Former Assemblymember Mark Weprin, who focused on issues such as school governance and seniors, claimed a victory in the Democratic primary for District 23 with 51 percent, serving Hollis Hills, Queens Village, Bellerose, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Hollis and Fresh Meadows.
Weprin went up against Bob Friedrich, president of the Glen Oaks Village Co-op, who advocated for more accountability in city government; and Swaranjit Singh, a real estate broker who ran because he said he believes it is time for South Asians to have a representative in government with the 800,000 South Asians that live in the city.
Friedrich’s campaign focused on civic leadership and a passion for serving the community and a breath of fresh air . . . in politics.
“Civic leaders have their priorities straight,” said Friedrich.
He also spoke out against a third term for councilmembers, as well as leadership positions, compensatory stipends or other perks to any member who has served more than two terms.
On Primary Day, Friedrich garnered 27 percent of the vote.
“My base here in Glen Oaks turned out much heavier than the surrounding communities,” he said, “meaning my base came out for me.”
Singh, meanwhile, who got 22 percent focused on education during his campaign.
He said that education increases the participation of minorities into the political system, and that he would also like to find a way to help incarcerated people become productive members of the community through education.
Weprin said a major focus will be on calling for a commission to review how the tax code is written and administered to achieve fairness for condo and co-op owners.
