms as a member of the New York City Council, and now, as a freshman Senator, Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has carried on the public service tradition of his father, Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo, Sr., who served thirteen terms in the United States House of Representatives.

Senator Addabbo represents the 15th District in the New York State Senate; the 15th District encompasses many Queens neighborhoods, including Forest Hills Gardens. Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Maspeth, Middle Village, Old Howard Beach, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, and parts of Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Sunnyside, and Woodside.

For the 2009-10 legislative term, Senator Addabbo will chair the Senate Committee on Elections.

Born in 1964, the youngest child of Joseph and Grace Addabbo, Senator Joe Addabbo attended Nativity BVM School in Ozone Park, Archbishop Molloy High School (Class of 1982), and St. John's University (Class of 1986) before graduating from Touro Law School.

Senator Addabbo practiced law for ten years at Addabbo and Greenberg with partners Dominic Addabbo and Todd Greenberg before being elected to the New York City Council in 2001. He was re-elected in 2003,2005, and 2007.

Senator Joe Addabbo has proven himself in the political and civic world. He is a six-term New York State Democratic Committee Member and a ranking member of the South Queens Regular Democratic Club. His community service can be seen in his work on behalf of the Ozone Park Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. He is former president of the Ozone Tudor Civic Association and has held the position of Executive Secretary of Community Board 10Q.

As Chair of the New York City Council Civil Service and Labor Committee, Senator Addabbo fought for the health needs of 9/11 first responders, as well as retiree rights, fair labor practices and workplace safety.

Of special concern for Senator Addabbo was the condition of the parks in his district and city, and as Chairman of the City Council Parks and Recreation Committee, he was the prime sponsor of the Adopt-A-Park law.

Despite the intensity of chairing the Civil Service and Labor Committee, Senator Addabbo was also a member of five other City Council committees: Public Safety, Fire and Criminal Justice Services, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and State and Federal Legislation.

In his 32nd Council District, operating from Howard Beach and Rockaway District Offices, Senator Addabbo and staff assisted several thousand constituents and helped to solve problems involving housing, health, transportation, taxes, and public safety issues, as well as a host of various other quality of life concerns. Joe brought millions of dollars in funding for improvements in infrastructure, school technology, and senior and youth services.

Among the many honors Senator Addabbo has received are public service salutations from the American Red Cross; Woodhaven Development Corporation; New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; Columbia Association; Rockaway Park Residents/Homeowners; Kid's Day American International; the Civil Services Merit Council; Fuchsberg Law Center of Touro College; Lynvet Youth Sports Association; P. S. 32Q; JHS 210Q; Ozone Tudor Civic Association; New York Families for Autistic Children; Howard Beach Judea Center; John Adams High School; Queens Chapter of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation; Lindenwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps; and St. Mary's Gate of Heaven School, Ozone Park.

Senator Addabbo is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Dawn, and his two daughters, Alexis and Arianna.

Standing Committee Assignments 2009: Elections (Chair); Aging; Civil Service; Education; Labor; Racing, Gaming & Wagering; Transportation; Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs.