Joseph R. Lentol Papers
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The Joseph R. Lentol papers, 1951-2020, includes correspondence, press releases, photographs, flyers, posters, and news clippings related to Lentol's career as New York State Assemblyman for Kings County District 50 and his father Edward S. Lentol's career as a New York State Assemblyman and Senator. The collection also includes campaign flyers collected from New York City and State elections from 2001 to 2020.
Biographical note
Joseph R. Lentol was born on January 15, 1943. His mother was Matilda A. Postis and his father was New York State Assemblyman, Senator, and Supreme Court justice Edward S. Lentol. Before running for office, Lentol was Assistant District Attorney in Kings County.
Lentol was first elected to the New York State Assembly for Assembly District (AD) 58 in 1972, running for an open seat after Assemblyman Chester Straub left to run for New York State Senator. He ran against Republican Vinny Abate in the 1972 and 1974 elections. In 1978, Roman Popadiuk ran against Lentol in the Democratic primary and Lentol won. Nick Stefanizzi, head of the local school board, ran campaigns against Lentol in the Democratic primaries in 1980 and 1982. These were close elections, but Lentol won both primaries. The 58th AD was redistricted and assigned a new number, AD 50, after the 1980 census. Fort Greene was added to this Assembly District in 1982.
Between 1983 and 2010, Lentol did not have any Democratic primary challengers. André Soleil, a lawyer, ran against Lentol in the 2010 Democratic primary. About 6,000 votes were cast in the 2010 primary and Lentol won by a wide margin. Lentol lost to Democrat Emily Gallagher in the 2020 election. There was a large voter turnout for the 2020 election, around 20,000 people.
During his time as a New York State Assemblyman, Lentol was the Chair of the Assembly's Committee on Codes (1992-2020), the Committee on Governmental Employees, the Committee on Governmental Operations, and the Administrative Regulations Review Commission. Lentol was also Dean of the Brooklyn Delegation of the Assembly from 2001 to 2020, coordinating efforts that called on all Brooklyn Assemblymembers to work together on projects with borough-wide implications.
Lentol advocated for waterfront and green space preservation, criminal justice reform, and affordable housing. In 2000, Lentol was selected to be a part of the Election Modernization Task Force, which made recommendations to the State on how to increase voter registration and turnout.
Lentol was a part of the New York Conference of Italian-American Legislators and the New York State Legislative Pilots Association.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into three series:
Series 1: New York State Assembly office files, circa 1963 - 2020
Series 2: Other political campaign flyers, 2001-2020
Series 3: Edward S. Lentol papers, 1951-1966
Scope and Contents
The Joseph R. Lentol papers, 1951-2020, includes correspondence, press releases, campaign promotional material, photographs, and news clippings from Joseph R. Lentol's career as a New York State Assemblyman for Kings County Assembly District (AD) 58 from 1973-1982 and AD 50 1983-2020, covering the neighborhoods of Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Fort Greene (Fort Greene was covered after 1980 census reapportionment). These files from Lentol's office reflect constituent complaints and requests, projects Lentol worked on, and organizations with which he was involved.
This collection also includes promotional flyers collected from various New York City and State political campaigns between 2001 and 2020. There are also papers from the career of Edward S. Lentol who was Joseph R. Lentol's father and served as New York State Assemblyman, Senator, and Supreme Court justice. The Edward S. Lentol papers do not cover the time he served as New York State Supreme Court justice and most of those materials are election results printed in newspapers, a 1958 Democratic Campaign Handbook, photographs, and promotional campaign materials.
Subjects
Organizations
People
Topics
Donors
Conditions Governing Access
Open to users without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Joseph R. Lentol papers, CBHM.0004, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Eric Radezky, 2021.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
If digital surrogates exist, they should be used in place of the originals whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Folder titles in brackets were supplied by the archivist. The news clippings in this collection were photocopied onto archival paper and the originals discarded.
Repository
Series 1: New York State Assembly office files, circa 1963 - 2020, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Series 1: New York State Assembly office files, circa 1963-2020, includes correspondence, press releases, memoranda, photographs, flyers, posters, and news clippings related to Joseph R. Lentol's career as New York State Assemblyman and his office's activities representing District 50, covering the north Brooklyn neighborhoods of Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Fort Greene. Much of the correspondence is Lentol writing to city agencies regarding constituent requests and complaints.
Sub-series 1.2: Eric Radezky files is separate from Sub-series 1.1: Joseph R. Lentol files because the Eric Radezky files cover projects that Radezky was personally involved in while an employee from 2006 to 2020. There may be some duplicates of correspondence in the sub-series within that time period.
Arrangement
The series is arranged in two sub-series:
Sub-series 1.1: Joseph R. Lentol files, circa 1963 - 2020
Sub-series 1.2: Eric Radezky files, 2004-2020
Sub-series 1.1: Joseph R. Lentol files, circa 1963 - 2020, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 1.1: Joseph R. Lentol files, circa 1963-2020, includes correspondence, photographs, press releases, posters, flyers, a VHS tape, and news clippings related to Joseph R. Lentol's career as a New York State Assemblyman.
The Greenpoint oil spill documents include correspondence and informational documents about efforts to clean up Newtown Creek between 2006 and 2016. Consent orders from lawsuits against Chevron and BP are also included.
Congestion pricing documents include correspondence and informational documents regarding congestion pricing as a strategy for reducing traffic congestion during peak hours.
Photographs depict Lentol with different constituent groups, politicians, and celebrities, and at events and bill signings.
Also included in this sub-series is Joseph R. Lentol's "Albany bag," a leather briefcase used by Lentol for over 40 years and up until his last visit in 2020.
Arrangement
The sub-series is arranged chronologically.
Processing Information
Due to preservation concerns, the papers and leather New York State Assembly Pilots Association portfolio in the briefcase are stored separately from the briefcase. The pens, highlighter, and bottle of Lourdes water stored in the briefcase have been discarded.
[Brooklyn Public Library card], circa 1970, inclusive
[Photograph of Boxing Greats of Philadelphia], 1972
[Newspaper election results], 1972
[Election endorsements], 1972
[Citizens Union Voters Directory], 1972
[Board of Elections 58th Assembly District map], 1973
Photos of Joe Lentol and other elected officials, circa 1963 - 2015, inclusive
[New York State Assemblyman re-election campaign flyers], 1974
[Assemblyman Lentol newsletter], 1974
[Re-election campaign posters], 1974
[New York State] Assembly ID cards, 1974-2020, inclusive
[Photograph of Joseph R. Lentol as Acting Speaker], 1975
[Green Oaks Club portrait], circa 1975, inclusive
[Photograph of Joseph R. Lentol with taxi driver], circa 1975, inclusive
[Photograph of Assemblymembers and Councilmembers], circa 1975, inclusive
[St. Stan's - Brooklyn, New York State Capitol visit photograph], circa 1975, inclusive
[Photograph with Winthrope Civic Association], circa 1977, inclusive
[Re-election campaign poster versus Roman Papadiuk], 1978
[Public hearing on reopening of People's Firehouse in Williamsburg photograph], circa 1978, inclusive
[New York Transit Police swearing in ceremony], circa 1978, inclusive
[Photograph of Officers of Badame Sessa Memorial Post 1336], circa 1978, inclusive
[Photographs of Grand Street Park], 1979
[Greenpoint Gazette articles], 1979-1980, inclusive
Photos of Lentol with various constituent groups, 1979-2014, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Groups and individuals depicted in these photographs include: Laurie Szalyga, Irene Klementovic, Colin Powell, Sal Albanese, Tenants' Labor Day, Tish Cianciotta, Andrea Torre, Vinny Spinola, Martha Holstein, United Federation of Teachers, and Father Peter Young, among others.
Various headshots and photos of AM Joe Lentol through the years, 1980-2010, inclusive
[Greenpoint Lions Installation and Testimonial Dinner photograph], circa 1980, inclusive
[Photographs of Joseph R. Lentol with Edward Koch], circa 1980, inclusive
[Photograph of Joseph R. Lentol with Fred Richmond], circa 1980, inclusive
[Abraham and Straus store card], circa 1980, inclusive
[New York State Assemblyman re-election campaign flyers], 1980
[Re-election campaign poster], 1980
[Italian-American Legislators, New York Conference photograph], 1981
[Dinner honoring Senator Al D'Amato photograph], 1981
[Rules Committee Dinner photograph], 1982
[Seneca Club Dinner photograph], 1983
[Photograph of Joseph R. Lentol and Mario Cuomo], 1984
Photos with recognizable elected officials and celebrities, 1984-2016, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Individuals depicted in these photographs include: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Mike Tyson, Kevin Rooney, Nick Perry, Sheldon Silver, Joe Crowley, Linda Minucci, Denny Farrell, Joe Robach, Richard Kind, Chazz Palminteri, Joe Pantoliano, Mike Bloomberg, Mel Brooks, Letitia "Tish" James, George Pataki, and Mickey Mouse.
[Photograph of Ridgewood-Bushwick Senior Citizens Council Conference], 1985
[New York State Assembly softball team photograph], 1985
[Model Block Awards Breakfast], 1985
[Photograph with Nick Spano], circa 1985, inclusive
[Congratulatory letter from Governor Mario Cuomo to Lentol], 1986
[Pilots Dinner photograph], 1986
[Criminal justice bill signing photograph], 1986
[Citibank Citigrants check presentation to Greenpoint Volunteer Ambulance Corps (GVAC)], 1987
[Photographs with Al Gore], 1988
[Photographs of PSC (Public Service Commission [?]) ribbon cutting], circa 1988, inclusive
Assemblyman Lentol office documents and correspondence, 1988-1989, inclusive
Assemblyman Lentol office documents and correspondence, 1988-1989, inclusive
[Pilots Dinner photograph], 1989
[Photograph of Con Edison, 179 Green Street], 1989
[Good Joe's Days and Brooklyn and Albany staff photographs], circa 1990-2014, inclusive
[Photographs with El Puente Toxic Avengers], circa 1990, inclusive
[New York State Police Lateral Transfer Bill photograph], circa 1990, inclusive
[Photograph of bill signing with Mario Cuomo and David Dinkins], circa 1991, inclusive
[Photograph with Mario Cuomo], circa 1991, inclusive
[New York Law Journal article "Revised 'Son-of-Sam' Law Signed by Governor Cuomo"], 1992
[Photograph of Lentol Garden bill signing], 1993
Officer Steven McDonald Little League ceremony [photographs], 1996
[Lentol Garden dedication ceremony program], 1997
[Pilots Dinner photograph], 1999
[Photograph with Moshe Teitelbaum], circa 2000, inclusive
Proposal from Democratic Reform Caucus led by Assemblyman Bragman, 2000
Documents from attempted NYSA [New York State Assembly] coup of Speaker Sheldon Silver, 2000
[Clinton-Washington Avenue G line mural], 2001
[Photographs with Hilary Clinton], circa 2001-2007, inclusive
Assemblyman Lentol press releases, 2002
[Block Magazine, Joseph R. Lentol profile], 2002
[Greenpoint Gazette election ad and articles], 2002
Assemblyman Lentol press releases, 2003
Photos of various Italian-American days and Greek-American days in Albany, 2003-2019, inclusive
Press releases, 2004
[National Conference of State Legislatures Media Interview Guide], 2004
Williamsburg rezoning meeting documents, 2004-2005, inclusive
[Crossfire with Lentol on death penalty opinion], 2005
Existence and Location of Copies
A transcript of this episode is available online on CNN.com.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
This VHS tape is undigitized and not available for research use.
VHS; Runtime: unknown
Press releases, 2005
[Greenpoint Little League photographs], 2005
[Bill in support of Child Victims Act press conference photograph], 2005
[Death penalty and budget hearing photographs], 2005
Press releases, 2006
Greenpoint oil spill consent decrees, 2006
Greenpoint oil spill consent decrees, 2006
Greenpoint oil spill consent decrees, 2006
Greenpoint oil spill consent decrees, 2006
Brooklyn College commencement [photograph], 2006
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
This content is available to view on Vimeo from StreetFilms.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
The DVD "Contested Streets: Breaking New York City Gridlock" is not available for research use.
DVD; Runtime: 57 minutes
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Congestion pricing documents, 2006-2008, inclusive
Greenpoint oil spill documents, 2006-2010, inclusive
[New York State Assembly Pilots], 2007
Greenpoint oil spill documents, 2007
Press releases, 2007
[Opening of new Brooklyn Children's Museum photograph], 2008
Congestion pricing documents, 2008
Congestion pricing documents, 2009
[Constituent contact], 2009
[Correspondence], 2009
[Met Council photograph], 2009
Blessing of the Animals, St. Cecilia's [photographs], circa 2010, inclusive
Dedication of BARC Avenue co-naming [photograph], circa 2010, inclusive
[2010 State Assembly Primary campaign materials], 2010
[9/11 Memorial construction site photographs], 2011
[Photograph with Robert Duffy and Andrew Kimball], 2012
[Marie Sadowski plaque dedication, McGolrick Park photographs], 2012
[North Brooklyn Development Corporation ribbon cutting photographs], 2013
Greenpoint oil spill documents, 2016
[Seneca Club Dinner photograph], 2017
[Photographs with Andrew Cuomo], 2017
[Photograph of Joseph R. Lentol and Denny Farrell], 2017
[Volunteer thank you letters], 2018
[Assemblyman Lentol newsletters], 2019-2020, inclusive
[Designating petition training materials], 2020
[New York State Assemblyman election campaign poster], 2020
[Designating petition training materials], 2020
[2020 Assemblyman campaign flyers], 2020
[Greenpoint Gazette Eric Radezky op-ed], 2020
[The LOOM issues], 2020
Joseph R. Lentol biography, 2020
Items from last trip to Albany in March 2020, 2020
[Joseph R. Lentol's briefcase], circa 1970, inclusive
Sub-series 1.2: Eric Radezky files, 2004-2020, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Sub-series 1.2: Eric Radezky files, 2004-2020, consists of files related to issues and cases Eric Radezky was personally involved in while working for Assemblyman Lentol. This includes press releases, letters to and from constituents, and "scanned case files," which are groups of files related to a certain issue, agency, or business over a period of years, such as alternate side parking, Department of Transportation, and the Pod Hotel on Metropolitan Avenue.
Many of the files are not on official letterhead because they were printed out on Assemblyman Lentol's letterhead and sent out in physical mailings.
Arrangement
This sub-series is arranged chronologically.
Biographical Note
Eric Radezky worked for Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol from 2006 to 2020 and was District Office Director from 2013 to 2020. As District Office Director, Radezky oversaw office management, staff development, and project management.
Radezky has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University, an M.A. in Urban Planning and Public Policy from Brooklyn College, and a B.S. in Communications from Boston University. As of 2023, he is Director of Governmental and External Affairs at Hostos Community College and teaches classes as an adjunct professor at LaGuardia Community College.
Processing Information
The archivist printed all the digital files on Eric Radezky's USB drive onto acid-free archival paper for access purposes.
[Eric Radezky's files USB drive], 2004-2020, inclusive
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
This USB drive is not available for research use. Access to physical copies of these files are available on-site in the Othmer Library at Center for Brooklyn History.
Scanned case files - letters of support, 2004-2017, inclusive
Letters, 2005
Letters, 2006
Press releases, 2006
Letters, 2007
Press releases, 2007
Scanned case files - DOT [Department of Transportation], 2007-2014, inclusive
Letters, 2008
Press releases, 2008
Scanned case files - MTA issues, 2008-2019, inclusive
Scanned case files - Parks issues, 2008-2019, inclusive
Letters, 2009
Press releases, 2009
Scanned case files - ASP [Alternate side parking] letters, 2009-2017, inclusive
Letters, 2010
Press releases, 2010
Letters, 2011
Press releases, 2011
Letters, 2012
Press releases, 2012
Scanned case files - Pulaski bike lane, 2012-2014, inclusive
Scanned case files - DSNY [The City of New York Department of Sanitation] Scorecard, 2012-2018, inclusive
Letters, 2013
Press releases, 2013
Scanned case files - MTA L line shutdown letter, 2013
Scanned case files - film and TV letters, 2013-2016, inclusive
Letters, 2014
Press releases, 2014
Letters, 2015
Press releases, 2015
Scanned case files - DOT [Department of Transportation], 2015-2018, inclusive
Scanned case files - NYCHA, Enviro, GP [Greepoint] school, codes, 2015-2019, inclusive
Letters, 2016
Press releases, 2016, inclusive
Scanned case files - Fillmore Place - POD Hotel, 2016-2017, inclusive
Scanned case files - MTA 40 Quay, 2016-2019, inclusive
Letters, 2017
Press releases, 2017
Scanned case files - DEP [Department of Environmental Protection] long-term control plan, 2017-2020, inclusive
Letters, 2018
Press releases, 2018
Scanned case files - NYCHA RAD-PACT [New York City Housing Authority Rental Assistance Demonstration - Permanent Affordability Commitment Together]letters, 2018
Letters, 2019
Press releases, 2019
Scanned case files - DOT [Department of Transportation], 2019-2020, inclusive
Scanned case files - EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] Newtown Creek superfund site, 2019
Letters, 2020
Press releases, 2020
Series 2: Other political campaign flyers, 2001-2020, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Series 2: Other political campaign flyers, 2001-2020, includes campaign flyers Lentol collected from other New York City and State political campaigns. Most of the politicians were active in Brooklyn with some citywide and statewide races represented; a few flyers relate to races in Sand Lake, New York, a town near Albany, New York. Some flyers are also from political action groups, such as the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.
Arrangement
The series is in alphabetical order.
[1199 SEIU Political Action Fund], 2009
[Richard Aborn], 2009
[Isaac Abraham], 2009
[Maria Aragona], 2020
[Ken Baer], 2009
[Herb Berman], 2001
[Doug Biviano], 2009
[Mike Bloomberg], 2009
[J. Michael Bruhn, Jr.], 2007
[Steven Cohn], 2001
[Andrew Cuomo], 2006
[Maritza Davila], 2009
[Bill de Blasio], 2009
[Ken Diamondstone], 2009
[Steve DiBrienza], 2001
[Martin Malave Dilan], 2002
[Kenneth K. Fisher], 2001
[Forest City Ratner Companies], circa 2006, inclusive
[Kathryn Freed], 2001
[Jeannette Gadson], 2001
[John Glasser], 2007
[Tom Golisano], 2002
[Betsy Gotbaum], 2001-2005, inclusive
[Mark Green], 2001-2009
[Alan Hevesi], 2001
[Charles J. Hynes], 2005
[Steve Kaufman], 2005
[Liz Krueger], 2007
[Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn], 2009
[Brad Lander], 2009
[Stephen Levin], 2009-2013
[John Liu], 2009
[Carolyn Mahoney], 2020
[Marty Markowitz], 2001-2009, inclusive
[Rich McNally], 2007
[Gifford Miller], 2001
[Robert Miller], 2006
[Scott Murphy], circa 2006, inclusive
[Kristina Naplatarski], 2020
[National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) New York State Pro-Choice 2002 Voting Guide], 2002
[New York League of Conservation Voters], 2007
[Mark G. Peters], 2005
[Stephen Pierson], 2013
[Bill Reinhardt], 2007
[David Reiss], 2001
[Diana Reyna], 2009
[Steve Robelotto], 2007
[Debi Rose], 2009
[Nellie Santiago], 2002
[Craig A. Seeman], 2001
[Alex Shannon], 2007
[Norman Siegel], 2001
[Jo Anne Simon], 2009
[Eliot Spitzer], 2006
[Scott Stringer], 2001
[Tom Suozzi], 2006
[Evan Thies], 2009
[Ken Thompson], 2013
[Peter Vallone], 2001
[Jimmy Van Bramer], 2009
[Nydia Velázquez], 2002
[Richard Velasquez], 2005
[Melissa Mark Viverito], 2009
[Vote No Campaign], 2007
[David Weprin], 2009
[Jumaane Williams], 2009
[David Yassky], 2001-2009, inclusive
Series 3: Edward S. Lentol papers, 1951-1966, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Series 3: Edward S. Lentol papers, 1951-1966, includes photographs, news clippings, certificates of election, a 1958 Democratic Campaign Handbook, and memoranda related to Edward S. Lentol's career as New York State Assemblyman and Senator. Many of the news clippings are election results reported in the New York Times or other newspapers.
These papers do not cover Edward S. Lentol's time on the New York Supreme Court.
Arrangement
The series is arranged chronologically.
Biographical note
Edward S. Lentol was born on December 26, 1909 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended St. John's University Pre-Law School and then Law School. He married Matilda A. Postis and they had three sons, one of whom is Joseph R. Lentol.
Edward S. Lentol was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1948, representing the 14th District of Brooklyn. He remained in that position until he was elected to the Senate in 1962, respresenting the 18th District until 1965, 20th District in 1966, and then the 14th District from 1967-1972. He was elected to the New York Supreme Court in 1972 and held that position until his death on December 11, 1981.
During his life, Edward S. Lentol was president of the Williamsburg Neighborhood Council and Brooklyn Psychiatrics Clinics, Inc.
