Anthony Miranda is the Queens borough president we not only want but need

Photo courtesy of the Miranda campaign

By Charles Billups

The Grand Council of Guardians ​fully endorses Anthony Miranda for Queens Borough President. We believe he is exactly the sort of leader we need during these times. A leader who stands up for justice in the face of not only direct threats, but also threats to livelihood and family. One who is willing to fight for what is right even when it is not popular. One who knows how to bring people together to implement solutions for the greater good. 

The Grand Council of Guardians consists of African Americans in the field of law enforcement, uniform and civilians, throughout New York State. It was formed in 1974 to render effective service to the community. We have partnered with the National Latino Officers Association (NLOA) since it was formed, with Miranda as one of its founding members in 1996. Through our collaborations throughout the years, I have seen first hand Miranda’s efforts on behalf of my community. The hardest challenge we face is gaining the support of elected officials on controversial issues that negatively impact our communities. Electing Miranda into the office of Queens Borough President to represent the underserved and marginalized communities is exactly what we need. 

We, like Miranda, believe that people should be held accountable for their actions, including law enforcement officers. We believe that resources should be appropriated for universal, single-payer health care, education​that allows for disability assistance and exceptional talent from pre-k through graduate school. We need to have housing that is livable and affordable for all residents.​We must support small businesses​before large corporations. We believe that unions should fight for all their members and for the good of a community. We believe that our civil servants should be an integral part of our communities. 

In Anthony Miranda we see someone who embodies these truths, who has an ability to bring together folks from all backgrounds, religions, and often even just opinions for discourse, prioritization, and action to help those who most need it. This is the very type of person we need in Queens Borough Hall. We need someone who will listen and work with all parts of the diverse borough of Queens. We need to elect Anthony Miranda as the next Queens Borough President. 

Charles Billups is chair of The Grand Council of Guardians.