The Ridgewood Democratic Club will welcome four candidates vying for the District 30 City Council seat on Friday, April 25, for a public debate ahead of the Democratic primaries.
Starting at 7 p.m., Fr. Mike Lopez, Paul Pogozelski, Phil Wong, and Dermot Smyth will answer questions and highlight their campaign goals in front of what is expected to be a packed hall. Hon. Diana Reyna and Rod Townsend will moderate the debate.
The historic club, located at 60-70 Putnam Ave. in Ridgewood, will host the event alongside District Leaders Chhemang Lama, Johanna Carmona, Eddie Lettau and Nijema Rivera-Brown.
QNS and The Ridgewood Times are co-sponsoring the debate with Central Queens Independent Democrats, Queens Forward Democratic Club, Powhatan and Pocahontas Democratic Club, Taminent Democratic Club and West Queens Independent Democratic Club.
Paul Pogozelski serves as president of the Middle Village Roller Hockey League and the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association. He has worked closely with local residents for over eight years, addressing community concerns and building strong relationships.
Throughout his campaign, he has emphasized the importance of keeping the neighborhood engaged through sports programs and community organizations, highlighting their role in fostering connections and civic participation.
He also focuses on public safety, the preservation of parks and green spaces, affordable housing and small business support
Fr. Mike Lopez is the founder of Ridgewood-based food poverty non-profit the Hungry Monk Rescue Truck and a member of the Missionary Benedictine of the Poor.
Lopez, who grew up in nearby Bushwick and set up his ministry at the Covenant Lutheran Church at 68-59 60th Ln. in 2013, aims to work with seniors and adopt a “balanced” approach to the migrant crisis if elected to the council.
During his campaign, he stated that he wanted to help in a different way after serving the local community for more than a decade through his ministry and work, establishing weekly food banks for low-income families and homeless individuals.
Phil Wong served on a school board for four years and has put a significant focus on the effectiveness of the city’s educational funding system.
Wong, who became director of constituent services and budget for Council Member Robert Holden in 2023, has advocated for public schools for years. He has consistently detailed his efforts to oppose the elimination of specialized high school tests and replace them with a lottery or race-based quotas, a policy proposal put forth during former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s tenure.
Finally, Dermot Smyth, a public school teacher for over 30 years and a longtime resident of the neighborhood, was one of the first to announce his candidacy.
As an educator, United Federation of Teachers political strategist and family man, Smyth has aimed to promote the needs of Queens neighbors while addressing a tough financial economy, public safety and public education throughout his campaign.
With the primary election on June 24 fast approaching, this debate will offer District 30 residents a potentially clearer view on who they want to replace the term-limited Robert Holden.
Ranked-choice voting will once again be used in the primaries, giving voters the opportunity to rank up to five candidates in each race. The general election will be held on November 4.
