Shafran Leads Fundraising Effort in Race for Halloran's Seat

Austin Shafran is currently leading fundraising efforts in the race to replace Councilman Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, according to current campaign finance records.

Shafran, who is the former vice president of public relations for Empire State Development, has brought in a total $101,797 to date.

His largest contributors include the United Federation of Teachers, 1199 SEIU union, Friends of Martha Taylor, the Teamsters’ DRIVE and state Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan.

Flushing attorney Paul Vallone, who is the brother of Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., D-Astoria, has raised the second most at $84,745.

His top contributors include the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Small Business Coalition Inc., Doctors Council SEIU COPE, a family member and several residents.

Former state Assemblyman John Duane is in third in terms of fundraising efforts with $80,095.

Some of his highest donating contributors include family members such as his brother, former state Sen. Thomas Duane, and several residents.

Douglaston attorney Dennis Saffran came in fourth with $56,258.

Some of his top contributors include the John Catsimatidis for Mayor campaign, Frank Padavan Re-election Campaign, a venture capitalist and several lawyers.

Long-time community activist Paul Graziano has brought in a total $23,308 in his bid for the seat.

His highest contributors include a Greenhill Management real estate manager, a Community Board 11 member, an employee of Alley Pond Environmental Center and a scientist.

Chrissy Voskerichian, Halloran’s former chief of staff, has raised $21,535.

Her contributors include attorneys, an electrician, several local residents and a professor.