By Patrick Donachie
A collection of southeast Queens lawmakers came out in support of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s re-election, saying his work on numerous issues throughout the city earned their endorsements.
State Sens. James Sanders (D-Far Rockaway) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), state Assembly members Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) and Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), and Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) all expressed their support for the mayor Sunday.
Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Arverne) had previously given the mayor his endorsement, the only Queens-based council member who had done so before this announcement.
“During these uncertain times we need a mayor who’s not afraid to stand with our community, from universal pre-K to critical infrastructure or defending the rights of Muslim Americans,” Hyndman said. “Mayor de Blasio has delivered and he has promised to do even more for the residents of the 29th Assembly District.”
Other eastern Queens politicians have expressed reticence about the mayor’s performance in office, including Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest). State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) has announced his candidacy to challenge de Blasio in the Democratic primary to be held later this year in advance of the November general election. De Blasio said he welcomed the endorsements.
“I am proud to have their support as we continue to drive down crime and improve police-community relations, invest in our public schools and build the affordable housing that New Yorkers need,” he said.
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
