Feb. 19, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials across Queens have condemned President Donald Trump after the Trump Administration moved to end federal approval for congestion pricing Wednesday. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed Gov. Kathy Hochul in a letter that he would rescind the federal approval of the congestion pricing program, describing the…
Feb. 13, 2025 By Colum Motherway Several Queens elected officials are voicing their opposition to Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes for electricity and gas, urging the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject the increases and address ongoing concerns about utility affordability. The proposal, which could raise rates by up to 14%,…
Feb. 10, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials, unions and community organizations across Queens have slammed Mayor Eric Adams in response to reports that the Mayor’s office distributed a memo to city agencies suggesting that they should let ICE agents enter municipal facilities without a warrant if staff “reasonably feel threatened” or fear for…
Jan. 13, 2025 By Czarinna Andres Jan. 13, 2025 By Colum Motherway Newly sworn-in Assembly Member Claire Valdez has promised to help deliver an inclusive and more progressive New York as she officially begins the next stage of her career. Valdez is the new representative for Assembly District 37, which covers the neighborhoods of Ridgewood,… Read more »
Jun. 26, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan For the June 25 primary election, thousands of Queens voters showed up to cast their ballots for new representatives in Albany and a less-known but important judicial position. In two of the three closely watched State Assembly races, two newcomers were elected, and one longtime incumbent, who is the…
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Jun. 26, 2024 By Czarinna Andres Claire Valdez emerged victorious in the Assembly District 37 race, winning by a substantial 27-point margin over Johanna Carmona— and thumping the incumbent Juan Ardila, who generated about 10% of the votes. Valdez, who brought in 58.6% of the vote, led in every precinct in Ridgewood and Long Island…
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Jun. 18, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan While many seats in New York’s primary election this June are uncontested, three State Assembly races in Queens could alter the borough’s representation in Albany. Both one-term and long-term incumbents are facing fresh challengers who are hoping to snag the seat and address issues such as housing, public safety,…
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Jun. 12, 2024 By Czarinna Andres and Anthony Medina Two candidate forums were recently held for candidates vying for the New York State Assembly District 37 seat. The Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association held its candidate forum on Thursday, June 6, in Ridgewood. Days later, on Tuesday, June 11, the Western Queens Independent Democratic…
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May. 23, 2024 By Czarinna Andres May 23, 2024 By Czarinna Andres Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed union organizer Claire Valdez in her bid for New York Assembly District 37, which encompasses Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Long Island City and Maspeth. Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the Democratic Socialist movement, praised fellow socialist Valdez for her leadership… Read more »
Nov. 16, 2023 By Bill Parry When embattled Assemblymember Juan Ardila seeks re-election next year, he will not have the scores of volunteers from the Working Families Party knocking on doors in western Queens for him like they did in 2022 when the Maspeth native was elected to represent District 37 in Albany. Ardila officially… Read more »