Queens Lawmakers On The Move Nov. 7, 2018

Velázquez Wins Re-Election Bid

Incumbent Democrat Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Lower Manhattan) will return to the U.S. House of Representative for a fourteenth term representing New York’s 7th Congressional District.

The outspoken and anti-Trump Congresswoman won her political race with a landslide victory of 93 percent of the vote compared to her two challengers, Joseph Lieberman (CRV) who finished with nearly six percent of the vote and Jeffrey Kurzon’s (Ref) with just one percent, according to unofficial results as reported by New York 1.

“Today the American people spoke with a resounding voice in rejecting the heartless, hateful policies of Donald Trump and his Congressional Republican enablers. Donald Trump previously suggested he, himself was on the ballot today and the American people — from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between — voted accordingly. After two very long years, this is an important repudiation of policies that put children in cages, ignore the plight of American citizens in Puerto Rico and that finance tax cuts for the wealthy by exploding the deficit and raiding Social Security and Medicare,” said Velazquez.

“It is my hope that our new Democratic Majority will not only stop the extremist Trump agenda in its tracks, but also work to implement progressive policies that benefit working families in New York City and throughout our nation.  In the new Congress, I look forward to pushing policies that make housing more affordable, raise wages, preserve important pre-existing conditions protections and make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all. This election felt personal for many Americans, but especially for Latinos. To that end, I’ll continue advancing equality for all, especially Hispanic Americans and our immigrant brothers and sisters of all backgrounds. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but tonight’s results are an important stride in the right direction,” added Velazquez.

Ulrich Announces Major Victory for Businesses Affected by DDC Project on Beach 116th Street

City Council member Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach, Woodhaven) announced a major victory for Rockaway business owners affected by daytime water service disruptions on Beach 116th Street last week.  

Late last month, Ulrich penned a letter to Commissioner Lorraine Grillo urging the New York City Dept. of Design and Construction (DDC) to alter work hours for project SANDHW11 along the Beach 116th commercial corridor. The project initially called for temporary closer of water mains during peak business hours which eventually crippled businesses that rely on water service to operate.

After following up with DDC, a representative confirmed the agency obtained the necessary nighttime construction permits and that water service would no longer be disrupted during business hours. The new nighttime hours went into effect on Halloween – just nine days after Ulrich made the written request.

The SANDHW11 project will make crucial street infrastructure upgrades along Beach Channel Drive, between Beach 116th Street and Beach 124th Street. Once complete, the project will repair and replace sewers, water mains, traffic signals and street lighting in an area that sustained significant damage from Superstorm Sandy.

“This is a huge win for the merchants who have been adversely impacted by these water service disruptions. I applaud DDC for working so quickly to address these concerns.The current daytime work hours severely harm businesses in my district and even threaten their ability to stay in business,” said Ulrich.

“In the nearly six years since SuperStorm Sandy, the Rockaways have made a tremendous comeback. Businesses are reopening and new businesses are starting. The is a sense of optimism in the air. However, this project threatens that optimism. It’s imperative the city do everything possible to help these businesses,” added Ulrich.

Sanders Marks Diwali Celebration

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) wished his constituents a Happy Diwali today.

Diwali, or Deepavali, has a deep significance to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. Each legend of Diwali has the significance of the victory of good over evil; light over darkness; and knowledge over ignorance.

The five-day celebration is observed every year in early autumn after the conclusion of the summer harvest and coincides with the new moon, known as the amāsvasya – the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. During Diwali each year, homes are illuminated with light to celebrate this triumph.

“Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and is symbolic of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time of happiness and is celebrated with the lighting of earthen lamps, called “divas” to thank God for good health, wealth, knowledge and peace,” said Sanders.

“Observers also take part by feasting on a lavish meal. It provides a time to gather with family and friends, to laugh and appreciate all that we have in life and to make special memories. For all of those celebrating Diwali, I wish you a wonderful and safe holiday,” added Sanders.