Assemblymember Margaret Markey was able to come out ahead of Republican Anthony Nunziato to remain the representative of the 30th Assembly District.
With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Markey was the winner, having received about 60 percent of the votes while Nunziato received about 40 percent.
“She’s relieved and delighted,” said Mike Armstrong, Markey’s Communications Director who was on leave for the last month to work on the campaign. “The end result was a resounding victory.”
Armstrong also said that the campaign had been contentious, although he noted Markey chose not to engage. Her victory, he said, demonstrates that voters are not interested in the approach where incumbents are vilified by the opposition.
The 30th Assembly Distrcit includes Maspeth, Woodside and portions of Long Island City, Middle Village, Astoria and Sunnyside.
Markey, 68, has been representing the district for about 12 years, having first been elected to the Assembly in 1998. Her previous experiences include serving on Community Boards 2 and 5, being a founder of Maspeth Town Hall, serving as the Assistant Director of Economic Development under former Borough President Claire Shulman, and Director of Marketing & Tourism for Queens.
It was these experiences that influenced Markey to become an elected official.
“As I learned about all the great work that non-profit organizations do to serve the community and how the political process can make life better in our neighborhoods, I decided to run for office myself,” Markey said.
The major issues that Markey feels need to be addressed in the district include quality of life, keeping housing affordable, having parks and public spaces available to the community, stopping “inappropriate” development and supporting local businesses.
“Senior centers, youth programs, food pantries and similar grass-roots organization help our residents cope with challenges of daily life, particularly in these changing times,” Markey said.
As she continues to represent western Queens, Armstrong said that Markey is going to continue to do what she already has been doing. This includes delivering support and funding for local community social service nonprofit organizations. He also said she will be preparing to “engage in a new reality in Albany.”
