JON KAIMAN FOR CONGRESS
In the race to succeed Rep. Steve Israel, Democrats have a slew of choices. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. one candidate in our opinion stands out.
Former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman has a proven track record of success. As town supervisor, he spearheaded a number of initiatives, including a 311 system for the town, the first in a suburban setting and a program called Project Independence, which helps seniors stay in their homes and neighborhoods rather than be forced to go to assisted living. While Tom Suozzi has a distinguished record of public service and would make a fine representative, Kaiman is the only candidate who has extensive experience dealing with issues on a national scale. He served as Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s advisor on Hurricane Sandy recovery. He is a leader when it comes to environmental issues, having turned the fleet of town-owned vehicles in North Hempstead green and establishing a town-wide school recycling program. Under his leadership, North Hempstead was ranked by Money magazine one of the top 100 places to live in the United States – one of only three locations in New York to make that list.
That’s the type of innovation and success we need in Congress. While all the candidates have pretty impressive resumes, Kaiman has the achievements to back it up.
The Queens Tribune endorses Jon Kaiman in the Democratic Primary for the Third Congressional District.
CAROLYN MALONEY FOR CONGRESS
Rep. Carolyn Maloney is facing another primary challenge, this time from computer programmer Peter Lindner, who says it’s time for a change.
We disagree.
In her time, she has been one of the most effective representatives our borough has ever seen. She has fought tirelessly to bring in infrastructure dollars, even snatching funds other states, such as Florida, rejected. Because of her work, the federal government funded the East Side Access project, which will one day bring the LIRR to Grand Central Terminal, making for an easier commute for thousands who aren’t even her constituents. She was also responsible for repairing the damaged and dangerous seawall at Queensbridge Park, which was left to deteriorate for decades.
She was a major force behind the creation the 9/11 Commission and spearheaded the passage of the Zadroga Act aimed at helping first responders with permanent illnesses stemming from the recovery at Ground Zero. She is a tireless advocate for women and children – fighting to get funding to clear the backlogs of rape kits as evidence – authored the Credit Card Bill of Rights, bringing more transparency and fairness for credit card users, and stood up for common sense gun control laws.
She has also proven not to be a rubber stamp, taking on President Barack Obama, a president from her own party, on his administration’s deal with the Iranian government.
Maloney’s experience and principled leadership is still needed in Congress. The Queens Tribune endorses Carolyn Maloney.
GREGORY MEEKS FOR CONGRESS
Rep. Gregory Meeks is facing a primary challenge from Ali Mirza.
In his leadership position on Foreign affairs, Meeks has traveled extensively throughout the world
But anyone who lives in the 5th Congressional District knows that even if Meeks is not present, he makes sure his staff is there, at every local meeting.
And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As a senior legislator, Meeks has been able to bring funding to his district, and national attention to its needs which cannot be done as a freshman legislator..
Meeks has a close relationship with President Barack Obama and has the ear of Hillary Clinton, who is favored to succeed the president. His high ranking positions in the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services committees has been beneficial to the district and New York.
Having someone with that level of influence representing out community can never be a bad thing.
The Queens Tribune endorses Rep. Gregory Meeks for the Democratic nomination for another term in Congress.
