By Howard Koplowitz
City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) officially registered with the Democratic Party at the Queens Board of Elections offices in Kew Gardens Monday after running on the GOP line three years ago to win a seat on the City Council.
Koo is the wealthy owner of the Starside Pharmacy chain and self-financed his campaign.
“We cherish the diversity of our party,” said U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-East Elmhurst), the chairman of the Queens Democratic Party, during a news conference Monday at the Board of Elections. “Peter’s joining this effort is a boon to our party and I think it’s great for Flushing in particular.”
Koo said infighting within the Queens GOP was part of his decision to switch parties. He said Democrats had “more leadership” and “more members” on the council.
“From the beginning, I was always a Democrat at heart,” Koo said.
When he ran in 2009, the Democratic field had five candidates running in the primary.
Koo also said the Republican presidential primary process “was a small part of my decision … especially on immigrant issues.
“I understand how hard it is to be a newcomer,” he said.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
