: 1213968147

Anthony Como, winner of the District 30 Special Election held June 3, was officially sworn into office Monday as the next councilman for the district.

However, due to some quirky election laws, the new councilman won’t have any time to sit back and enjoy his recent victory. The Republican has to make sure he’s on the ballot to run in a September primary if necessary and another election in November. The winner will then face another round of elections just one year later. This election will be for a full four-year term.

This cycle of elections became necessary after former Councilman Dennis Gallagher resigned as part of a plea deal on sexual assault charges.

Still, Como said he has had a tremendous time his first few days in office. The former attorney said he resigned from his position as counsel to State Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale), after being declared the winner of the Special Election. He has also stepped down from his private practice, though he is in the process of cleaning out his old office.

“I made a promise to the voters that I would be a full time councilman and would not be practicing [law],” he said.

While filing to run in the race is not yet over, Como knows he won’t have to face previous opponent Tom Ognibene in a Republican primary. Como issued a press release Wednesday stated Ognibene, who finished a close third out of the four candidates in the race, had decided to work with and support Como. While Ognibene could not be reached for comment prior to press time, his wife, Margaret Ognibene, confirmed he would not be challenging Como later this year.

Como, however, may well see a familiar face in the November election. Elizabeth Crowley, one of two Democrats that participated in the Special Election, said Tuesday she will run again for the seat. Crowley lost to Como by just 38 votes in the Special Election. She said she will be going out with supporters over the next two weekends to collect signatures for a place on the ballot.

“I fully intend on winning in November,” she said.

It is unknown at this time whether Democrat Charles Ober, who came in fourth in the Special Election, will run again in a Democratic primary. His former campaign manager Sam Esposito said they were still “looking at all our options.” A call directly to Ober was not returned by press time.

While Como has already been sworn in, there will be two other ceremonies, one June 25 during the next stated City Council meeting and another to be held in the district, which will be scheduled at a later date.

Como’s office is located at 78-25 Metropolitan Ave., in Middle Village and his number is (718) 366-3900.

“Our office is open and we’re here to help,” Como said. “Don’t hesitate to call.”