Constantinides endorses Stringer for New York City mayor
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Councilmember Costa Constantinides (right) with Scott Stringer during Stringer’s campaign for comptroller in 2013. Photo via Constantinides/Flickr
By David Brand
Astoria Councilmember Costa Constantinides has endorsed Scott Stringer for mayor, citing his commitment to climate justice and environmental sustainability as New York City comptroller
Constantinides, chair of the Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, said Stringer earned his support by beginning the process for divesting city pensions from the fossil fuel industry.
Stringer has also opposed new fossil fuel-burning power plants in New York City, fought a proposed natural gas pipeline that would have run through New York Harbor and supported a $16.2 billion economic recovery plan that focuses on environmental sustainability
“Scott Stringer is an environmental champion who has worked tirelessly to put New York City on a pathway to a more sustainable future,” Constantinides said. “As Mayor, he will put a stop to new fossil fuel infrastructure and will push the envelope on crucial policies and projects that will protect environmental justice communities, slash emissions and create a greener city.”
Constantinides, who backed Stringer for comptroller in 2013, is the latest Queens lawmaker to endorse Stringer’s mayoral bid. He joins State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer.
Stringer praised Constantinides’ work on environmental justice, including his lead on legislation to slash building emissions, and said the term-limited councilmember will help him launch a “climate revolution” in New York City.
Several other mayoral candidates have also touted their records on environmental sustainability.
Former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia oversaw a plan to reform the dangerous and dirty private carting industry, which pumps pollutants into predominantly low-income communities of color. She previously worked for the Department of Environmental Protection.
Councilmember Carlos Menchaca serves with Constantinides on the environmental protection committee and said he will implement the Climate Works For All to create tens of thousands of green jobs for New Yorkers of color disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.
