In the race to represent District 30 in the New York City Council, the Forest Hills Green Team (FHGT), a local volunteer-driven environmental advocacy group, has officially endorsed candidate Paul Pogozelski.
The endorsement comes not too far away from the June 24 primaries, with five candidates running to replace the term-limited Council Member Robert Holden.
Pogozelski expressed his appreciation for the endorsement, saying he is “beyond happy” to receive the support of the organization. The Forest Hills Green Team is known for its work in promoting sustainability and responding to climate change through grassroots initiatives.
Based in Forest Hills and Rego Park, the group has partnered with numerous civic and educational organizations, including the Friends of MacDonald Park, Queens Botanical Gardens, Queens Community Board 6, Central Queens United Independent Democrats, local high schools, the NYPD’s 112th Precinct Council, and the NYC Parks Department.
FHGT’s endorsement came after outreach to all candidates running in the District 30 race. According to a letter signed by seven members affiliated with the Green Team and other neighborhood groups, Pogozelski was the only candidate who responded to their request for engagement.
“We met with him and had a long discussion where he shared his views on why he decided to spend a great deal of time and energy running for the City Council’s District 30,” the letter stated.
“What became clear to all of us was he cares a great deal about his community. He is open to having dialogue not only with representatives of large organizations or people who can guarantee him a great deal of votes, but with members of the community who share his passion and commitment. We all believe that we need people like Paul to represent us.”
The letter was signed by Eric Arnum, Anisia Ayon, Howard Goodman, Mark Laster, Diana Paley, Tian Tian, and Odette Wilkens, who together represent a cross-section of environmentally engaged residents.
They concluded the letter with a strong show of support: “We strongly endorse Mr. Paul Pogozelski and encourage everyone who lives in District 30 to rank him as your number 1 candidate.”
Pogozelski, who has lived in Middle Village since 2017, has served as President of both the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association and the Middle Village Roller Hockey League. His campaign centers on public safety, the preservation of parks and green space, affordable housing and small business support.
