1. What is the most important issue in Queens you would address if elected?

One of the most important issues facing Queens is overdevelopment. As Queens continues to be a magnet for economic and residential growth, "McMansions" have multiplied, shopping malls have expanded and waterfront housing has soared skyward. As Borough President, my job is to ensure that while embracing development, we also protect the existing character of our neighborhoods. From Astoria to Rockaway, new housing and retail opportunities have to be balanced with the infrastructure, traffic and parking needs of our residents. That’s why my Zoning Task Force has helped rezone more than a dozen vulnerable communities. Work has already begun on another seven neighborhoods and we will continue until the entire Borough is zoned appropriately.

2. What other important issues would you address if elected?

Since I became Borough President, 25 schools have opened in Queens and another 37 are planned or under construction. I will continue to invest funds to expand our library system improve our parks, enhance our commercial strips, strengthen our cultural institutions and bring CUNY to the Rockaways. At the same time, I will continue to provide funds for recreational programs for our youth and make certain that seniors continue to receive a hot meal every day. Illegal conversions will decline as we address the crucial need for housing that is within the financial reach of young families and seniors, and make senior assisted living more affordable. Meanwhile I will continue to ensure that our airports and power plants become partners in our efforts to provide a healthy environment. This will bolster the tourism initiatives that create jobs and celebrate our diversity.

3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?

As a native of New Yorker with more 23 years experience in State and City government I believe the role of Borough President is to be an effective advocate for the needs of America’s most diverse population. This experience has taught me how to bring different levels of government, businesses, communities and competing interests together to solve problems and build a better Queens.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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PARTY KEY
C = Conservative D = Democratic EP = Education Party G = Green I = Independence L = Liberal	LBT = Libertarian R = Republican REB = Rebuild Party REF = Reform Party RNY = Reform Pary of N.Y. Party RTD = Rent is Too Damn High Party	SCS = Smaller Class Size Party SW = Socialist Workers Party VOP = Voice of the People WF = Working Families WVP = War Veterans Party