Isaac Sasson Enters District 24 Race

By Joe Marvilli

Isaac Sasson

The busy 2013 City Council race for District 24 has grown more crowded, with Isaac Sasson joining the fray.

  The retired cancer researcher, Queens College educator and lottery millionaire will run for the open seat as a Democrat, entering a packed primary that features Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), Democractic District Leader Martha Taylor and Briarwood Task Force founder Andrea Veras.

  When asked on why he chose to run, Sasson expressed his longstanding community involvement.

  "I've been involved with the community for a long time. I know the district very well," Sasson said. "I want to represent the district as well I can and serve the community."

  This is not the first time Sasson has made a bid for public office. He previously ran for the 20th City Council district in 2003 against John Liu, ran again in 2009 and ran for State Senate against State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) in 2010.

  "Every race is different. You learn to become more energized and more dedicated," Sasson said.

  The community leader was born in Syria, grew up in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 15 years old. He settled in Brooklyn and attended public high school before heading into the United States Army, where he served for two years.

  After his tour concluded, Sasson attended the City College of New York and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree. He earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut and then headed to Flushing to teach at Queens College. Later on, he spent most of his professional career at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, working on cancer research. His last professional work was as Director of Development for the Institute for Cancer Prevention.

  In terms of community service, he has been involved with the Holly Civic Association, the Kissena Jewish Center, the Flushing Jewish Council, the American Legion and more.

  Sasson has not mentioned any particular issues he is basing his campaign on yet, choosing to see what the community is most concerned about instead.

  "As we move on, we will define the issues," he said. "I will listen to the people involved in the community."

  Although Sasson has begun planning the next steps for his bid, he has not announced any details as of press time.

  "I've been talking to a lot of enthusiastic people about my campaign," he said. "I'm just getting started."

  Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com