Melinda Katz, the Democratic candidate for Queens Borough president, beat out Republican opponent, Tony Arcabascio on Tuesday,
Katz, who was raised in Forest Hills and is a product of New York City public schools as well as a graduate of St. John’s University Law School, has plans to implement a detailed economic development plan to improve Queens, according to her campaign website.
She also plans to improve transit options, promote development and “prioritize Sandy redevelopment for job creation.”
“College Democrats think that Melinda Katz is the right candidate,” Luis Quinones, president of the St. John’s University College Democrats, said. “We believe that her experience in the city council will help her accomplish a great deal for Queens.”
College Republicans President Gregory Mitchell also believes that Katz will be a fine borough president.
“She brings an impressive resume with experience valueable to the BP’s office,” he said. “It is especially special to us at St. John’s because she is a St. John’s alum.”
In her economic development plan, the cornerstone of her campaign, Katz identifies Jamaica, along with Willets Point and Hunter’s Point South, as neighborhoods with “major” new development opportunities.
Another area that Katz would like to focus on is promoting Queens as a borough with rich diversity and cultural opportunities. She hopes to “rebrand” the borough as “the most exciting place in New York,” she said in her development plan.
Recovery from the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, especially in Rockaway Beach, is another of the priorities outlined in Katz’ master development plan. She would like to “rethink infrastructure” and “encourage Queens to support our own” as part of the recovery process.
“She has the right ideas to make Queens more competitive and bring more jobs and families to this great borough,” Quinones said.
Katz has received endorsements from The New York Times, the Working Families Party and Planned Parenthood, among others.
Katz will replace current borough president Helen Marshall, who has reached the term limit.
Previously, Katz served Queens as a City Council Member in the 29th district from 2002-2009 where she chaired the Land Use Committee. Prior to that, Katz worked for the Office of the Borough President from 1999-2002.
