Comrie And Grodenchik Run For BP
BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA
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Councilman
Leroy Comrie |
Barry Grodenchik |
Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and former Deputy Borough President, Barry Grodenchik, officially announced their candidacy for borough president this week.
Comrie and Grodenchik join the ranks of candidates that include State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria), State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and former Councilwoman Melinda Katz, all of whom are seeking to replace the term limited Helen Marshall.
First elected to Council in 2002, three-time lawmaker and Deputy Majority Leader, Comrie, is confident that his experience serving the 27th District gives him a strong platform for the position. His current term in the council expires this year.
“My role in Council has been one that required collaboration and conversation and bringing parties together,” Comrie said. “I think I’m singularly prepared to lead the Borough as I’ve been a person known as a problem solver and a person who’s been able to bring people together. I have an excellent track record of success.
“My primary goal for the residents of Queens is to improve the economic, social and quality of life conditions for the Borough,” said Comrie. “The most pressing issue facing the Borough today would be the overcrowding and the need for affordable and also improving the quality of life for all the diverse entities that live in the Borough.”
Grodenchik, who serves as Director of Community Boards for Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, also feels he has the appropriate credentials to fill the shoes of his former boss. He served as Deputy to Marshall before he stepped down to focus his attention to the race.
“The role of deputy has given me an overview of the entire county,” Grodenchik said. “I see what’s going on in the entire Borough. I have been working almost a decade and a half in the borough president’s office and it’s a big county. There are 2.3 million people here and I think that really is what distinguishes me. My borough-wide experience is what sets me apart.”
If elected, Grondenchik noted that his efforts would be focused on putting residents to work, reforming the education system and healthcare and helping those whom are still suffering in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com