It’s not everyday you see the mayor belt out a Christmas tune. But on Sunday evening, Bill de Blasio was on stage singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” alongside Queens County Democratic leader U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) at Crowley’s annual holiday party.
Hundreds gathered at the elegant space of Queens Museum in Crowley’s district in Corona.
De Blasio took a jab at the current President Donald Trump administration while thanking Crowley for representing New York.
“Another wonderful year in our city, we can’t always say that about Washington D.C.,” he remarked.
Crowley, an electric guitar hanging from his neck, sang and played with various local bands while a handful of guests danced.
Public Advocate Letitia James also took to the stage and sang.
Many of the tables at the center of the room were empty at times as crowds gathered and mingled on the sides.
While joyfully clinking glasses and ending the busy year, lawmakers were looking towards the new year with particular priorities.
Crowley aims to advance progressive immigration, health care, and economic priorities.
“This includes a solution for DREAMers and advocating for the congressman’s Rent Relief Act, which would give a refundable crest to those individuals who pay more than 30 percent of their income in rent,” said Crowley spokeswoman Lauren French.
City Council Member Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill) reflected on her achievements this year.
“I was enormously proud to introduce a resolution calling on the state legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would make killing someone while driving and using a phone a felony while making it a misdemeanor if you seriously injure someone while driving and using a phone,” she said.
Constituents and community leaders who also attended the bash expressed concern about local issues that remain as the year draws to a close.
Carolyn (she did not give her last name), a longtime educator who resides in Crowley’s district in Corona encouraged increased police presence in one area in particular.
“Drug [dealing] is prevalent, especially around the 7 line subway station on 111th Street. There needs to be more police in reference to manning the neighborhood,” she said.
“Making sure people feel safe and secure in their communities and neighborhoods is a huge priority for Congressman Crowley,” replied French. “This is something he’ll follow closely.”
