Retired businessperson Robert Schwartz is also running as a Democrat in the September 15 primary for Queens Borough President.
Name: Robert Schwartz
Age: 54
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Area Serving: Queens
Occupation: Retired since 1986 after serving as President of the dairy company Dellwood
Money raised thus far: Private funds $54,735
Why did you decide to run for Borough President? “Because I wanted to take my business experience and make it work in the borough that I have lived in my whole life,” said Schwartz, who ran last year in the Democratic primary for State Senate against Toby Stavisky and challenged Republican Frank Padavan for his seat in 1986. Schwartz said that there are many established, good businesses in Queens with numerous employees so the borough should concentrate on working to keep them in business instead of driving them out with higher taxes and fees.
What are the biggest issues in the campaign? Schwartz said one of the biggest issues is keeping business open in Queens. He said one of the first things he would do is talk with the owner of Jet Blue and work out a deal to keep the company in the borough. In addition, he said that issues relating to senior citizens would be high on his priority list. “I want the seniors to have the lives that they deserve,” he said. “I want the senior programs to be fully-funded.”
What is the first thing you would do as Borough President if elected? Schwartz said the first thing he would do is reinstitute full funding for senior programs including hot meals for seniors. Schwartz also wants to have the Borough President’s Office open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays so residents who are working have easier access to voice questions or concerns. He said that this way the issues would be addressed quicker, making the process easier for borough residents.
