New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley appeared in Glendale only one day after being sworn into their respective offices, proving to the community they haven't yet forgotten where they came from or who helped get them elected.

The officials were on hand to participate in the Glendale Property Owners Association (GPOA) installation ceremony, the annual event that installs the association's board members and officers.

In remarks before officiating the installation proceedings, Crowley, who represents Queens' 30th District, thanked the community for its support and vowed to get right to work.

"I'm happy to have the opportunity to work for you in the City Council," said Crowley. "I know there's so much we're going to get done for the community."

Crowley said passing downzoning legislation in Glendale and establishing a Glendale zip code would be top priorities in 2009, as well as securing funding to ensure the communities she represents - Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village and parts of Richmond Hill, Ridgewood and Woodhaven - receive the social services they need.

"We have to make sure that we receive our fair share of funding, not only from the city but also from the state and the federal government," Crowley said.

In one of her first official acts as councilwoman, Crowley swore in 11 GPOA board members - including four board officers - to new, yearlong terms. All of the inductees were returning members except for Dori Capace, a longtime behind-the-scenes community advocate who decided this year to formally volunteer for the GPOA board.

"Its an honor to be part of the community," said Capace, who has lived in Glendale for 40 years. "It's a great community and hopefully we can keep it that way."

GPOA President Brian Dooley said maintaining the area's quality of life will be the board's greatest challenge in 2009, as the city plods through a recession that has sparked a nationwide rise in petty crime.

"We have to stay diligent on the quality-of-life issues like graffiti and minor crime,” said Dooley. "Now it’s more important than ever."

Dooley said he looks forward to working with Crowley and Addabbo.

"Its always good when the elected officials come out," Dooley said. "So far we're off to a great start with these guys."

Addabbo said he looked forward to representing Glendale and the other communities in New York's 15th Senatorial District 15.

"Glendale's a great area," said Addabbo. "It's rich in history and tradition and made up of hard-working people. It's a microcosm of the city."