Issues

Housing

Queens, particularly District 19, is facing a severe housing crisis. With 40% of our residents as renters, the pressure from rising rents and the influence of powerful real estate interests like REBNY is undeniable. This isn't just about statistics; it’s about families struggling to stay in their neighborhoods, about the erosion of our community's character, and about the urgent need for a City Council that prioritizes people over profits. Here's a clear plan to tackle these challenges head-on:

A Green New Deal Solution:

The current state of our public housing is unacceptable. Decades of neglect have led to deteriorating conditions.
We propose a "Green New Deal" that invests in sustainable upgrades, creating local jobs and improving resident's lives.
This plan ensures these vital community assets remain publicly owned, not sold off to private developers.

Expanding Opportunity:

The dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for working families in District 19.
We will implement targeted down payment assistance and develop truly affordable housing options.
This will build long-term stability and combat the cycle of rising rents.

The Modular Housing Solution:

Traditional construction methods are too slow to address our urgent housing needs.
We will champion the use of modular housing, which offers faster, more sustainable construction.
This will increase supply and reduce costs, making housing more accessible.

Office Conversions for Affordable Housing:

Vacant office spaces represent a wasted opportunity to create much-needed housing.
We will push for policies that incentivize the conversion of these spaces into affordable units.
This will revitalize neighborhoods and add to our housing stock.

Expanding Supportive Housing:

Many residents need more than just a roof over their heads; they need comprehensive support.
We will expand supportive housing programs that provide on-site services like counseling and job training.
This will empower vulnerable residents to achieve long-term stability.

Community Land Trusts as a Defense:

Rising property values are displacing long-time residents and eroding our community's fabric.
We will support the creation of Community Land Trusts to ensure long-term affordability and community control.
This will protect our neighborhoods from unchecked development.

Building a Sustainable Pipeline:

The current approach to housing development is piecemeal and insufficient.
We will push for a comprehensive housing pipeline that includes mixed-income developments and leverages state and federal resources.
This will ensure a steady supply of affordable housing for future generations.

This is not just a list of promises; it’s a detailed plan to address the root causes of the housing crisis in District 19. By challenging the status quo and prioritizing the needs of our community, we can build a more just and affordable future for all.

Education

As an educator, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges plaguing our New York City public schools. Despite allocating over $45 billion – the largest municipal education budget in the entire nation – our schools are not delivering the results our students deserve, failing to rank among the top 10 nationally. Sadly, the past decade has seen a decline, marked by lowered test standards, alarmingly low literacy rates, and damaging cuts to vital programs like the arts, a consequence of poor leadership. This is not the legacy we want for our children. Here’s my comprehensive plan to reverse this trend and build an education system that truly serves every student:

Lack of Equitable Enrichment and Support for Working Families: Universal After-School Programs:

Currently, access to high-quality after-school programs is inconsistent, leaving many students without crucial academic support and enrichment opportunities, and placing a significant burden on working families who struggle to find safe and engaging care for their children after school hours.
My plan will establish universal after-school programs to provide all students with engaging learning experiences beyond the school day, fostering academic growth, creativity, and social-emotional development.
Critically, this will also offer vital support for working families, ensuring their children have a safe, supervised, and enriching environment until they can be picked up.

Barriers to Higher Education: Tuition-Free CUNY Colleges:

The rising cost of college puts the dream of higher education out of reach for too many talented NYC students.
We will fight to make CUNY colleges tuition-free, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue a college degree and contribute to our city's future, without the burden of crippling debt.

Undervalued Support Staff: Fair Pay for Paraprofessionals:

Our paraprofessionals are the backbone of our classrooms, providing essential support to students with diverse needs. Yet, their compensation often fails to reflect their critical contributions.
I will champion fair pay for paraprofessionals, ensuring they receive the wages and benefits they deserve, recognizing their vital role in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Systemic Segregation: Desegregating Our Schools:

The persistent segregation within our school system denies students the benefits of diverse learning environments and perpetuates inequities.

My plan will dismantle these barriers by:

Advocating for the repeal of discriminatory policies at the state level that hinder integration efforts.
Ending all discriminatory screens in NYC public school admissions that contribute to segregated classrooms.
Launching community-led diversity initiatives, starting with a pilot program for middle schools in Queens, to foster truly integrated and equitable schools.

Overcrowded Classrooms: Building More Schools:

New York State has mandated smaller class sizes to improve student outcomes, yet our city has failed to adequately invest in the infrastructure needed to meet these requirements.
We will prioritize building more schools to alleviate overcrowding and ensure that every student learns in a classroom where they receive the individualized attention they need to thrive.

As an educator, my commitment is unwavering: to fight tirelessly for a future where every single student in New York City receives a high-quality education that ignites their potential and prepares them for a bright future. This plan directly addresses the systemic issues holding our students back and provides crucial support for our working families. This is not just a plan; it's a promise to our students and the future of our city.

Reform the NYC Gov

The Democratic Party is at a crossroads and must return to its New Deal roots to effectively represent working-class Americans, who are facing significant economic challenges. That’s why I’m running as a Democrat and under the Working Families Party (WFP) banner as a commitment to fight for these families. Here’s our plan to empower the working class:

Support the Working Families Party Mayoral Slate:

Electing a WFP mayoral slate, including candidates like City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and State Assemblyman Zohran Mumdami, is crucial.
Don’t Rank Cuomo!
The WFP has a proven track record of effectively advocating for working families and influencing policy in New York City, securing key victories like raising the minimum wage.

Organize a Working-Class Bloc in the City Council:

Building a cohesive working-class bloc, similar to the WFP's successful model, is essential to influence policy and the budget process.
This bloc can strategically engage in Council leadership elections and committee assignments to prioritize affordable housing and fair wages.

Ensure Proactive Constituent Services:

Constituent services must move beyond a reactive approach to proactively address community needs. District offices should become hubs for organizing, offering tools, skills, and training to empower constituents to find solutions to local problems.
Proactive outreach can lead to a significant increase in constituent engagement, as seen in studies showing over a 5400% rise in contacts.

Reform Internal Rules to Balance Power:

Implementing internal reforms to limit the overwhelming power of the Speaker over the Council’s legislative and budget agenda is vital.
This will foster a more balanced distribution of power within the City Council, enabling it to function as an effective counterweight to the Mayoralty.

Empower Residents Through Working Groups and Local Councils:

Utilizing working groups, resident councils, and neighborhood block groups can significantly influence decision-making and increase understanding of local government processes.
These participatory governance models foster consistent communication and co-governance, empowering residents to have a direct impact on their communities.

By embracing these priorities and working collaboratively with the Working Families Party and community members, we can take back power for the people and build a city that truly works for all.

Public Saftey

Public safety requires a holistic approach that extends beyond crime to include community well-being and institutional trust.

Public safety in New York City demands more than just reacting to crime; it necessitates a comprehensive strategy to foster safe streets, secure communities, and build trust in institutions.
This approach recognizes that true safety extends beyond the absence of violence to include factors like access to healthcare, stable housing, and quality education.
I am committed to building safer neighborhoods while upholding justice and fairness for all residents.
Ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system is crucial for building community trust and encouraging cooperation with law enforcement.

Funding Priorities

Prioritizing funding for police officers over robots reflects a focus on human connection in law enforcement.

My priority is to fund cops, not robots, recognizing the importance of human judgment and community connection in effective policing.
While robotic technologies are being explored by the NYPD for specific purposes like reconnaissance in dangerous situations, concerns exist regarding their potential for weaponization, privacy violations, and the risk of dehumanizing interactions.
The NYPD's budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is approximately $5.8 billion, highlighting the significant investment already made in traditional policing methods.

Combating Gun Violence

A dual strategy of common-sense gun laws and community-based prevention programs is essential to reduce gun violence.

Combating gun violence requires a dual approach encompassing both common-sense gun laws and community-based prevention programs.
Research indicates that states with stronger gun safety legislation have lower rates of gun violence.
Simultaneously, community violence intervention (CVI) programs in New York City, such as the Crisis Management System (CMS) and Cure Violence, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing shootings.
These programs utilize outreach workers to mediate conflicts and connect individuals to support services.

Expanding Vision Zero

Enhancing street safety for all road users requires an expansion of the Vision Zero initiative.

Expanding Vision Zero is crucial to improving street safety and protecting all road users.
Since its implementation in 2014, Vision Zero has contributed to a historic low in traffic deaths in the first quarter of 2025.
Strategies like lowering the citywide speed limit, increasing automated speed enforcement, and implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) have proven effective.
However, disparities in traffic violence across different neighborhoods highlight the need for equitable distribution of safety improvements.

Enhancing NYPD Accountability

Improved oversight and training are key to increasing the accountability of the NYPD.

Enhancing NYPD accountability requires better oversight and training.
The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) plays a vital role in investigating misconduct complaints, but its authority in imposing discipline is limited.
Comprehensive training programs, including Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and de-escalation techniques, are essential for improving police conduct.

Addressing Crime's Root Causes

Investing in mental health response, violence interruption, and reentry support is crucial for tackling the underlying causes of crime.

Investing in mental health response, violence interruption, and reentry support is crucial for tackling crime’s root causes.
Programs like B-HEARD offer a health-centered response to mental health crises.
Violence interruption programs have shown promise in reducing gun violence.
Investing in reentry support services helps formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the community, reducing recidivism.

Ensuring Public Safety with Integrity

Public safety must be ensured with integrity and by building trust within the community.

This comprehensive approach, prioritizing community trust and addressing the root causes of crime, will ensure public safety with integrity.
By focusing on prevention, intervention, and building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, we can create a safer and more just New York City for all.

A Green NYC

The implementation of Local Law 97 in New York City necessitates upgrades to green appliances to meet new city standards, impacting many homes in East Queens and across the city. While supporting a greener future, the financial burden on taxpayers is a concern. To ensure a fairer transition, collaboration on initiatives like Local Law 1197 is crucial. Beyond this, a comprehensive approach to climate action includes fostering green job creation, building resilient infrastructure, expanding sustainable transit, greening public housing, and empowering community-driven initiatives.

Green Job Creation:

Support training programs and the growth of clean energy industries to create union jobs.
This includes initiatives by NYSERDA and partnerships with unions to prepare workers for the expanding green economy.

Resilient Infrastructure:

Invest in projects that enhance flood protection, expand green spaces, and promote renewable energy.
This involves initiatives like the East Side Coastal Resiliency project and investments in green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce urban heat.
Expanding green spaces through programs like the Community Parks Initiative is also a priority.

Sustainable Transit:

Expand public transit options and build safer bike lanes across the city.
This includes modernizing the subway system and expanding bike lane networks to encourage cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

Green Public Housing:

Upgrade public housing with energy-efficient solutions.
NYCHA has a Sustainability Agenda with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in its properties.
Programs like ACCESSolar and partnerships with NYPA are part of this effort.

Community-Driven Climate Action:

Empower local communities to lead climate initiatives and promote environmental justice.
Organizations like WE ACT for Environmental Justice work directly with communities on these issues.
The city also has programs like Climate Strong Communities to support local resilience projects.

With the implementation of Local Law 97, many homes in East Queens and across NYC will need to upgrade to green appliances to meet new city standards. While I support a greener future, it’s important to address the financial concerns of taxpayers. If elected, I will collaborate with Councilmembers Sandra Ung and Linda Lee to advance Local Law 1197, aiming to ensure a fairer transition to green compliance for co-op and condo owners in East Queens and throughout the city.