Arlene Kayatt

A Dem St. Pat's Day celebration-T he Lexington Democratic Club once again hosted their pre-parade St. Patrick Day's Party at Stout Grand Central and it is fast emerging as the pre-parade hot spot destination for political leaders-and aspiring leaders. The roomy room began filling up at 8 a.m. on the day of the parade and celebrated over breakfast rashers, maybe some stout, and definitely Irish coffee.

Since Congressman Jerry Nadler announced that he wouldn't be running for another term, at least 12 Dems have made known their intentions to seek the coveted seat. On the Republican side, attorney Carolyn Shinkle appears to be the frontrunner. On Feb. 23, the Manhattan Republican Party endorsed her. Among Dems, UES Assemblyman Alex Bores was the first, as I recall, to announce his candidacy.

The Upper East Side is now officially the political epi-center of New York City with the two most powerful political leaders living less than a mile apart. Mayor Zohran Mamdani who was sworn in on Jan. 1 is moving from his rent stabilized apartment in Astoria to Gracie Mansion, on East End Ave. and E. 88th St. Then a week after the inauguration, Julie Menin, the UES's District 5 Council Member was unanimously elected to be Speaker of the Council.