A Female First For Council

Councilwoman Christine Quinn made history after being elected as New York City Council Speaker, making her the first woman and openly gay person to hold the position.
The Long Island native and current Chelsea resident was initially elected to the Council in 1999, representing District Three in Manhattan.
During her time as a councilwoman, she has served as the chair of the Health Committee while also being a member of the Finance; General Welfare; Governmental Operations; Land Use; Lower Manhattan Redevelopment; Rules, Privileges and Elections; and Zoning and Franchises Committees.
Quinn will replace former Speaker Gifford Miller as she takes her new place in history. In order to become the new speaker, Quinn had to beat out opponents in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
“I am gratified for the support of my colleagues,” Quinn said in a previously released statement. She continued, “I look forward…to working with them to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”
Queens Councilmen Hiram Monserrate and John Liu said that Quinn will do well in her new role.
“I am confident that Christine Quinn will be a good speaker, and I look forward to working with her and all of my colleagues for the betterment of the great borough Queens,” Monserrate said.
Liu also pointed out that, although Quinn has been a representative of Manhattan, she is no stranger to Queens.
“She certainly has spent a great deal of time in Queens and has first-hand knowledge of some of the priorities we have as Queens residents,” Liu said.