Queens’ acting borough president Lee concludes unlikely 11-month run

Acting Borough President Sharon Lee concluded her unlikely 11-month term in office Monday. Photo via Borough President’s Office/Flickr

By David Brand 

Sharon Lee was only supposed to lead Queens for a couple months. Three tops.

But then the coronavirus hit New York, cancelling a special election to replace former Borough President Melinda Katz, who left office Jan. 1 to take over as Queens District Attorney.

So Lee, a veteran communications professional, agreed to serve as county executive for nearly nine months longer than expected — all during one of the most challenging periods in Queens’ history.

As the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the borough, Lee oversaw the distribution of tons of pounds of food, organized a dozen job fairs for out-of-work New Yorkers, funded hospital services and championed racial justice in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd.

She also weighed in on key land use issues — including a recommendation opposing the Flushing Waterfront rezoning plan. 

Her unlikely 11 months in office came to an end Monday, after the Board of Elections certified the results of the November election won by Councilmember Donovan Richards.

"It has been an honor to serve as borough president throughout this particularly challenging year,” Lee said in a statement. “Despite staying on much longer than expected, my commitment to serve the people of Queens as necessary is now fulfilled.”

Richards, who is set to take office in the next few days, praised Lee for her direction during the pandemic.

“Over the last few months, Acting Borough President Sharon Lee has taken on the challenges of this pandemic head on and led Queens with grace through this difficult time,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to building on the foundation she has built to fight food insecurity and ensure that our institutions and residents have access to PPE.”