Harlem Residents Vote in Hotly Contested Primary

 Dominican politicians face off--again By Amanda Rivera and Ashley DucheminMost students aren't aware of the intense rivalry between Adriano Espaillat and Guillermo Linares for state senator in Harlem's 31st district. But the residents casting their votes in at the 3333 Broadway apartment complex are well aware of the hotly contested primary race.Espaillat is fighting to hold his seat  in a bitter rivalry that dates back to an election almost two decades ago.  In 1991, Linares beat Espaillat for City Council, making him the first elected Dominican-American official in the city. Many stand by the incumbent. “I think [Espaillat] is the better option,” says Juan Acevedo, 47, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. Acevedo hopes that Espaillat’s policies will help boost the community’s education system, and have a special focus on issues of immigration.Winston Segura, 41, agrees. His lack of support for Linares stems from the East Harlem Pathmark controversy in 1995. At that time, the councilman endorsed the controversial $12 million construction of the supermarket.“I’m usually too busy to vote but I had to cover my last fault,” explains Segura. “Linares turned on his Dominican people and small business owners when he supported a Pathmark being built on 135^th.”LaGuardia Community College student Jaylin Lassi can't remember that far back. Her reason for choosing Linares is more straightforward. “My mom told to me to vote for him,” admits Lassi, 22.One of the few young voters, Lassi feels there should be more youth involvement.  “I don’t know if they think about the future, but it affects us," she says. "I actually told a couple of friends to come because they should.”Update: Espaillat beat Linares by a landslide.