It’s time.

The inauguration marked, for this writer, the changing of the political seasons. The over-extended election of 2000 saw closure and political hoohahs turned their focus to the candidates of 2001.

We’ve already shared with you thoughts on the Queens Beep race and will continue to do so. Likewise, the three citywide offices will come into sharp focus as 2001 matures. But for the moment, we take our first look at the 14 very soon-to-be-vacant Queens City Council seats.

In spite of last minute, desperate efforts on the part of some of the sitting Councilmem-bers to overturn term limits, we can expect to role into heavy political season with all 14 Queens seats vacant.

So this represents our first run through trying to understand who are the players who will vie in September primaries, stand for election in November and fill the seats as 2002 witnesses a new Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate and City Council.

We’ve kept our ear to the ground, chatted with present Councilmembers and staffs, listened to the consultants and looked at the campaign filings.

For this election, NYC Campaign Finance Board filings are super-important. With the City matching funds of 4-1 (up to $250 per NYC resident contribution with the City contributing up to $75,350), it is essential for Council wannabes to be competitive in fundraising. It is hard to believe that newcomers will be able to effectively deliver their message if seriously outspent.

The 14 Queens Council Districts

Filings were due on Jan. 16 and were posted on the CFB website at http://cfb.nyc.ny.us/. As of this writing (01/24), it is unlikely but possible that some filings are yet to be posted.

For this look, we used the "net contribution" figure. That is the number before matching funds are added. In the right-hand column of the chart below, "a " — indicates that a filed candidate has not reported contributions. "No file" indicates that the candidate has not registered with the CFB. Although behind the curve, a candidate has until June 1 to register.

A quick seat-by-seat look reveals:

19th Dist: In a seat that could continue to remain Republican, there is no strong GOP candidate to date. Labor leader Arthur Chiliotis surprised everyone with a super strong financial filing and presents a more than serious challenge to regular Dem, perennial candidate Tony Avella.

Candidates for Queens City Council seats compiled by Not4Pub

20th Dist: Flushing’s John Liu, has already raised the amount needed for maximum matching and is clearly the odds-on favorite in this minority district. However, if there is a large field of Asian candidates, a white latecomer who can raise money may be able to steal this from John.

21st Dist: In a district which could go Hispanic, three Latinos could divide the vote enabling a black, Bentley, or white, Lisa, to walk in if properly funded.

22nd Dist: Peter Vallone, Jr. seems to have this wrapped up.

23rd Dist: This will come down to a two person battle between Councilman Leffler’s chief of staff Bernice Siegel, who is the wife of a labor leader, and Dem District Leader David Weprin, brother of Assemblyman Mark and son of the late Assembly Speaker.

24th Dist: Another good race. Claire Shulman’s protégé Barry Grodenchik out of the Stevenson Dem Club has taken the frontrunner position. Weprin Dem Club Pres Jim Gennaro has made an impressive showing, while the JFK Club’s Jeff Gottlieb trails in the money category. But the Weprin Club is involved in David’s tough race, and as the only non-Jewish candidate, Gennaro may not benefit in a district where the Primary turnout is expected to be overwhelmingly Jewish. Unless Gottlieb gains in bucks, Grodenchik is out in front.

25th Dist: It’s a wild and wooly one in the 25th. Ellen Raphael leads Rudolpho Greco, and Jimmy Van Bramer in the fundraising exercise. The others have unimpressive efforts or are yet to start. Watch Dem District Leader, old pro Helen Sears who has the ability to put together this one quickly.

26th Dist: Eric Gioia clearly leads a large field with three other candidates who have shown something in the fundraising area: Joe Heaphy, Matt Farrell and Mike Kearney. Pat O’Malley and Joe Conley probably could be competitive if they start immediately. Then there is Sean Crowley, the younger bro of Congressman Joe — if he wants it, watch out.

27th Dist: Leroy Comrie, perceived frontrunner and Archie Spigner heir apparent, still has to prove his ability to raise funds. Helen Cooper-Gregory seems to be the only possible real challenger.

28th Dist: Anthony Andrews Jr. heir apparent to Tom White, may be the only horse in this race. Allen Jennings will have to overcome serious debts to the CFB to be a player.

29th Dist: Melinda Katz, the former Assemblywoman who gave up her seat in a losing run for Congress, has this one wrapped up.

30th Dist: Dennis Gallagher is the Republican heir apparent to Tom Ognibene. The Dems will have to do some heavy fundraising to get Dennis to even break a sweat.

31st Dist: This one seems up for grabs with Assistant Queens Parks Commish Ed Lewis the man to watch.