By Demetrios Rhompotis

The evening was part of a series of gatherings honoring the Congressman in cities around the country. Congressmen Mike McMahon, Joseph Crowley and Steve Israel also attended and addressed the people present, praising their colleague’s abilities and qualities.

“I don’t have a lot of Greeks in my district, but I have a lot of Greek Americans who I consider like friends, even like family,” said Zack Space in an interview with NEO. “The Greek American community has been very generous and helpful all over the country. Obviously, as Greek American I have concerns about issues of importance to the Greek community, like the injustice on Cyprus or the restrictions on religious freedom in Turkey. We also have a common set of values (with the rest of the Americans): we believe in family, in hard work, in making sacrifices. I can’t say how proud I am for the support I’ve received.”

Zack Space's grandfather came to American from the island of Icaria. Many members of the NY Icarian community were in attendance at the event.

Congressman Space, in his second term now, proudly serves on both the Energy and Commerce and Veteran's Affairs Committees. He is one of only 5 Greek-Americans in the House of Representatives and he’s facing a tough re-election given the economic conditions in the country and the fact that his district used to be a Republican stronghold. “I think it’s a tough season for anyone who’s in office,” he admitted. “People are understandably frustrated, at times angry and there is uncertainty with the economy being where it is right now, which means we’ll have to work all the harder, be focusing all our time both in Washington and back in Ohio to economic issues.” For Congressman Space “jobs is a priority right now and I think if we are able to deliver on creating a better environment for jobs, get some manufacturing for jobs in the district, that will be the key.”

Asked about the so-called “Tea Parties” movement and the extreme polarization of the political discourse – in fact he has received threats on his life – he said that “it’s refreshing to see people that for years did not even bother to vote, suddenly care about the process. It’s important to have forums to express ideas and to listen to other views in a civilized way. I encourage people to continue getting involved, whether they are conservative, liberal or moderate.” However, “do it in a constructive fashion, lets not shut the debate down, lets engage each other in a civil and courteous way …For me moderation has always been the key. And I believe there is a lot of strength and power in moderation.”

For more info on Zack Space and his campaign the website is www.ZackSpace.org