Now here’s a statement of support for the community. Manhattan’s Christine Quinn is expected to be named speaker of the NYC’s City Council, a powerful position in city government. (Newsday via PageOneQ):

Quinn (D-Manhattan), edged out her closest rival, Councilman Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn), for the influential position. The balance swung in her favor when the powerful Queens delegation, with 13 Democrats, decided to back Quinn.

The council speaker is widely considered the second most visible — and powerful — position in city government, as the face of the 51-member City Council and often the most prominent counterpoint to the mayor. Gifford Miller, who lost a primary bid to replace Mayor Michael Bloomberg, left the council due to term limits.

“I am gratified for the support of my colleagues,” Quinn said in a statement e-mailed to reporters late Monday afternoon. “I look forward to the vote on Wednesday and to working with them to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”

Quinn, 39, will be the third council speaker and the first woman speaker since the position was created in 1989. A native of Glen Cove, she worked as a housing advocate, and was executive director of the New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence project and chief of staff for then-Councilman Thomas Duane. She won his seat when he was elected to the state Senate in 1999.