City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. has appointed Flushing resident Sandra Ung, 32, to his Intergovernmental division as an Associate Legislative Analyst on Friday, February 2nd.
“Sandra Ung is a dedicated public servant who understands the needs of a changing New York,” Thompson said. “She brings a wealth of legislative knowledge and experience assisting hardworking New Yorkers with immigration, housing, health care and education concerns. I am confident her appointment will further enhance the role of this office.”
Ung was educated in Flushing and considers herself a testament to the public education. “Say what you like about the public schools. I went to P.S. 22, then J.H.S. 189, and then Flushing High. I think I got the best education you can get,” she said.
From there Ung went onto Hunter College and later Columbia University School of Law.
Ung began her career in a corporate law firm focusing on mergers and acquisitions. She then moved on to serve as an attorney at Sanctuary for Families, where she worked near the courthouse in the Bronx serving all New York City, but focusing on the Asian community.
Over the past two years, Ung served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Jimmy Meng, whose term ended in December. In that capacity, she oversaw policy and legislative, initiatives, communications and constituent outreach.
“I’m rooted in Flushing,” she said. Born in Cambodia of Chinese decent, Ung came to Flushing at the age of ten and she still lives right next door to her parents.
“When I first got to Flushing it was very suburban; now it’s cosmopolitan and a lot more diverse than before,” she said. When Meng was elected as the first Asian American in the State Assembly she wanted to, “be part of that history-making process.”
Speaking about her new employer Ung said, “I’m very impressed with the leadership and integrity of his [Thompson’s] office, for example, the city-wide pension fund has grown to $100 billion. I want to be part of his team.”
In her new role Ung will be analyzing legislation and undertaking background research as well as assisting with the drafting of some legislation. “I’ll look at what a piece of legislation entails and see what the effects would be. I’ll try to answer the question: If this particular legislation is passed, what will the impact on New Yorkers be? I want to thank Comptroller Thompson for this exciting opportunity.”
“The community and indeed the City have high hopes for Comptroller Thompson, and it’s good news to see Sandra join his office,” said New York City Councilmember John Liu. “Ms. Ung has shown herself to be a skilled and dedicated individual acting with the best interests of our community in mind. We look forward to working closely with her and Bill Thompson.”
“I expect Sandra Ung to do her duty to properly assist Comptroller Thompson as he ensures the financial well-being of our city,” said Assemblymember Ellen Young. “I wish her the best of luck.”