Council hopefuls answer the Eagle’s questions
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Queens voters will cast ballots in City Council races throughout the borough later this month. Eagle file photo by Jacob Kaye
By Ryan Schwach
It’s time to cast ballots in Queens’ City Council races.
Ahead of the primary, which falls on Tuesday, June 27, the Queens Daily Eagle sent a five-question survey to every candidate running for one of the borough’s 15 City Council seats.
Though there are fewer competitive primaries than in past years, there are seven Democratic primaries, one Republican primary, four races with only a general election and three races where the incumbent is running completely unopposed in the World’s Borough.
Here are the five questions posed to candidates:
Why are you interested in running for City Council? If you are an incumbent, why are you interested in running for City Council again?
What would you say are your main qualifications for the seat you are running for?
What, to you, are your top three issues in the borough and in your district? How would you address them?
What is the biggest change you want to make in your district? If you are an incumbent, what issue or change to the district do you still feel you’d like to address?
A friend or relative is in town – where in the district are you taking them?
Queens has new City Council lines after the city’s districts were redrawn last year. Map via the New York City Districting Commission
District 19
Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck, Malba and Whitestone
Tony Avella (D) – Avella is the former Councilmember for District 19 and a former State Senator. He lost to City Councilmember Vickie Paladino in the 2021 general election. He is endorsed by the Queens County Democratic Party and several current office holders.
Given the number of serious issues facing our City and the continuing level of animosity that exists in government, I believe my previous experience as Councilmember and State Senator will be an asset to the residents of the 19th District and the entire City.
Having previously served in government at the City and State level, I have the necessary experience to handle and solve the many complex issues that we face today. I also have extensive knowledge of the many neighborhoods that comprise the 19th Council District that will enable me to start on “Day One” to address the quality-of-life issues we face.
The major issues currently facing the district (Northeast Queens) are the increased crime rate, including anti-Asian, anti-Semitic, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. The penalties for hate crimes must be doubled to address these serious offenses. Other issues are serious lack of attention to quality-of-life conditions, such as tree pruning and dead tree removals. repaving of local roads (most notably in College Point), and the need to address flooding due to the new storm threats from climate change. To address the increased crime, I have long advocated for the creation of a new police precinct out of the 109th Precinct, for College Point, Whitestone, Clearview, and Bay Terrace which would improve response time and provide for a more permanent police presence.
Addressing the negative impact that climate change is having in Northeast Queens must be a priority. The storm sewers through the district are not sufficient to handle the heavy rainstorms and hurricanes that are increasing in number and intensity. Homeowners are experiencing flooding in their basements on a regular basis. Roads/highways also are impacted making traffic conditions treacherous.
I would take them on a tour of the wonderful parks in the district, including Fort Totten and Little Bay Park and the Udall's Cove Preservation Area.
Paul Graziano (D) – Graziano is a local advocate and land-use expert. He recently led a campaign against Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed housing plan. He has run twice for this seat previously, and is cross endorsed by district attorney candidate George Grasso.
In 2021, former Council Speaker Corey Johnson tried to eliminate our one-family neighborhoods Citywide and force northeast Queens to build more high-density housing every decade - forever. I was the leader citywide in stopping it. In 2022 and 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul tried to eliminate our 1-family neighborhoods Statewide, massively increase density within 1/2 mile of LIRR stations, build more high-density housing in perpetuity, take away local control and give blanket amnesty for all illegal building conversions in NYC - forever. I was, and continue to be, the leader statewide in stopping it. For three decades, I've been protecting our neighborhoods in northeast Queens. No matter what the issue - zoning and land use, infrastructure and services, education and public safety - I have tirelessly advocated for our communities and fought to maintain our quality of life and property values. If elected to the City Council, I believe I can do even more to protect our neighborhoods.
As a native of North Flushing and resident on the same block for my entire life, I am deeply tuned in to what the concerns are in our Council District. For 30 years, I have been a land use, planning, zoning and historic preservation advocate and consultant to just about every civic and homeowner association - as well as many coops and condos - in Council District 19 and beyond, some for years, others for decades. My expertise has literally saved some of our communities in northeast Queens from total destruction. In addition, in this election I am the only candidate with a child - my son Theo, a 1st grader at P.S. 209 in the Gifted and Talented program - which means I am directly involved in educational outcomes. As both of my parents were educators for a total of 60 years, education policy is critical to me. I am also having constant conversations with teachers, parents and children about what works and doesn't work for the students in northeast Queens, including curriculum and other programming.
"It all starts with our homes. If our neighborhoods get ruined, the rest doesn't matter." This is my slogan for my campaign and one of my core beliefs. Protecting our neighborhoods in NE Queens is my top priority. This includes: Protecting our 1 and 2-family homes from overdevelopment; and our Coops/Condos from implementation of Local Law 97, which will literally bankrupt the most affordable housing that we have in NE Queens if we don't stop it, Supporting more police hiring and create a new precinct by splitting the 109th into two, as NE Queens has seen huge increases in property/grand larceny/felony crimes, defending the health benefits - Medicare - for City Retirees in our district which are under attack by Mayor Adams, the UFT and other unions, education reform with more local control in Districts 25 and 26, maintaining and reinforcing our quality-of-life in Council District 19 and preserving and restoring our 42 miles of waterfront / acquiring sensitive wetlands.
Over the past decade, the erosion of our neighborhoods in NE Queens and throughout the city has been profound. Much of this has been due to policy decisions by the previous Mayor and City Council which we are still dealing with today. Key issues that I would deal with are: Local Law 97, protecting Medicare for city retirees, new laws regulating development and increased oversight over the Department of Buildings, creating low-density design districts for a number of our neighborhoods in NE Queens to better control development the way the neighborhoods want it, not developers, establishing a new Northeast Queens Waterfront Preservation Commission - with regulatory teeth - to help to restore the habitat of our 42 miles of coastline and fight climate change.
All over the district, as it's always been one of the nicest parts of New York City. For a specific destination, Fort Totten and Little Bay Park, described as one of the "jewels" of the city - and a place I was deeply involved in turning into a park and historic District 25 years ago instead of high-rise condos and a private college. Historic Broadway- Flushing - which I placed on the National Register of Historic Places - and Bowne Park; Francis Lewis Park next to the Whitestone Bridge; Poppenhusen Institute and MacNeil Park in College Point; downtown Bayside along Bell Boulevard for lunch or dinner and Crocheron /Golden parks by Little Neck Bay. Udalls Cove Wildlife Preserve, Alley Pond Park, APEC (when it reopens!) and the historic districts in Douglaston Hill (which I assisted in getting landmarked) and Douglas Manor. These are some of the highlights of our district - and the places that are meaningful to the residents of our district, so why not show them off?
Democratic Candidate Christopher Bae, and Republican incumbent Vickie Paladino did not respond to the Eagle’s question and answer request.
District 20
Downtown Flushing, Murray Hill and Queensboro Hill
Sandra Ung (D) – Ung is the incumbent for District 20 and was elected in 2021 and has recently promoted programs to protect small businesses in Flushing. She practiced law and worked for State Senator John Liu before being elected
1. I initially ran for office because I saw a lack of resources coming to this district, which has one of the largest immigrant populations in New York City. In my first term, I’ve been able to secure a record amount of new funding for our community. From capital funding for our schools to free legal services, I am running for City Council because I want to ensure that our district gets the assistance it needs.
2. Prior to taking public office, I was a Columbia law graduate who worked in a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence. After I left the nonprofit world, I served in government on the city, state and federal level. I bring a wealth of public service experience to the Council, and use that to forge coalitions to get things done.In my first year in office, I was one of the top members for number of bills passed. These bills prioritized increasing language access and making sure our small businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
3. Public safety, education and language access. Public safety is my top priority. Residents and small businesses need to feel safe walking down the street or getting on the subway, and I have worked closely with the NYPD and our District Attorney to ensure that they are indeed safe. Our city depends on the next generation, and we must always ensure that our schools and teachers have the funding they need to do their job of caring for our children. I will fight for a budget that gives our schools the funding they need. Language access is a major issue in my district, which has a majority Limited English Proficiency (LEP) population. From improving 311 service to diversifying our city’s workforce, I will continue to be a champion for language access.I want to make sure that the city government stops treating immigrant communities like ours as a lesser priority. Too often, services are only offered in English or agencies depend on Language Line. For many in my district, lack of bilingual services is the same as a lack of service. We’ve already made important improvements, but I would like to see greater improvements. Recently, I was excited to team up with Mayor Adams to bring an NYC Hiring Hall to Flushing in an effort to hire a more diverse population to our civil service, and I will continue to explore legislation that makes it easier for immigrant communities to prosper.
4. I want to make sure that the city government stops treating immigrant communities like ours as a lesser priority. Too often, services are only offered in English or agencies depend on Language Line. For many in my district, lack of bilingual services is the same as a lack of service. We’ve already made important improvements, but I would like to see greater improvements. Recently, I was excited to team up with Mayor Adams to bring an NYC Hiring Hall to Flushing in an effort to hire a more diverse population to our civil service, and I will continue to explore legislation that makes it easier for immigrant communities to prosper.
5. Kissena Park! District 20 is blessed with many beautiful parks, but Kissena Park is one of my favorites. As a former marathon runner, I frequently ran the paths in the park and continue to love walking its paths today.
Dany Chen (R) – Chen is a local activist, specifically surrounding the continued use of the SHSAT in high schools, and is focusing his campaign on public safety.
I believe that the community needs a change for the better and that the current representation is not enough.
Community activist that led the homeless shelter conversion in College Point. A Pastor who actively speaks out for the community.
Bail Reform - work with the legislators to keep the bail system properly working to keep the city safe. Community Safety - support the police by increasing the lack of coverage by advocating a substation to be added to 109 precinct, increasing funds to have more officers per population, as well as enhancing the community security cameras. Traffic congestion - return Main Street into how it was to improve traffic flow.
Restore law and order, reduce the high crime rate and increase the security of the district.
I will take them to the various historic landmarks like Flushing Town Hall, Bowne House, Queens Historical Society Building, Voelker Orth Museum and Flushing Memorial Park.
Republican candidate Yu-Ching James Pai did not respond to the Eagle’s question and answer request.
District 21
East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Corona
Francisco Moya (D) – Moya is running unopposed after disgraced former lawmaker Hiram Monserrate was kicked off the ballot. Moya has recently championed building the city’s first-ever stadium dedicated to professional soccer at Willets Point.
I’m running for reelection in CD21 because I’ve been a community leader my entire life and I know there’s more work to be done to create a better future for Queens. In my next term, I plan to continue fighting for my constituents – protecting immigrant rights, ensuring workers get access to fair contracts, and defending our public schools. Additionally, I plan to bring the Willets Point redevelopment across the finish line, delivering 100 percent affordable housing, jobs, and economic growth to my district.
During my time in the City Council I’ve delivered results for my community. When the pandemic hit, I went to work by securing over 120,000 pieces of PPE for Elmhurst hospital and our frontline workers in the first week alone. I worked tirelessly to help secure $25 million in funding for emergency food providers, and volunteered at food pantries during the worst of the pandemic. I also worked to deliver an over 300 seat STEAM pre-K center in Corona in partnership with the New York Hall of Science. This center addresses the tremendously high demand for quality public schools for youth in my district, while presenting an opportunity to cultivate young minds. In partnership with Mayor Adams, my team was able to successfully introduce a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine Willets Point. This plan has been a long time coming, and will deliver 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing, 16,000 union jobs, a new 650-seat public school, and New York's first soccer-specific stadium.
Affordable Housing - My community is in desperate need of more affordable housing. That’s why I’m working with Mayor Adams to deliver the 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing to Willets Point. We have an opportunity to build a brand new neighborhood with New York’s largest 100% affordable housing project in the last 40 years to our district. Public Safety- Ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents is crucial for creating thriving communities and attracting investment. I am committed to finding solutions that ease public safety concerns while addressing the root causes of violence. Education- While we’ve made major progress to build more public schools in our district, including MS 419 and the STEAM Pre-K Center in Corona, more work needs to be done to expand access to public education in my district. That’s why I’m laser focused on bringing a new, 650-seat public school to our community as part of the Willets Point revitalization plan.
Delivering New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium. When I was first elected, I sat down with my longtime Chief of Staff Meghan Tadio Benham and wrote down five major goals we wanted to accomplish. Delivering a soccer-specific stadium to my community was one of them. When you walk through this community, you can feel the passion for soccer all around you. At Willets Point, for generations we’ve all witnessed a largely barren wasteland with massive potential that’s gone totally underutilized. Now, we have the opportunity to bring the world’s game right here to the world’s borough.
Park Side Restaurant in Corona
District 22
Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside
Tiffany Cabán (D) – Cabán is a former public defender and one of the more progressive councilmembers. She previously ran for district attorney in Queens.
In my first term in the Council, I fought for and won increased trash pick-up, street safety improvements, school renovations, and subway upgrades for District 22. I am proud to be one of the Council’s most productive members, I have passed eight pieces of legislation including two bills to expand access to reproductive health care in New York City, two bills to establish a first-in-the-nation “Survivor Stability Fund'' program, and a bill to strengthen the City FHEPS voucher program to help move more New Yorkers from shelters to permanent housing. I have also led the campaign to provide undocumented children with subsidized child care, opened and closed nearly 600 constituent cases, been one of just 6 Members to vote no on the school-cutting FY23 budget, and brought back participatory budgeting to our district. There's so much work to still do to make our city a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live, work, and play - and I'm just getting started.
Prior to joining the Council, I had already become a nationally-recognized expert on public safety, owing to my time advising progressive candidates for District Attorney across the country. My own run for District Attorney stemmed from my years as a public defender, during which I represented hundreds of clients, witnessed the abuses of our system of mass criminalization and incarceration, and developed a deep understanding of what is necessary to achieve the public safety outcomes we all need and deserve: public health infrastructure and universal economic stability. I became a public defender in the first place as an outgrowth of my personal experiences growing up in an overpoliced, under-resourced community and my exposure to violence, mental health issues, substance use disorder and economic insecurity.
Affordable Housing: In my first term, I secured hundreds of new affordable units for District 22. But that’s far from enough. That’s why I released a bold policy program to build up our stock of social housing, developed and owned by the people who live there in collaboration with the public. For-profit development will never yield the result we need and deserve: a housing system where every single New Yorker has a comfortable home, on a guaranteed basis. Secure Jobs: I am the lead sponsor of the Secure Jobs Act, a simple bill to protect workers from unjust or arbitrary firings by guaranteeing 14-day advance notice, a good reason, and a fair process before a potential discharge. Close Rikers: Rikers Island is the hellhole staining District 22. It’s a site of death, torture, terror, and modern day slavery. We must decarcerate the facility, shut it down, and convert the island into a cutting-edge renewable energy hub.
This past year, our neighborhood has been gutted again and again by lethal traffic violence claiming the lives of our precious neighbors, including 62-year-old Tamara Kao, 7-year-old Dolma Naadhu and 16-year-old Jayden McLaurin. Nothing can bring them back, so the best we can hope to do is prevent further deaths in the future. That’s why I’m fighting hard for life-saving infrastructure improvements throughout the district, including protected bike lanes, bulb outs, daylighting, and raised crosswalks. It is of the utmost importance that we put together and quickly implement a comprehensive plan for street safety, so we can honor the memories of the neighbors we’ve lost by saving many lives to come.
Obviously, Astoria’s small businesses are legendary. They even collaborate across sectors: Single Cut Brewery serves a coffee stout it brews in collaboration with Mighty Oak Roasters. They used to have DJs spin tunes in collaboration with HiFi Records, and I hear they might be starting back up again soon. Single Cut also just partnered with Dave’s Lesbian Bar for a Pride Summer Ale. So we’d definitely have to enjoy the local small business scene. In the evening, I’d want to kick back with them in Ralph DeMarco Park, where the vibe is just so welcoming, beautiful, intergenerational, healthy, and safe.
Charles Castro (D) – Castro is a retired NYPD officer and former chief of staff to Hiram Monserrate.
I feel our council member is more concerned with her radical agenda than with the issues facing our community. I want to change that by serving my community in the best way possible, which is addressing the needs of district 22.
My experience in law enforcement, working in the city council, as well as the New York State Assembly are my qualifications.
Public safety, clean streets, education for our children.
Bringing in more police officers, crime is out of control, people don't feel safe.
Kyclades restaurant, and for a walk around Ditmars and 30th Avenue.
Kelly Klingman (R )– Klingman is a local real estate agent running to increase NYPD funding.
I’m not a politician. I’m not doing this as a stepping stone. But ever since Socialist City Councilwoman Tiffany Caban was elected, my kids and I began to feel unsafe, as Caban's calls to abolish the police threatened everyone in our community. This was when I decided to step up and run for City Council District 22, my hometown. It’s time for a new voice at City Hall. We need someone who hasn’t given up yet on making the promise of the American Dream a reality for future generations, or for those still struggling to achieve it today. We need someone who will restore hope for our community, and truly help those struggling to get by. This is why I am stepping up to the plate to stop the growth of socialism in Astoria. I will be a fighter in City Hall, and I will stop at nothing to restore public safety and quality of life to our neighborhoods.
As a working single parent, I understand what it means to raise kids in areas that lack opportunities. Throughout my career in real estate, I’ve worked with middle-income rent-stabilized buildings throughout Queens to improve the quality of life for residents in buildings that were neglected by the City. I’ve lived through the struggle and pain of raising children at a time when our city was outright negligent toward working-class families trying to get by. Serving in organizations like the Gay Men's Health Center with the Church of St. Paul the Apostle truly opened my eyes to just how much our elected officials failed us time after time. It’s time for a new voice to stand up for common sense policies that will restore safety, lower housing costs and aid the emotionally disturbed.
Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a massive 15 percent spike in violent crime citywide, a housing crisis forcing families to leave NYC, and an unprecedented level of learning loss and mental health issues facing our students. We need solutions for these critical issues, and I intend to set these as my top priorities as your Councilwoman. At a time when the City is cutting the education budget, I will be the loudest voice in city hall to demand we not cut, but invest in our children and teachers. Furthermore, our modern challenges require us to be proactive and not reactive in ensuring that all New Yorkers can access 21st-century-standard housing. By creating and enhancing public-private partnerships coupled with incentive-based programs, we can restore Astoria’s stature as a haven for any seeking cost-effective shelter in New York City. Above all, public safety must be restored through proactive police work and efficient funding for our officers.
Our communities need more law enforcement officers, traffic safety officers, school safety officers and crossing guards: The 114th Precinct reports that summonses in our areas are up 120 percent year to date. Major crime arrests are up by 20 percent. Felonies and school violence has seen an uptick, all while Caban wants safety officers out of schools. Repeat offenders, including shoplifters harass and rob business owners more commonly, leaving our shopping and restaurant hubs at risk. Instead of calling for the abolishment of the NYPD, I will work with our precinct and local business owners to assure the safety needs are being consistently met. This is why my first priority will be increasing the presence of law enforcement throughout our communities, including in neighborhood and subway patrols.
Gregory’s, it’s where I ate lunch and decided to move to Astoria when I visited for the first time. It’s a small and amazing Greek spot. I truly felt like I was in a neighborhood that embodied the old New York, its wonderfully diverse immigrant culture, and I never felt more at home.
District 23
Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village
Linda Lee (D) – Lee was elected in 2021, and was the first woman to represent the district, and first Korean-American in the City Council. She is the chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction.
As a social worker and non-profit executive director, I saw how the city was falling short in delivering the services and resources Eastern Queens residents, and especially our seniors, needed most. I ran for City Council to fix those issues and I’m proud of what we accomplished in the past 18 months. We’ve fully funded our schools, focused on cleaning up our streets and parks, making our communities safer, and addressing critical healthcare and mental health issues. I’m running for re-election because the job is not done and I want to continue to fight for our neighborhoods.
Prior to taking office last year, I spent my career in social work and the nonprofit sector where I worked at the grassroots level in the District and started up a mental health clinic to serve the Korean community (a real labor of love that involved slogging through years of the State bureaucracy). I'm a working mom and public school parent raising my children here. I care deeply about this responsibility.
Mental Health and Healthcare: As chair of the Mental Health Committee, I’ve worked to create a Mental Health Roadmap for NYC, we are working to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare I am co-sponsoring legislation to protect Medicare for our seniors and retirees. Quality of life issues: Public safety is paramount. I’ve worked to make sure our police and first responders are fully funded and have the resources they need. I sponsored and passed legislation to crack down on catalytic converter theft, I allocated over $200,000 for trash, snow, and graffiti removal in our neighborhoods. Education: Funding a record-breaking $700 Million by the City Council to the Dept. of Education, Working to increase access to early childhood care as well as arts and after school programs, securing an unprecedented amount of capital funding, including AC upgrades, additional STEM labs, and accessible playgrounds, voting to allocate upwards of $350 Million for our local schools.
While we’ve made much progress in many areas and on many issues in just a short time, we need to be vigilant in ensuring that our communities continue to be safe and clean, that our schools continue to be fully funded, and our seniors are taken care of.
Mamoun’s Falafel!!
Steve Behar (D) – Behar formerly served as counsel to Barry Grodenchik. He is again running for the seat after doing so in 2021 – he finished third in a field of seven.
I am running for City Council because I want to help people and I know I can help my neighbors and my city.
I am a product of our local schools. I am a parent of a child in P.S. 46. I am First Vice President of the P.S. 46 PTA. I served on Community Board 11 for several terms. I've worked with our local civic associations and community organizations for decades. In my career, I have served as an international corporate finance attorney in New York and Hong Kong, an EMS first responder, a small business owner and a University Professor. I served 2 years as Counsel in the New York State Senate and 6 years as Counsel in the NYC Council. New York City is the Financial Capital of the World. When I am elected, I will be the only NYC elected official with a Finance background.
The 3 top issues all start with the letter S: SCHOOLS: Our Councilwoman cut the schools budget by $469 million. Those costs led to 700 teachers losing their jobs. My family, like many new families in our community, moved here for our schools. Our Council Member should understand that. I will NEVER vote for a budget that cuts the schools budget. I will work to restore the funding. SAFETY: Crime is up in our district. We need a Council Member who serves our entire district and understands what is happening in our community. We need a Council Member who will work directly with the police and target the specific crimes and specific areas where crime is occuring. SENIORS: NYC is trying to take away City Healthcare from our NYC retirees. We need a Council Member who will not sit back in silence and allow this to happen. Having been the primary giver to my parents at the end of their lives, I understand how difficult the bureaucracy is. My office will hire a "Senior Specialist" to help.
We need more transportation options. Over the years, the MTA has cut bus service in our district. My father took the old Q75 bus to the F train for two decades. The old Q79 used to take you directly to the Little Neck train station. There is no direct bus service from our district to the Bayside LIRR Station. We need to improve the bus service along Union Type, Hillside Ave. and Jamaica Ave. We have to do better for the working families in our district.
Alley Pond Park! I grew up playing Little League baseball and riding my bike in Alley Pond Park. It is a gem in the heart of our district that allows you to play or relax. While you're in the park the problems of our city seem far away. The parks in our district provide a refuge from city life and make you feel like you're in a forest.
Rubaiya Rahman (D) – Rahman is the executive director of Autism Society Habilitation Organization.
I’m a mother who raised two children while I went to Law School and worked. My son, who has Autism, inspired me to start an organization that helps children and families dealing with Autism. I have seen first-hand how hard it was to get support for people with special needs. And I wanted to help. As I helped families with special needs, I realized our communities weren’t getting the resources we deserve. That’s why I am running for City Council - so our communities can have a voice in government and the resources we are entitled to.
I understand the issues our communities are dealing with. Having graduated NYU Law School, founded a non-profit organization that helps children and families with special needs, and as a very active leader in our district, I am qualified and ready to serve.
Resources for our communities including our schools and parks. Combating gun violence and violent crime. Supporting our vulnerable populations including seniors and those with special needs. I will leverage the budget process to help bring more resources to our communities. I will also use my position to lobby Albany to make sure the state is doing its part to help. Furthermore, I will organize our community and elevate the voices of everyone who is fighting for representation and more equitable treatment
While I am very proud of my South Asian background, I am concerned that sometimes our communities are far too divided along racial and ethnic lines. I want to use my position to bring all of our communities together because, ultimately, all of us want the same thing: a safe neighborhood for our families, opportunities for our children, and a good quality of life.
I'd bring them to the various restaurants on Hillside Ave. so they can eat the best food on the planet!
Republican candidate Bernard Chow could not be reached.
District 24
Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills and Jamaica
Johnathan David Rinaldi (R) – Rinaldi recently made news for fathering more than a dozen children via sperm donation over the last two years. Rinaldi appeared on six seasons of the DIY Network’s show “Million Dollar Contractor”, and told the New York Post he was “compelled by God,” to run for the City Council.
As a parent from the neighborhood, realizing how much corruption exists, especially when the city is signing contracts with no oversight, I must do what I can to stop the elected from bankrupting the city. The beauty of this country is the power comes from the bottom up not the top down, and you can effect the most amount of change from the local level. It takes regular people from the street to hold our public servants accountable. We must be fiscally conservative and protect our rights as constituents and parents to make decisions for ourselves without being mandated.
I am from the neighborhood. I studied for my bar mitzvah on Main street. My mother went to Queens college and worked on the corner of Jewel and Main as a kid. I believe in God and want to look out for my community and make sure our interests are protected and our future is secured. I am not beholden to any PAC or organization that will use me to forward their agenda over the will of the people. I am a CUNY graduate who recognizes the individual and everything we have to offer to each other. I am on a mission to unify the district and arm everyone with the power of knowledge and empower them to take back control of what our kids are learning in schools and what taxes we will not pay without representation. They want to put congestion pricing and speed cameras everywhere. They want us to change our stoves and boilers to electric, charging us thousands of dollars in fines and tickets to pay for the unsustainable policies and out of control spending. I am qualified because I am informed.
First we must hold our Public servants and elected officials accountable. They must be brought back into constitutional compliance. Through the administrative process, we can serve and put on notice everyone in office to honor their oaths, using the Charters and state constitution they all swore to.Second, we must secure our voter integrity. We have to go back to one day voting with paper ballots and identification. We do not need machines to count our votes when records are hidden. We cannot allow Mail in ballots with no signature verification. Third, we must have oversight especially with all the contracts being signed in the district to house Illegal migrants and give them everything including housing and medical for free while we have to pay through higher taxes and get nothing but crime. The amount of money being spent will bankrupt the city by the end of the year.
Informing and Empowering the constituents to realize their Unalienable Rights and Power to make decisions about the community that matter to them, not what they are told to accept. Public servants need to be held to Constitutional Compliance, and teaching the public how to hold them accountable is paramount. Fix Voter integrity. One Day voting Paper Ballots with Identification to ensure they do not get away with stealing our most precious power and watch they do not allow people to vote that are not part of the neighborhood.
An early morning walk through Willow Lake Preserve Trail, strolling up to Jewel Bagels for coffee and breakfast. Take Main street down to Queens College, Passing Synagogues and studious youth stopping for a conversation on God and Country. Check out the campus before some Bowling at Jib Lanes. For Lunch we head to Fillmore's Tavern for their famous Black and Blue Burger and a cold tasty beverage. Then down 164th street to Union Turnpike on the way to St Johns to watch some Girls Softball before sightseeing through the Historic Homes of Jamaica Estates. Sweep around down Hillside Avenue for some Bengali tea and dinner off 169th street. For the home stretch, Parsons blvd to Union Turnpike for some fun at Cheap shots before we end and rest at the Iconic Kew Motor Inn.
Democratic Incumbent James Gennaro did not respond to the Eagle’s question and answer request.
District 25
Elmhurst and Jackson Heights
Shekar Krishnan (D) – Krishnan was a community organizer and civil rights lawyer before being elected in 2021. He is the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
I am running for re-election to continue serving my community and fighting for a city for everyone. We face multiple crises, from housing to public health & public space to immigrants’ and workers’ rights. New asylum seekers arrive daily as the right to shelter is being curtailed. The urgency of this moment could not be greater. As Councilmember for District 25 and the first Indian American ever elected to NYC government, I have fought every day to ensure we have the resources we deserve. As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Parks & Recreation, I will fight to fully fund our parks & playgrounds so that they’re clean, green, and safe. I’m working to improve every bit of our community, while also fighting for a better New York City. There is much more to do. I want the voices of our most vulnerable to drive our future. We need to direct resources where they’re needed most–to immigrants, children, seniors, the unhoused, workers, and small business owners. I know we can achieve this together.
My top qualification to be Councilmember for this district is my record as Councilmember for this district. I've invested in a brand new infectious disease clinic at Elmhurst Hospital, established safe school plazas in front of five schools, built a new public dog run at Travers Park, and renamed streets to celebrate our diverse community, like "Little Thailand Way" and "Bangladesh Street." And through all my work, I bring my experience as a civil rights attorney and a child of immigrants. I've spent my entire career fighting for vulnerable communities, from low-income tenants to new immigrants to New Yorkers with disabilities. I have continued to do so as a Councilmember.
As we just begin to emerge and rebuild from the depths of the COVID pandemic in New York City, my priority is to ensure that this city has a safe, supportive space for everyone. Both in my district and across Queens, that means: Fighting for quality healthcare for all New Yorkers, regardless of income or immigration status; Expanding and improving public parks, open spaces, and tree canopy, especially in immigrant communities like my own that lack open public space and trees; Investing in public education, and particularly the expansion of early childhood education; And as a unifying issue to these three priorities, we must protect housing as a human right, and ensure that every New Yorker has access to dignified shelter and quality public services within close proximity to home, including healthcare, parks, and education.
My district, covering Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and part of Woodside, still desperately lacks green space. We were ranked 50 out of 51 districts for park space when I took office, and I've fought for drastic expansions and improvements to our public green space, from the landmark 34th Avenue Open Street to a full renovation of Frank O' Connor Park across the street from Elmhurst Hospital. We've made a lot of progress in 18 months, but there's still so much more we can do to help our community access quality public parks.
Masala dosa and a chai at Samudra on 37th Avenue. Hands down, most authentic South Indian food in town, and 100 percent vegetarian.
Richard Pacheco (D) – Pacheco is a former NYPD Sergeant, and president of the Jackson Heights Co-ops Alliance. He has made news opposing Open Street programs in Queens.
I am running for City Council because we the residents of this district are tired of being ignored by local elected officials and deserve to be part of the conversation. I am running because we need leadership that is for the people NOT special interest groups. I am running because defunding the police and defunding our schools should never be an option.
The main qualification is a true member of our community that cares. Simple! However, I have served my country, my city and my community my entire life. Former US Marine, former NYPD Sergeant, 7 years President of my cooperative, current President of SELFHELP/NORC Advisory Board, former PTA President at IS145, President of Jackson Heights Coops Alliance, former Vice President, Gay Officers Action League. My entire life has been and will continue to be about service. I am a proud father to an amazing daughter who has blessed me with three amazing grandkids.
Public Safety, better schools and better pay for our teachers and educators, improve services for our seniors.
We must return the decision making power to our residents NOT special interests groups. We must return safety to our streets and public transportation. We deserve cleaner streets and find ways to improve and expand our parks and recreational spaces NOT closing public streets without community input. I will stand behind any decision our community makes regarding Open Streets and any open spaces. Democracy must become democratic once more.
37th Avenue, Northern Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue area for the many wonderful bars and restaurants, and wonderful places to eat and mingle. Travers Park is a great place to stop and enjoy the fresh air and maybe an impromptu show.
Zhile Cao (R) – Cao is a veteran and community organizer.
I will try to make changes in Queens county and the city. I believe running for City Council will be a better way to make changes. The government destroyed many people's lives during the covid lock down. There are a lot of things we need to do to rebuild our life. However, I do not see the government functioning in Queens. I need to take further steps to make sure those destruction will not happen again in our county or the city.
In the issues of migrant crisis and homeless problems and so many other problems, we can see the government is not functioning now. Rather than putting a person in a government position who is interested in doing nothing, it is a good idea to put me in the position that wants to make some changes and modifications from the old policy.
The migrant crisis, homeless crisis and protecting our constitutional rights are the three top issues in my agenda. I will provide my solutions through social media, traditional newspapers and official press from the city to address them.
I want everyone in my district to live in an affordable place, not the train or the street. I want everyone in my district to practice their constitutional rights, especially the freedom of their body. If I am elected, I will still fight for people's constitutional rights. So much of our constitutional rights are taken away from our state and local government during the lockdown. Now, we have to fight back and take back our rights.
Most of my friends or relatives live in Brooklyn and Queens. I meet my friends or supporters mostly in Elmhurst, Broadway and Jackson Height in District 25.
Democratic candidate Fatima Baryab could not be reached.
District 26
Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria and Dutch Kills
Julie Won (D) – Won was elected in 2021 after serving as a Community Board member. She has specifically fought for affordable housing in her district, making news for fighting for additional affordable units in the now-approved Innovation QNS development in Astoria.
I'm running for re-election to continue representing my neighbors, who have trusted me to be their voice in City Hall. From my first campaign for City Council, I've committed to tackling the affordable housing crisis, and uplifting the needs of working-class New Yorkers. Every day, I am reminded that the issues that confront our City are systemic, and require long-term planning and bold action to solve. As an immigrant to this amazing city, a parent, and now as Councilmember, I have a duty to ensure that our neighborhoods are welcoming, affordable, and safe for all who live here. I am immensely proud of the work that my team and I have done so far, but we're just getting started.
In my first term as Councilmember, I've hit the ground running to make sure our City serves us better. As a member of the select Budget Negotiation Team on the City Council, I was able to secure over $50 Million dollars in additional funding for our district, including: $11 Million for local schools, ensuring that they are better funded than ever; $15 million to repair and upgrade nearly every single park in our district; $10 Million for local nonprofits and community organizations so that they can continue their vital work in our communities. In just my first year, I've approved 1,622 units of affordable housing in our district, which is more than all of Queens has built in the last decade. I've kept my campaign promise of WiFi for All, and rolled out free home internet, cable TV, and unlimited talk and text for all residents of Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Woodside NYCHAs. My team and I have also closed over 2,000 cases that constituents have brought to our office.
My top priority as Councilmember is tackling our affordable housing crisis. As I've said above, I've approved 1,622 units of affordable housing in my first year, with a particular focus on family-sized units, supportive housing for the formerly homeless, and deeper affordability for households with incomes less than $60,000 per year. Just as I was last year, I am laser-focused on ensuring that our district receives our fair share of funding from the next city budget, due on 6/30. As a Budget Negotiation Team member, I've been at City Hall nearly every workday to fight for our community's needs, and will not rest until I am sure that our schools, libraries, and community programs are fully funded. Our district has some of the lowest public greenspace available per capita in the borough of Queens. To alleviate this, I've approved 2 acres of new public greenspace to be built over the next few years, in addition to allocating $15 million to repair and upgrade our existing parks.
We must reform our land use process to allow our community to determine what gets built, not speculative developers. This means putting an end to spot rezonings, in which developers pit community groups against each other, and negotiate to maximize the number of luxury apartments they can squeeze into 1 lot at a time. I will be bringing Comprehensive Planning to our district, so that we can look at our neighborhood holistically, and decide as a community how our neighborhood will grow with us in a sustainable and affordable way. Stay tuned for more details soon!
It would take weeks to see and enjoy all the amazing places in my district. First, I'd take my relatives to our beautiful parks, like Gantry Plaza State Park in LIC--and if they have children, I'd arrange a playdate with my son at our local playground at Lou Lodati in Sunnyside. Then we absolutely have to visit one of the world-class cultural institutions in our district like the Flux Factory, Noguchi Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, the Chocolate Factory, and so many other great places. Of course, I believe that my district has the best and most diverse food in all of New York City, with cuisine form the Philippines, Ireland, Mexico, Columbia, Tibet, and Nepal--just to name a few. I've actually completed an extensive food tour of each neighborhood in my district, and I strongly urge you to check out my Instagram, where I've posted videos showing many of the great restaurants that I bring my family to.
Hailie Kim (D) – Local activist who placed seventh in the 2021 Democratic primary.
I’m running for City Council because I believe that Western Queens deserves a representative who stands up for our neighbors and fights for a city government that truly serves its people. Our current council member approved and celebrated the Eric Adams austerity budget that slashed education funding by over 400 million dollars, including 33 million dollars to this district alone. Parks, housing, sanitation, healthcare, and social services were also cut. At the same time, this budget increased funding to both the NYPD and incarceration. Budgets are moral documents. This budget was a betrayal of our values.I am an educator and a product of our district’s schools. I’m a longtime Sunnyside resident and a tenant in a rent-stabilized unit. Voters can trust me to fight for our neighbors against powerful interests that put our vulnerable communities on the chopping block in favor of the rich and well-connected. We deserve better.
I’ve served as a public educator at CUNY and SUNY, and have deep experience at the ground level in both nonprofit and political organizing. In my work at the MinKwon Center for Community Action, I launched the Hate Free Zone initiative. Flushing residents had seen the rise in anti-Asian hate crime and, importantly, how little the police were doing to prevent it. After recruiting a team of dedicated volunteers, I set about creating an alternative framework for action, where I spoke directly with victims and served as a bridge for them to access services. I led Know-Your-Rights training with community groups who were hesitant to report violence or harassment, and worked closely with local businesses and individuals to sign on to a pledge to take action against hate. We organized cross-cultural rallies and events since the solution to hate is deep coalition-building. My public service and organizing work in the civil sector demonstrates the type of leader I will be in the City Council.
Education. I will fight to fully fund education from 3-K to CUNY, which begins with restoring the budget cuts approved by our current council member. Jobs. I’ve created a jobs program proposal called the New York Quality of Life Corps that would help out of work community members find good-paying, non-exploitative employment opportunities while helping our neighborhoods meet critical needs. Housing and homelessness. I will work to create affordable housing using social housing models and community land trusts, while expanding rent-stabilized units and reforming the Rent Guidelines Board.
One of the biggest jobs of a City Council is passing the budget, so I would do everything in my power to negotiate a better deal for our district. We have some of the most overcrowded classrooms in the city - restoring school funding and hiring more teachers would help make sure students were getting the attention they deserve. Our local libraries, including the Sunnyside branch where I learned to read, are facing reduced hours and programming cuts - a just budget would ensure they’d be equipped to provide resources to newly-arrived migrants, LGBTQ youth, seniors, and everyone else who benefits from their services. Our community members have also been asking for cleaner streets - I would use my discretionary funds to place more bins on the street and ensure sanitation was fully funded for regular collection.
We have some of the best food in the city here - a visit to Thailand’s Center Point in Woodside for the Curry Go Round is a must, then stop by Dear Han Cafe for coffee. We’d also check out some of our fantastic local businesses, such as Stray Vintage and Bliss Vintage in Sunnyside. A stop by the media corner by Lou Lodati Park to browse for books would be next. If they were up for a workout, I’d take them to Suryaside Yoga for a class. Finally, I love taking in the sunsets by the waterfront at Gantry Plaza State Park in LIC.
Republican candidate Marvin Jeffcoat could not be reached.
District 27
Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village and Springfield Gardens
Nantasha Williams (D) – First elected in 2021, Williams was a staffer before she took office. She is chair of the Civil Rights Committee, and treasurer for the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.
I have had the honor of serving the community I grew up in for the past two years and I feel like I have only gotten started in effecting the change I hope to make. I managed to secure millions for our local senior, youth and at-risk communities, passed a historic pay transparency bill, and much more but I know that the quality of life of my constituents is a priority I can do much more to address. If re-elected, I plan to address the issues that do not make headlines but hurt our experience in this City every day - sanitation, street flooding, tree pruning, truck parking, and more.
An ability to build a coalition to develop for our community. The NYC Council is a team and all my successes are possible thanks to mentorship from veteran colleagues and collaboration with local partners.
Affordable housing, cost of living and equity. I am a major supporter of responsible development to address our housing shortage. I also believe that housing is a major contributor to our cost of living crisis. As for equity, I continue to champion investments in the civil enforcement arms of government that protect the marginalized like the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
I want to grow Downtown Jamaica to become a more vibrant place for our community to live, work and play. I am proud to have started a conversation about the future of the Downtown Jamaica area with DCP and the community which will eventually lead to a plan for what we want the future of that area to look like. Stay tuned for more good news about our conversation to draft the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan.
My mother’s house because everyone deserves a home cooked meal like my mother makes before they leave town.
Republican candidate Marilyn Miller could not be reached.
District 28
Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village and South Ozone Park
There is no primary in this district and Democratic incumbent Adrienne Adams did not respond to the Eagle’s question and answer request and Republican Rusat Ramgopal could not be reached.
District 29
Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill
Lynn Schulman (D) – Schulman was a community board member and LGBTQ activist before she was elected, and has been endorsed in this race by several of her elected colleagues. She is chair of the Council Health Committee.
With decades of leadership in healthcare advocacy and progressive causes, I am running for reelection to the City Council to further our vision for how to bring about the change we need in our Queens communities. An attorney by training, I have devoted my career to public service and held a broad range of executive positions in government, private industry, and the non-profit arena. I currently Chair the Health Committee in the City Council, where I have successfully impacted the health of New Yorkers through legislation on diabetes, women’s health, and medical care for seniors. My goal is to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their zip code, have access to affordable, quality healthcare.
Nearly two years ago, I was proud to earn District 29’s support in my race for City Council. Our neighbors believed I was the right person to represent us because of my decades of public service here, including on our community board, precinct community council, chamber of commerce, and community education council. I devoted my personal and professional life to healthcare advocacy after during the HIV/AIDS crisis, I witnessed my friends and neighbors die because of the indifference of those in power. We saw that again with COVID-19 and in our everyday world. As chair of the Health Committee, I have led the way on diabetes, women’s health, and medical services for seniors. With a proven record of standing up for Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, and Rego Park in the City Council, I am proud that our campaign has the support of a broad coalition of elected leaders, labor unions, and community organizations who believe that I am the most qualified candidate in District 29.
Healthcare: COVID exposed Queens’ deep healthcare vulnerability. For decades & in the Council, I have been working to address our alarming lack of hospital capacity & improve healthcare affordability. I have made hospital costs more transparent through legislation, & just passed the first Citywide Diabetes Reduction Plan to make our city healthier. Education: Our children only get one shot at a great education. I am fighting to expand 3-K programs, expand Gifted & Talented Programs to all schools, & increase funding for art, music, & physical education classes. Support Our Retirees and Seniors: Our seniors & retirees deserve better support in healthcare, affordable housing, food insecurity, & other areas. I have increased senior center funding & advocated for improved access to transportation & medical services. I am also working to bring senior housing to our district & ensure our seniors & retirees can remain in their communities.
Mobility is a fundamental part of making our city function for everyone. It is important to identify opportunities to enhance the overall experience on Austin Street, while not harming the local businesses that have overcome so many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. When I was first elected to the City Council, I scheduled an on-site visit to Austin Street with Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to discuss the issues of this primary location in our community. I subsequently made an official request to the Department to conduct a formal study of conditions there. The current problems with traffic congestion, pedestrian experiences, and mobility conditions on the street are unacceptable. A comprehensive review will help us find the smartest way to resolve these problems. At the end of the day, shaping the Queens of our dreams requires making better use of our streets.
I grew up in Forest Hills. Over the years, I have come to love so many of our local businesses here and in Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, and Rego Park. Though I am a longtime advocate for healthcare in New York, I have a pretty big sweet tooth. When I welcome a friend or family member from out of town, I often bring them to bakeries and dessert establishments across our district. Aigner Chocolates in Forest Hills and Schmidt’s Candy in Richmond Hill are two of the many institutions here that I enjoy. I am working to ensure that all our local Mom and Pop businesses have the support they need to thrive.
Ethan Felder (D) – Local lawyer and community board member.
I am running for City Council because it's time for a change. Access to quality affordable healthcare for our seniors has been dramatically diminished in the last year, our schools have been dramatically cut, and our current Councilmember does not meet with all her constituents. It's time for a politics of engagement by way of grassroots democracy. As a community advocate and elected Democratic Party District Leader I have built coalitions and bolstered dialogue to ensure community residents are included in the decisions that impact their lives.
I served on Community Board 6 for six years and served as an elected Democratic Party District Leader from 2020-2022.
Fully Fund Education, Restore Quality Healthcare for Seniors and Public Service Retirees, Create new truly affordable housing.
Building inclusive democracy through monthly town halls to ensure effective delivery of constituent and municipal services.
Forest Park - a community treasure.
Sukhi Singh (D) – Punjabi-American and community activist.
I believe I’m a true and better representative for the dist 29 than any of my opponents. When I go out and talk to my constituents I ask them to give me one thing that is done by the current administration? After taking a long pause they say NOTHING. They haven’t brought any change. I believe in working hard for my local communities and bringing quality of life in neighborhoods.
Setting guidelines for the Educational budget. Bringing different communities together so there is better understanding of the other cultures. Bringing extra curriculum programs after school and into the community so we can give our younger generations something productive to do that also gives them better knowledge for their future jobs and guidelines. Bringing programs with the collaboration of our law enforcement so we can work hand in hand to provide softer neighborhoods and fill the gap between citizens and law enforcement.
Need more school funding to bring more schools into the area as it’s getting more crowded by all the high rises. Safety and protection for our neighbors by introducing programs with law enforcement by working hand in hand. Austin street traffic solution as well as the queens bulbs safety crossings by doing proper placements of bike lanes so lesser accidents happen.
More schools with more programs so our children do not have to travel outbid the neighborhood for special programs. Bike lanes change for safer rides around the district for our youth and seniors when they are walking around. Collaborative approach with local police and other law enforcement so crimes get reported quicker and also resolved faster.
District 19 is beautiful. I couldn't just put a finger on one street or one area alone. That wouldn't be fair nor will it be true. I love my district.
Danniel Maio (R) – Maio is a perennial candidate, and a figure in the Queens County Republican party.
In the name of "justice" (social, racial, financial, environmental, economic, gender...), we are being forced to change what we had long believed to be good and right. Why am I REQUIRED to know your preferred gender, while packages are stolen from my home.
I am NOT the best qualified, and I DO NOT WANT to move out of New York City.
Government, government, government. KILL Congestion Pricing; CHANGE Local Law 97/2019 penalizing apartment homeowners with heft fines and retrofits; STOP Local Law 11/2022 allowing persons authorized to work (including asylum seeking immigrants) to participate in municipal elections; act on City's unfair real estate taxation; etc.
Give citizens and residents the ability (eventually ticketing authority) to enforce parking, noise, trash, trees, sidewalk, dog poop at their home and neighborhood.
Anywhere that is clean, friendly, not dark or late, and not having been a target of gunfire or theft.
District 30
Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven and Woodside
There is no primary in this district this year and Democratic incumbent Robert Holden, the only candidate on the ballot, did not respond to the Eagle’s question and answer request.
District 31
Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale and Springfield Gardens
Daniella May (R) – May is a plastic surgeon and member of the New York Young Republican Club - Black Caucus.
Daniella May is running for City Council, District 31, to make things better and create a positive impact each and every day for all residents as they walk out of their houses and into the world to work, provide for their families, and live in a city we all love. My major focus is to have a level-one trauma center placed strategically in Far Rockaway. As well as address challenging infrastructure, rising crime and education. I am the founder of Agenda700, a nonprofit organization focused on educating the disenfranchised communities when credit becomes a barrier to success.
Daniella is running because she gets it. She has lived it. And she will represent all of District 31 because that is the community she loves. She was born and raised in the district and will fight for it every day moving forward.
A major focus of Daniella is to have a level-one trauma center placed strategically in Far Rockaway. Life-threatening injuries would force local residents to have to travel more than 10 miles away, creating a deadly situation. Infrastructure is a challenge for District 31 which must be front and center to address the significant flood risks that face urban waterfront communities. Enhance education, by lifting the cap on charter schools to give parents a choice.
Infrastructure is a challenge for District 31 which must be front and center. The challenges we face are shared by many communities in the region, as well as elsewhere around the world. Our future vitality and sustainability depends on our ability to foster livable neighborhoods built around robust infrastructure to address the significant flood risks that face urban waterfront communities.
District 31 of course! It includes Averne, Far Rockaway, Brockville, Edgemere, Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, and JFK Airport. This district has many things to offer. Such as the historical landmark TWA Hotel. As well as the board in Far Rockaway
Democratic Incumbent Selvena Brooks-Powers declined the Eagle’s question and answer request, since she is not running a primary.
District 32
Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach and Woodhaven
Joann Ariola (R)– Ariola is a Howard Beach native and formerly led the Queens County Republican Party. She is running unopposed in this election.
We’ve accomplished a lot in our first term, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done both in this city and in this district. I intend to continue fighting for common sense legislation and defend the quality of life for all New Yorkers in my second term.
I am a lifelong resident of the district, and I know the needs of our residents well. As a community board member, civic leader, and party chair, I learned the many unique demands and desires that constituents throughout District 32 have. During my first term as Councilmember, I developed a number of great relationships with various city agencies, and I intend to both utilize these relationships and develop new ones to continue advocating and bringing results for the people of District 32.
1) Public safety. I intend to continue pushing for more classes at the academy, so that we can fill precinct vacancies, while also combatting calls to defund the police department from the radical left. We’ve seen some significant improvements in terms of manpower from the situation at the height of the pandemic, but there are still manpower shortages that need to be addressed. 2) The migrant crisis. I will continue to petition and support legislation that will bring about an end to our status as a right to shelter city for asylum seekers. There are tens of thousands of born-and-raised New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity – these people are the ones who should be given priority when it comes to shelter. 3) Taxes. New Yorkers are being priced out of this city. I intend to push for additional tax rebates for our homeowners, and I pledge to never vote in support of any budget that would levy a property tax increase on our residents
Public safety. As I mentioned earlier, we’ve made some significant improvements, but there are still vacancies in our precincts that need to be filled and issues that need to be addressed.
Rockaway Beach!
District 34
Ridgewood in Queens and Bushwick and Cypress Hills in Brooklyn
Jennifer Guiterrez (D) – Guiterrez was an activist before being elected, and also served as chief of staff to her predecessor, Antonio Reynoso. She is Chair of the Committee for Technology.
I’m running for re-election to continue championing the women and families that have powered our district, fighting to pass universal childcare, investing in our public schools, and making sure the wealthy developers making our housing crisis worse actually pay what they owe. It’s been an honor representing this district in the City Council—and our work is only beginning.
I’m qualified to represent this community because I have first-hand experience of what it’s like to grow up in this city, raise a family here and fight for change within it. I grew up in a working-class immigrant household in Queens, and when my father became disabled, I became the family advocate as a pre-teen—fighting on the phone on his behalf to get his healthcare covered, helping my family fill out the forms we needed. After graduating from college, I became an organizer in the community. Through that, I’ve learned just how much of our stories are connected—and how much work there is left to do. Now, as a working mom, I’m fighting for what families here need. In the NYC Council, I fought to pass a Marshall Plan for mothers and stood against the Mayor’s budget cuts to education and housing. This district is my home and I’m always ready to stand alongside my constituents and fight for a better future.
The issues our borough and our district are facing are real. We’re facing displacement, being pushed out by greedy developers, while access to pandemic relief and quality healthcare are out of reach. However, the people of District 34 are resilient. We will not be pushed out or forgotten. In my second term, I’ll continue to champion local issues affecting our community, fight to elevate the most vulnerable voices in the district and champion affordable housing, continue fighting for essential workers that have been left out of pandemic relief and ensure that everyone in the district has access to quality healthcare.
A major change I’m fighting for in my district, and across the city, is Universal Childcare. Families are often forced to choose between childcare, financial security, and career development—but no one should be forced to make that choice. Universal Child Care is a generational commitment to our economy and our community. From month-long waitlists to exorbitant costs, families are struggling. I’m continuing to fight for this legislation to reimagine the way we approach child care in New York and alleviate this burden on families.
If it’s for food, definitely taking them to Tabaré on Flushing before hitting up one of the many open streets or block parties (July-August) nearby.
Paperboy Love Prince – Musician and activist who previously ran for Mayor in 2021.
I am running for city council in NYC to ensure fair representation and create a more equitable society. By advocating for housing for all, quality education, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable infrastructure, I aim to uplift all residents, reduce inequality, and build a stronger, united community. Together, we can forge a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. I am running for office because our community deserves better. My opponent voted to cut nearly $500 million from NYC public schools and essential city services post-COVID, betraying the trust of students and parents. They inspired me to run. Together, we will prioritize funding schools, innovating programs, and supporting everyday New Yorkers. My book addresses these issues and outlines my commitment to helping schools thrive. Let's build a brighter future for all.
I bring to the table a unique blend of experience with politics, artistry, and NYC culture and a diverse educational background in computer science, broadcast journalism, and international relations. I’ve built a strong foundation in politics from a young age, interning at the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Supreme Court, organizing community events, and mentoring in arts and politics. When I ran for Congress I secured 20% of the vote without relying on political fundraising. I continued my journey, running for Mayor and capturing 9% of the rank choice vote. Through my initiatives like OurFoodNYC and TinyHouseNYC, I've distributed millions in free food and provided housing for the unhoused. Recognized for political strategy in the Harvard Political Review, I inspire activists worldwide. Now running for City Council, I'm ready to shake up politics and fight for equity, justice, and a brighter future for all. Over 20k NYers have nominated me, and nearly 100k have boldly voted for us, rejecting the status quo.
The top issues in my district are housing, city mismanagement of tax dollars, funding support programs, and ending the rat takeover. Rent costs are soaring, and overcrowded conditions persist. I'll fight for housing for all, provide rent subsidies, and hold exploitative landlords accountable. The city wastes millions on needless projects while neglecting vital services. I'll ensure transparency, cut waste, and prioritize essential needs. Accessible support programs are crucial for those facing poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. I'll increase funding, expand accessibility, and ensure effective utilization. Additionally, my opponent's drastic $500 million school budget cuts have had a devastating impact on our education system. I'll restore funding, allocate resources equitably, and champion quality education for all.
The biggest change I'm fighting for in my district is to ignite a revolution of community engagement in civics - this is how we solve more problems. It’s about us coming together, not one person who will save us. We need vibrant spaces where people can connect, forge friendships, and tackle the housing crisis head-on. I'll fight to expand parks, rec centers, libraries, and senior centers, breathing life into our neighborhoods. And no more political dynasties! It's time for real grassroots representation, not recycled staff members. Together, let's break the chains of the establishment and unleash the power of our community. You can find out more about what we are fighting for on our website, paperboy.nyc, and see our 36 point platform.
If a friend or relative is in town, I would definitely take them to our community space, the PaperboyPrince.com Love Gallery, located at 1254 Myrtle Ave in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It embodies the vibrant spirit of our district through mutual aid efforts, engaging community events, and acting as a hub for the intersection of NYC fashion and political activism. As we explore the district, I'm committed to fighting for our small businesses and preserving the jobs they provide. I urge our councilmember to remove their name from a bill that could close 85% of small business storefronts. Let's save our beloved restaurants, shops, nightlife, and storefronts that define our district; they mean so much to us. Join me in advocating for the original "Small Business Jobs Survival Act.”
New York City Council chambers. Photo via New York City Council/ Glenn Castellano
