By Stephen Stirling
The third time was the charm for City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D−Middle Village).
After losing two previous bids to become the councilwoman for District 30, Crowley formally took the position Sunday in Maspeth when Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D−Manhattan) administered her the oath of office at PS 153.
A bevy of borough Democrats came out to support Crowley, who defeated incumbent Anthony Como in November’s election, and each were quick to point out the long climb the Democrat went through to take office.
“Liz got here the hard way. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth, oh no,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D−N.Y.). “We need good solid representation from someone who remembers where she came from, and that’s what Liz Crowley brings to the table.”
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D−Forest Hills), U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D−Astoria), Borough President Helen Marshall, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D−Howard Beach) and Quinn each took turns welcoming Crowley to the office and said the hard work she put into getting elected will pay off as she faces the challenges of the economic crisis facing the country.
After taking the oath of office on a Bible held by her two sons, Crowley pledged to meet the challenges facing her head−on.
“The challenges facing this city are immense,” Crowley said. “I’m pledging to you that I am ready to roll up my sleeves.”
Crowley said that over the next year, she will fight funding cuts facing the city across the board, including expected decreases in the city’s funding for education, healthcare and senior centers.
In addition, Crowley also said she would work to enact changes in her district that her constituents have been clamoring for, such as getting the community of Glendale its own ZIP code and putting pressure on the city Landmarks Commission to make Ridgewood a historic district.
“You can be certain that you will have a strong voice at City Hall,” Crowley said.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e−mail at sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 138.
