VOTE411 Voter Guide

Housing Queens, particularly District 19, is facing a severe housing crisis. With 40% of our residents as renters, the pressure from rising rents and the influence of powerful real estate interests like REBNY is undeniable.

Education As an educator, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges plaguing our New York City public schools. Despite allocating over $45 billion – the largest municipal education budget in the entire nation – our schools are not delivering the results our students deserve, failing to rank among the top 10 nationally. Sadly, the past decade has seen a decline, marked by lowered test standards, alarmingly low literacy rates, and damaging cuts.

Reform the NYC Gov The Democratic Party is at a crossroads and must return to its New Deal roots to effectively represent working-class Americans, who are facing significant economic challenges. That’s why I’m running as a Democrat and under the Working Families Party (WFP) banner as a commitment to fight for these families.

Housing Expanding Opportunity:

The dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for working families in District 19.

We will implement targeted down payment assistance and develop truly affordable housing options.

This will build long-term stability and combat the cycle of rising rents.

The Modular Housing Solution:

Traditional construction methods are too slow to address our urgent housing needs.

We will champion the use of modular housing, which offers faster, more sustainable construction.

This will increase supply and reduce costs, making housing more accessible.

Office Conversions for Affordable Housing:

Vacant office spaces represent a wasted opportunity to create much-needed housing.

We will push for policies that incentivize the conversion of these spaces into affordable units.

This will revitalize neighborhoods and add to our housing stock.

Education Lack of Equitable Enrichment and Support for Working Families: Universal After-School Programs:

Currently, access to high-quality after-school programs is inconsistent, leaving many students without crucial academic support and enrichment opportunities, and placing a significant burden on working families who struggle to find safe and engaging care for their children after school hours.

My plan will establish universal after-school programs to provide all students with engaging learning experiences beyond the school day, fostering academic growth, creativity, and social-emotional development.

Critically, this will also offer vital support for working families, ensuring their children have a safe, supervised, and enriching environment until they can be picked up.

Barriers to Higher Education: Tuition-Free CUNY Colleges:

The rising cost of college puts the dream of higher education out of reach for too many talented NYC students.

We will fight to make CUNY colleges tuition-free, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue a college degree and contribute to our city's future, without the burden of crippling debt.

Reform the NYC Gov Support the Working Families Party Mayoral Slate:

Electing a WFP mayoral slate, including candidates like City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and State Assemblyman Zohran Mumdami, is crucial.

Don’t Rank Cuomo!

The WFP has a proven track record of effectively advocating for working families and influencing policy in New York City, securing key victories like raising the minimum wage.

Organize a Working-Class Bloc in the City Council:

Building a cohesive working-class bloc, similar to the WFP's successful model, is essential to influence policy and the budget process.

This bloc can strategically engage in Council leadership elections and committee assignments to prioritize affordable housing and fair wages.

Ensure Proactive Constituent Services:

Constituent services must move beyond a reactive approach to proactively address community needs. District offices should become hubs for organizing, offering tools, skills, and training to empower constituents to find solutions to local problems.

Proactive outreach can lead to a significant increase in constituent engagement, as seen in studies showing over a 5400% rise in contacts.

Reform Internal Rules to Balance Power:

Implementing internal reforms to limit the overwhelming power of the Speaker over the Council’s legislative and budget agenda is vital.

This will foster a more balanced distribution of power within the City Council, enabling it

Building a Sustainable Pipeline:

The current approach to housing development is piecemeal and insufficient.

We will push for a comprehensive housing pipeline that includes mixed-income developments and leverages state and federal resources.

This will ensure a steady supply of affordable housing for future generations.

This is not just a list of promises; it’s a detailed plan to address the root causes of the housing crisis in District 19. By challenging the status quo and prioritizing the needs of our community, we can build a more just and affordable future for all.

Barriers to Higher Education: Tuition-Free CUNY Colleges:

The rising cost of college puts the dream of higher education out of reach for too many talented NYC students.

We will fight to make CUNY colleges tuition-free, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue a college degree and contribute to our city's future, without the burden of crippling debt.

Empower Residents Through Working Groups and Local Councils:

Utilizing working groups, resident councils, and neighborhood block groups can significantly influence decision-making and increase understanding of local government processes.

These participatory governance models foster consistent communication and co-governance, empowering residents to have a direct impact on their communities.

Overcrowded Classrooms: Building More Schools:

New York State has mandated smaller class sizes to improve student outcomes, yet our city has failed to adequately invest in the infrastructure needed to meet these requirements.

We will prioritize building more schools to alleviate overcrowding and ensure that every student learns in a classroom where they receive the individualized attention they need to thrive.

Proper funding to our local public schools

Community – Our neighborhoods are special, but too often, decisions are made without truly listening to the people who live here. I’m committed to a more responsive, transparent government that reflects the values and voices of Northeast Queens.

Affordability – The cost of living is pushing families out of the city. From rising utility bills to other hidden taxes, working and middle-class New Yorkers need relief. I’ll fight for innovative, smart, people-first policies that make it possible to live and thrive here.

Public Safety – As a firefighter, I’ve spent the last decade running toward danger to protect others. I understand firsthand what real public safety means — and I’ll work to ensure we support both first responders and effective community-based safety programs that keep everyone safe.

To strengthen our community, I’ll show up — not just during election season. That means holding regular town halls, being accessible to constituents, and making sure every voice in Northeast Queens is heard. We deserve real representation for every citizen, not just those with the deepest pockets.

To tackle affordability, I’ll fight for practical solutions that make everyday life less expensive. I’ll also stand up against unfunded mandates that burden working families and city workers.

On public safety, I bring over a decade of experience as an FDNY firefighter. I’ll advocate for better support for first responders and invest in proven community safety programs that make all of us feel secure.

My campaign is about delivering real results for the people who make this city work.

Expand Constituent Services to Support Our Community Set up a responsive, accessible district office that meets the real needs of residents, with a focus on helping seniors navigate city services and making sure every constituent feels heard and respected.

Introduce Legislation to Remove NYC Property Tax on Con Edison Work to pass a bill that eliminates the city’s property tax on Con Edison — a hidden tax that gets passed on to consumers in higher utility bills. Removing it would help make energy more affordable for working families.

Deliver on Public Safety That Works for Our Neighborhoods Launch a district-wide initiative to upgrade street lighting and improve visibility in vulnerable areas — a practical step toward safer streets and stronger communities.

The most ambitious goal I’d like to achieve is helping our neighborhood feel like the one I grew up in — where families felt safe, neighbors looked out for each other, and working people could afford to build a life here. That means investing in real public safety, making everyday costs more manageable, and protecting the character of our community. It won’t happen overnight, but that’s the vision that drives me every day.

One of the largest impediments to achieving this goal is a city government that too often treats every neighborhood the same. One-size-fits-all policies from Manhattan don’t reflect the unique needs of our community. Special interests and political infighting also get in the way of straightforward solutions that put neighborhoods first.