Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday that the special election would be held March 24 (Mayor’s Office)
Jan. 3, 2019 By Christian Murray
The special election for Queens borough president has been set for March 24, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last night.
Five candidates are vying for the spot that was exited by Melinda Katz when she became Queens District Attorney Jan. 1.
Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer, Donovan Richards and Costa Constantinides seek the job along with former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley and Anthony Miranda, a retired NYPD sergeant and police reform advocate.
On Monday, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman dropped out of the race to get behind Donovan Richards who has the backing of the Queens County Democratic party. Both are African Americans from south east Queens.
The candidates now have 12 days to secure 2,000 valid signatures in order to get on the ballot.
The borough president appoints half the members of the 14 community boards in Queens; gets an advisory say on proposed rezonings; allocates millions of dollars on parks, education and other programs; and is an advocate for the borough.
The position pays $179,200 per year.
Katz’s deputy, Sharon Lee, is currently serving as acting borough president.
4 Comments
I don’t see any candidates looking out for the middle class homeowners.
It is disappointing that people aren’t joining together in an effort to prevent middle class flight, suspected to be brought on by Manhattan developers trying to kill off what they view as competition. A misguided effort that will ultimately hurt the entire city.
Anybody in this group looking out for homeowners?
God help us! Horrible candidates, I wish Robert Holden would run. Check out this article on Crowley http://www.junipercivic.com/juniperberryarticle.asp?nid=4065
All this candidates want to close Rikers. Who in their sane mind puts criminals rapists and murderers in safe residential areas next to schools?! $$$$ from developers eying Rikers Island. Already released inmates due to criminal reforms spending our tax gift cards on booze and drugs. Yet NY keeps voting for left democrats, or don’t shop up at the pols. Sad
Great, can we have a special election for mayor?