Queens Leaders Look Ahead to 2019

By David Brand

The year ahead is a big one for Queens.

In 2019, all six of the borough’s state senators will wield significant power in the Democratic-controlled State Senate. Amazon will finalize plans for a massive corporate campus in Long Island City, the Mets will tool up for a run at a World Series title and, for the first time since 1991, there will be a race for Queens District Attorney.

As Queens prepares for 2019, several local leaders, including current Queens DA Richard A. Brown and all three DA candidates, looked ahead to the new year and shared their goals and wishes with the Eagle.

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown

"As we embark on a new year, I am hopeful that the downward trend in serious and violent crimes continues to drop. I want our neighbors, family and friends to feel secure and at peace in our borough — whether they are taking leisurely walks in our many parks, shopping at local businesses or simply visiting loved ones. I wish each and every resident of Queens County a happy, healthy, prosperous and safe 2019."

Borough President Melinda Katz, candidate for Queens DA

“I am hopeful that 2019 will be another year of growth and improvement for Queens. We must continue to work together to create a better Queens for all of us — strengthening our schools, keeping our borough affordable, bringing criminal justice reform, protecting our immigrants, and fixing our transit crisis. I am proud to raise my kids here, and I am committed to making Queens stronger in the New Year.”

Councilmember Rory Lancman, candidate for Queens DA

"My wish for the new year is that Queens will turn the page on our broken, discriminatory, and outdated criminal justice system, and push for reforms that ensure fairness for all. Queens can end mass incarceration, over-policing and the 'New Jim Crow,' all while focusing more resources on protecting women, immigrants, and working people. We just need the leadership to get it done.”

Retired Judge Gregory Lasak, candidate for Queens DA

“As we close the book on 2018 and forge ahead to the New Year, I’m looking forward to seeing our borough continue to grow and prosper. I’m looking forward to seeing a growing economy and safer streets. And I’m looking forward to hitting the campaign trail and meeting as many Queens residents as possible as we fight for a more equal and fair criminal justice system and to make Queens the safest borough in the City. Finally, I’m thankful to all our law enforcement professionals who work their hardest to keep us safe every single day.”

In addition to the DA candidates, a few other local leaders shared their goals for 2019:

Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, who represents parts of Astoria and Long Island City and will introduce a slate of bills to combat sexual harassment.

"In 2019, I will focus on strengthening worker protections against sexual harassment, and eliminating the loopholes that have shielded harassers in the past. I will continue my work to strengthen our laws that protect sexual assault survivors and to update New York State's rape laws. I will also work to ensure that all students (including twice exceptional students) have the opportunities they deserve to pursue a quality public school education and i will work to ensure that New Yorkers can access the most effective fertility treatments to establish the families they deserve."

Councilmember Adrienne Adams, who represents Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill, and South Ozone Park

“As we forge into the year 2019, my goal is to continue to concentrate on the advancement of Queens and the City of New York as a whole. I plan to sustain my focus on the city’s infrastructure; foster and encourage economic vitality and equity; promote a high-quality of life through quality programs, services and appropriate investment; also preserve past improvements and promote future community safety gains.”