• Brooklyn
  • Manhattan
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Newsletter
Queens County Politics
  • News
    • Activism
    • Arts, Sports & Leisure
    • Community Close-Up
    • Education
    • Election
    • Government
      • City Government
      • State Government
      • Federal Government
    • Legislation/Policy
    • Opinion
    • Profile
    • Transportation
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • News
    • Activism
    • Arts, Sports & Leisure
    • Community Close-Up
    • Education
    • Election
    • Government
      • City Government
      • State Government
      • Federal Government
    • Legislation/Policy
    • Opinion
    • Profile
    • Transportation
  • About
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Queens County Politics
No Result
View All Result

Yonel Letellier Sosa Enters 39th Assembly District Race

Brandon Jordan by Brandon Jordan
May 15, 2018
in Uncategorized
0
225
SHARES
38
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

If there is anything that Yonel Letellier Sosa believes it is the importance for an elected representative to have experience. In fact, he feels this is key to becoming the 39th Assembly District leader.

“I believe I have the experience, knowledge, know-how, vision to decipher all these problems and try to do the best for our community,” Sosa said. “Not for what’s best for special interests.”

Sosa is challenging newly-elected State Assemblymember Ari Espinal (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona) in this year’s Democratic primary. The other candidate in the race is Catalina Cruz, a DREAMer who announced her candidacy months ago.

The Elmhurst resident was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City when he turned one. While growing up, he worked in the community with various civic organizations and clubs. He was president of the New Visions Democratic Club for 10 years and founded the Association of Latin American Leaders, which he still leads.

“[The Association of Latin American Leaders] was an attempt to bring awareness to the community and do positive things,” he said.

He cited the Affordable Care Act as an example. The organization taught “navigators” to explain what the policy was to community members.

Furthermore, Sosa referred to his time in Albany. He worked as chief of staff to Jose Peralta first in the state assembly and, seven years after, in the state senate. He’s helped on various political campaigns as well and petitioned for the Democratic party.

Yonel Letellier Sosa. Photo by Brandon Jordan

His campaign began two weeks ago, late relative to the other candidates in the race. Yet he is already meeting with residents, holding fundraisers, and participated in a debate with Cruz last week.

A few issues that Sosa highlighted include transportation, affordable housing, and electoral reform. He first discussed reforming the election process, citing his own struggles when running for office.

When former City Councilmember Julissa Ferreras-Copeland announced she would not run for re-election, Sosa was one of five candidates to announce his intention to run, but he did not list the office and district he would run in. He was not placed on the ballot because of this.

Sosa sued both Espinal and Francisco Moya for this incident, noting in court their petition challenge caused it, but did not succeed with the state Supreme Court dismissing his suit.

He felt concerned with the recent special election, feeling it was not right to have only one person on the ballot. Because of this and more, he favors easier voter registration and reforming the election process including special elections.

On transportation, he explained the significance of the 7 train line. He noted that many residents depend on the train, which could cause “wear and tear.” Moreover, the noise from the train line is another issue he wants addressed and felt it is possible to reduce the noise.

“The MTA fixes where all the tourists are so it looks nice and neat,” he said.

Sosa talked about the question of affordability for both small business owners and homeowners too. He felt concerned about the potential development in Willets Point and requested stronger leadership to ensure residents would not suffer from what occurs there.

He also spoke about education, especially with the lack of adequate funding that several schools in the district receive. These schools, often overcrowded, do not provide enough resources for students.  

“Because of inadequacy at the state level, our kids are suffering,” he said.

He did note his opponents Espinal and Cruz were both “wonderful” people yet did not believe they had anything like his experience helping the community.

“I just feel we deserve better, especially now at the national level,” he said.

Indeed, after leaving the diner, Sosa highlighted distinct features of the district. This includes the various nationalities—Argentinian, Indian, Colombian—that exist throughout the district. These people were ones he felt required the best representative in Albany.

“I’m risking my 25 years of work,” he said. “But I feel that I have to do it. No one else is willing to risk their reputation. If I’m going to risk my reputation, let it be for the people.”

Tags: Assemblymember Ari EspinalCatalina CruzFrancisco Moyajulissa ferreras-copelandqueensQueens PoliticsState Assembly ElectionsYonel Letellier Sosa
Previous Post

Queens Lawmakers On The Move May 15, 2018

Next Post

Queens Lawmakers On The Move May 16, 2018

Brandon Jordan

Brandon Jordan

Brandon Jordan is a freelance reporter in Queens, NY. He has written for The Nation, City Limits, In These Times, and more.

Next Post
Queens County City Council News

Queens Lawmakers On The Move May 16, 2018

Subscribe to Our Daily Newsletter!

Podcast: Black & Jewish

Chaya and Ariama with the logo for "Black & Jewish" logo

Today's Top Read

  • Shaniyat Chowdhury

    Chowdhury’s Instagram Post on Human Right Violations of Uyghurs Stirs Controversy

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • City Council Candidate Adriana Aviles Ready to Take on Education, Public Safety

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • With No Clear Winner on Election Night, Ranked Choice Voting to be Put to the Test in District 31 Special Election

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • After Narrow Defeat, Osina Looks to Redeem Himself in Next Week’s Special Election

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • ‘I intend to succeed collectively’: District 23 City Council candidate touts 30 years of experience as political activist

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Schneps logo

© 2021 Political Edge LLC

Check out other local political news!

  • Brooklyn
  • Manhattan

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • About
  • Contact Us

© 2021 Political Edge LLC