Peter A. Koo[D, C]
Evergreen C. Chou[G]
Martha Flores-Vazquez*[JE]
Sunny Hahn[REF]
Party Enrolled In: Green
Current Occupation: Ultrasound Technologist since 1989
Previous Occupation(s): Restaurant worker
Education: Bachelor of Science from SUNY: Downstate Medical Center
Organizational Affiliations: Flushing CSA (Community Supported Agriculture); Boy Scout of America; Evergreen Community Garden; Flushing Greens
Prior Public Experience: Member of Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB 7)
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 20 you would address if elected?
The gentrification of Flushing, and the lack of affordable housing. When I first ran for city council it was a big problem, and it's only gotten worse. Candidates have begun to add affordable housing to their speeches, but hundreds of luxury units have been built instead. Many of them sit empty and rusting as owners seek buyers out of state and even out of the country since few Flushing residents can afford them.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
There are many jobs in Flushing, but the pay is too low to provide a decent standard of living. Residents are being priced out of both residential housing and commercial real estate. Families that start new businesses find themselves with continuously rising rents. If we cannot get living wage jobs in Flushing; then we need to have laws that will help renters and homeowners stay afloat. We must end the notion that banks are too big to fail and we the people are too small to save.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I know the needs of workers and the middle class; that's what I am. Most local candidates are business people who know only of the bottom line. When it comes to housing, education, jobs and health care, we cannot make choices based on what is most profitable for big business. We must provide what is most needed by the community, and I have faith that the people of the community will thrive given the right opportunities. I will not give away t-shirts; or treat you to expensive meals at the most expensive restaurants in Flushing as I campaign. But I will do all I can to see that you will get an honest day's pay for an honest day's work after I am elected.
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