Ex-prosecutor recruits top Queens conservatives in bid for borough president

From left to right: Councilmember Bob Holden, Queens GOP Chairperson Joann Ariola, former State Sen. Serphin Maltese, civic leader Tony Nunziato, Queens Borough President candidate James Quinn and Italian-American community leader Cav. Tony DiPiazza cut the ribbon at Quinn’s campaign headquarters in Ridgewood. Photo courtesy of the Quinn campaign.

By David Brand

Former Queens prosecutor James Quinn has assembled a team of Queens’ most prominent conservative leaders to assist in his bid for borough president.

Quinn, who served in the Queens District Attorney’s Office for 42 years, is a registered Democrat, but he recruited various local Republicans to disseminate his law and order message across the borough. The team also includes Councilmember Robert Holden, a nominal Democrat who won his council seat while running on the GOP line in 2017.

Queens County Republican Chairperson Joann Ariola, Queens Conservative Chairperson Tom Long, former Republican Queens State Sen. Serf Maltese, civic leader Tony Nunziato and Italian-American community leader Cav. Tony DiPiazza are also working on the campaign.

“We are putting together a top-notch team of highly respected Queens leaders, and I’m honored that these distinguished men and women have agreed to serve as my campaign co-chairs,” Quinn said.

Quinn is one of six candidates who will appear on the ballot in the March 24 special election to replace former Borough President Melinda Katz, who recently took over Quinn’s old office as Queens district attorney.

The other candidates include Councilmember Costa Constantinides, former Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, former Queens prosecutor James Quinn, Councilmember Donovan Richards and businessperson Dao Yin.

Former NYPD Sergeant Anthony Miranda, a police reform advocate, was blocked from appearing on the ballot because of petition application error. He is challenging his exclusion in court.