South East Queens elected officials this week united to back City Council Member Donovan Richards (D-Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens) in the March 24 special election for Queens Borough President.
The fellow electeds praised Richards for his work on affordable housing, criminal justice reform, public safety, and other issues affecting Queens residents.
“Being born and raised in Southeast Queens, it means so much to have the support of my colleagues who represent the place I grew up. We’ve made so much progress building new infrastructure, creating affordable housing, and making our neighborhoods safer, and I’m ready to continue that hard work alongside them. I look forward to working together with them to build a Queens that works for everyone,” said Richards.
U.S. Rep. and Queens County Democratic Party Chairman Greg Meeks said Queens has the opportunity to make history by electing Richards as the first African-American man to become borough president.
“Over the years, I’ve partnered with Donovan on creating affordable housing, bringing jobs to Queens, and improving our transportation system. He has been a staunch advocate for his district and for our borough as a whole. I’m proud to support him in his campaign for Queens Borough President and know that he will continue the great work he has already done,” said Meeks.
State Sen. Lerory Comrie noted the work that Richars has done in the city council to revitalize Far Rockaway and parts of Southeast Queens after Superstorm Sandy, illustrate his ability to manage.
“The billion dollars plus in funding he delivered for environmental and infrastructure upgrades prove his ability to negotiate. Finally, the economic vitality that he has brought back to his district displays his knack for job creation. All of these reasons point to why Donovan Richards is the best choice to make history as our next Queens Borough President,” said Comrie.
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. said over the years he has seen Richards dedicate his life to his community and this borough he calls home.
“He took on a district devastated by Sandy and rebuilt with affordable housing and protection from future storms years to come. He’s worked to reform our criminal justice system and create a more transparent police force all while making sure neighborhoods are safe. I’m proud to support his campaign for Borough President, and know that he will deliver for Queens,” said Sanders.
“When Queens wins, we all win,” said Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman. “This can only happen if we place change makers and servant leaders in adequate positions to do so. Having worked alongside Donovan Richards, I am confident he will continue serving all communities as the next Queens Borough President.”
“Donovan has brought real change to his district, creating thousands of units of real affordable housing and I know that he will continue on that mission as Borough President. He has also championed criminal justice reform for all New Yorkers. In his position as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Donovan has held the police department accountable while improving community relationships to make us safer. I’m excited to support his campaign and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to continue the progress that we’ve made so far,” said Assembly Member Clyde Vanel.
“Donovan Richards has strongly represented South Queens in his tenure as Councilman. I am confident that as Borough President he will continue that advocacy. I look forward to partnering with Donovan on the many issues affecting our community,” said Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato.
“I’ve worked for years with Donovan Richards to improve affordable housing, infrastructure, and public transportation. He’s taken on the tough issues and been able to bring much needed improvement to his district in the years since his election and I know he’ll be a staunch advocate to make our borough a better place to live. I’m proud to endorse his campaign for Queens Borough President,” said Assembly Member Vivian Cook.
“I’ve known Donovan since he was a student in high school. I’ve watched him grow as a man, husband, and father. Most of all he has become an effective leader that I am proud to serve with as a member of the City Council, fighting for equity and justice in housing, education, transportation and public safety. He understands the needs and value of our communities, which is why I endorse him for Queens Borough President,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller.
“I have known Donovan Richards for over a decade now and consider him to be one of the hardest working members of the New York City Council ever,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “As his colleague in government, I have watched him fight for his constituents and for the people of the entire city. From securing billions of dollars to alleviate flooding in Southeastern Queens to economic development that includes crucial affordable housing in the Rockaways, Donovan has a proven track record of creative, bold leadership. I know that he will make an outstanding Queens Borough President and I am thrilled to endorse him.”
