Queens Borough President

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

Queens faces a health care crisis. Four hospitals have closed and budget reductions threaten clinics and hospitals, and strain health care professionals, all of this exacerbated by the Swine Flu pandemic.

I've worked to give our 2.3 million residents improved access to quality medical care. I commissioned a study that reaffirmed that our Borough faces a shortage of hospital beds. In response, my office developed a plan for a comprehensive and sustainable health care delivery system, and created the Queens Hospital Task Force. Queens needs more hospital beds, adequate staff and equipment and, I will work with tirelessly to achieve these goals.

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

Our classrooms are overcrowded. In Queens, I helped create more than 27,000 new seats in 48 new public schools. I also funded after-school programs, and my office was recognized with the statewide Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award.

We must grow our local economy with living wage jobs. My office partnered to create Keep it in Queens, to make it easier for small businesses to flourish; while our job assistance programs connects job-seekers with potential employers.

We need to continue to create affordable housing. As Borough President, I've recognized the hardships of homeowners, and in response to the foreclosure crisis, we have helped to educate residents about predatory lenders, and provided and direct legal services.

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

As a teacher, community board member, assemblywoman and councilwoman, my life has always been devoted to public service. I have a proven track record of innovation, results, and bringing diverse groups and viewpoints together to foster goodwill and consensus.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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