Queens may have more than one person running for Queens Borough President with another City Councilmember expressing interest in the position.
Last Wednesday, City Councilmember Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, Jackson Heights, Woodside, East Elmhurst) held a fundraiser in Astoria for a potential bid to succeed Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
The email sent to guests notes that their support would help the 22nd City Council District leader “fight for higher office once my term ends.”
In a statement, the Astoria native explained he is seeking opportunities in public service after his term in the City Council ends in three years.
“Through my service on the City Council, I am proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish for our community including better access to healthcare, new ferry service, and key investments in our public schools. I am committed to fighting for Queens and addressing the challenges that remain throughout the rest of my time in office,” he said.
Constantinides, an attorney, is known for his work on sustainability. He chairs the City Council’s Environmental Protection Committee and advocates for environmentally-friendly policies. For example, in 2014, fellow Councilmembers passed his bill to establish a goal for the city—reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050.
In addition, the Queens College graduate has also addressed affordability concerns in his district as well as adequate resources for schools.
His interest in the position comes after City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Maspeth, Sunnyside, Woodside) formed a committee in February pertaining to the Queens Borough President position.
Since then, Van Bramer held a private fundraiser in late March for his run and openly spoken about his desire to help Queens as its borough president.
Both City Councilmembers are serving their final term in the City Council that is set to end in 2021.
