With just days to the election, candidates came out to the most recent meeting of the Ozone Park Civic Association.
Howard Kamph, president of the Ozone Park Civic Association, led the debates on Tuesday, October 19.
Two goals expressed by all candidates included protecting the educational system and creating suitable jobs for residents.
With the long-awaited Aqueduct Racino seemingly on track, locals expressed their concern about the job opportunities available to them, and how this major attraction will affect the community.
Traffic congestion on the Van Wyck Expressway and Rockaway Boulevard were also addressed.
Democratic representatives included Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer and Senator Joseph Addabbo.
Pheffer, an incumbent, spoke to constituents of her continuing efforts to enforce identity theft laws and protect consumers.
Addabbo, also an incumbent, said he will continue to serve the people of his district by standing up for senior citizens and by opposing mid-year school cuts and improving the quality of education.
“I work seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I have a lot of experience, and I’ve worked hard to implement different laws,” he said. “Whether it’s filling a pothole, getting a speed bump, or turn signal, whatever it may be. I’m here. I take my job seriously.”
Dr. Harold Paez, a Republican and lifelong resident of Queens, said that the unethical practices in Albany must subside.
As a full-time Assemblymember for the last two years, Michael Miller explained he has done a lot to reform his community. “With a $10 billion deficit, we cut $6 billion in wasteful spending,” he said, adding that he will be holding his third annual job fair at Aqueduct to help residents get jobs.
Miller believes “it’s important to provide job opportunities. It’s about the people being able to provide for their families. Miller plans to provide tax credits and incentives for small businesses to prosper.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Pools are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
