Change Address

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NYC City Council District 19

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  • Candidate picture

    Benjamin Chou
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Vickie Paladino
    (Rep, C)

Biographical Information

What do you consider the top three issues facing your district?

How would you try to address these top three issues?

What are your top three priorities in the first 100 days?

What is the most ambitious goal you'd like to achieve?

What are the largest impediments to achieving this goal?

City/Town of Residence Douglaston, NY
Education Queens College (undergrad), Baruch College (masters)
Experience and Qualifications 11 years of service as an FDNY firefighter and 4 years as President of the FDNY Phoenix Society
Community Involvement I was born and raised in Douglaston and have spent my life giving back to the community that raised me. Besides dedicating my life to public service, I’m also active in my faith community at the Community Church of Great Neck
Party Affiliation Democratic Party
Key Endorsements State Senator John Liu, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
Twitter @benchou4ny
CampaignWebsite www.benchou4ny.com
Instagram instagram.com/benchou4ny
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.
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