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Tenant Power Rises as Rent Freeze Fight Heats Up

BQE Admin on May 27, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Nearly a thousand tenants gathered on May 15 at the historic Riverside Church in Harlem, demanding a rent freeze to combat rising housing costs and a growing affordability crisis. The rally, organized by the Tenants Political Action Committee (Tenants PAC) and Tenants Bloc, brought together passionate advocates, city leaders, and mayoral candidates who voiced their commitment to fighting for renters across the five boroughs.

The event, which drew thousands from across the city, was highlighted by speeches from Mayoral Candidates, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, City Comptroller Brad Lander, and several local tenant leaders. The rally marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for affordable housing as New York City’s rent-stabilized tenants face the prospect of rent hikes for the fifth consecutive year.

New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) has proposed rent increases of up to 7.75% for two-year leases and 4.75% for one-year leases, setting the stage for an intense debate as the board prepares for a final vote this summer. The proposal comes at a time when the city’s tenants are grappling with an affordability crisis that has left many struggling to remain in their homes. Approximately half of all city apartments are rent-stabilized, providing a measure of stability for residents who are now seeing the cost-of-living increase year after year.

“I want to say thank you, because we know in this city, a rent freeze is not a given. It has to be won. It has to be won and on June 24 that rent freeze is on the ballot. ” Mamdani said, energizing the crowd. “I want to thank the tenant bloc, because every time you go unlocked on doors, every time you come out to an event, every time you’re in a rally, you are increasing the power of that demand. You are reminding New Yorkers that their rent is on the ballot.”

Mamdani highlighted the toll of New York City’s affordability crisis, pointing to the displacement of working- and middle-class residents and the loss of nearly 20% of Black youth from 2010 to 2019. He called on tenants to fight back and demand a rent freeze to make the city livable again. “It’s working and middle-class New Yorkers who are being pushed out of this city because it’s the most expensive one in the country. Are you ready for a city you can afford? Are you ready to freeze the rent?”

Lander, who was also in attendance, expressed his support for tenants, emphasizing the importance of pushing for a rent freeze. “Tenants Bloc is building power to protect tenants in New York City and to demand a city that’s more affordable so tenants aren’t getting crushed and displaced,” Lander said. “Eric Adams’ rent guideline board has proposed 7.75% rent increases over two years, and tenants cannot afford that.”

Lander urged support for a rent freeze and warned against Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral bid, calling him “a disaster for the tenants of New York City” and “somebody who is funded by real estate,” emphasizing the need for “a city hall that actually shows up for tenants.”

The rally was also attended by Chen Ren Ping, a resident and community leader, who took the stage with a translator to share his perspective. “We need someone that fights for the people,” he said, voicing his support for Assemblymember Mamdani. “Cuomo has long been bought out by real estate. Long been bought out. We need a mayor that fights for tenants like you.”

The rally highlighted the deepening divide between the city’s renters and the political establishment, with many tenants feeling abandoned by officials who have been slow to address the housing crisis. The event underscored the growing momentum for a tenant-led political movement determined to make their voices heard at City Hall.

“New York City is America’s biggest city, and it’s the best place in the country,” said Ren Ping, capturing the spirit of the rally. “But we will continue to face the immense pressure of this affordability crisis.”

The call for a rent freeze echoes the broader concerns of many Democratic mayoral candidates, who have voiced support for rent stabilization measures and policies that would keep housing affordable for working-class New Yorkers. The final vote on the proposed rent hikes will take place in June, with any changes set to take effect in October.

The proposed rent hikes have drawn sharp criticism. In a joint statement, Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper of the New York Working Families Party denounced the Rent Guidelines Board, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams. “In all four years of his term, Mayor Adams’ Rent Guidelines Board has proposed hiking rent prices for over a million rent-regulated apartments. This rent increase isn’t just unnecessary — it’s cruel. At a time when most New Yorkers are already rent-burdened and squeezed by rising costs for necessities, taking another chunk out of their paychecks will only hurt,” they said. “Shame on Eric Adams and the Rent Guidelines Board. Election day is just over 50 days away. The time for new leadership is now.”

In the midst of rising rents and the pressure from real estate interests, tenants in New York City are mobilizing to take control of their future and ensure that they can continue to live in the city they have helped to build. As Mamdani put it, “We are going to keep New Yorkers in their homes, and we are going to ensure that the stability that you once had as rent-stabilized tenants is one that you get once again.”

The fight over rent hikes isn’t settled, but the rally at Riverside Church sent a clear signal: tenants across the city are mobilized and not letting this go without a fight.

Elmhurst CFO Honored as One of NYC’s Asian Trailblazers

BQE Admin on May 27, 2025

Courtesy nychealthandhospitals

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Chief Financial Officer Roger Zhu has been named on the City & State New York’s inaugural “Asian Trailblazers” list, an honor recognizing over 50 influential Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders across the state who have made significant contributions to public service, business, and community impact.

The announcement was made in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, highlighting leaders from a wide array of cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Korean, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese, and more.

Zhu, who oversees a $1 billion budget at one of the city’s busiest public hospitals, has spent nearly three decades in the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Under his financial leadership at Elmhurst Hospital, he has implemented a series of strategies that improved revenue collection by 62% over a three-year period, addressing long-standing billing and registration issues with a data-driven approach.

“There are many strategies behind these things,” Zhu said, describing his process. “Of course, that rely on the data and the statistic reports… reviewing those reports and ensuring that we are collecting what we needed.”

Zhu said that keeping Elmhurst financially stable allows the hospital to fulfill its core mission of serving a largely low-income and immigrant population. “Our mission is to provide care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status,” he said. “Approximately 40% of our population is uninsured… I’m trying to balance the Excel spreadsheet in order for us to continue to provide the service or extend service to our local community.”

Born in China and raised in Queens, Zhu’s path into healthcare finance was grounded in community.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s committed to delivering exceptional care, especially at a facility like Elmhurst that truly represents the spirit of Queens,” said Zhu. “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I hope it inspires the next generation of Asian American leaders to continue shaping the future of health care and public service.”

Starting as a grants panelist, he gradually built expertise in healthcare operations, budget management, and reimbursement systems, guided by mentors who understood the unique needs of the city’s public hospitals.

“I think this is a defining moment in my career, this is the time where I’m the chief financial officer level working with all the departments, how I can be able to hold other departments hands and working together on the same page,” Zhu said.

Now managing over 500 employees across 14 departments, Zhu has made it a priority to mentor and empower the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals. “We have 14 different departments that are allowing them to grow in their 14 different paths… to become future CFOs.”

Despite the magnitude of the recognition, Zhu remains humble about the honor. “I think I’m so humble and excited to receive this all. I think at the compared to the other trail blazers that list under the New York City and state, I think of my achievement is not worth the matching… but it is truly a remarkable experience, inspiring me to make significant contributions to Elmhurst Hospital, and further, probably, to the Health and Hospitals above and beyond.”

He added, “It’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s committed to delivering exceptional care, especially at a facility like Elmhurst that truly represents the spirit of Queens… I hope it inspires the next generation of Asian American leaders to continue shaping the future of health care and public service.”

Elmhurst Hospital is known for serving one of the most diverse communities in New York City, with a patient population that reflects a rich blend of cultures, languages, and backgrounds, including large Asian and Latino populations. This diversity is mirrored in the hospital’s staff and leadership, fostering an inclusive environment where cultural understanding and community connection are at the core of care. As  Zhu put it, “I’m in the right community. I’m in the right place.”

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal healthcare system in the country, serving more than one million New Yorkers annually across more than 70 locations, with a mission rooted in equity, inclusion, and accessible care for all.

Forest Hills Celebrates Parade Launch and Grand Marshals

BQE Admin on May 22, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Community members, veterans, and local leaders gathered this week to celebrate the kickoff of the 2025 Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade with two events honoring this year’s Grand Marshals and recognizing sponsors who help keep the neighborhood tradition alive.

The first of the two gatherings took place on May 14, at the historic West Side Tennis Club, followed by a second event open to the public Friday at the American Legion Continental Post No. 1424. The events marked the official launch of parade season and the announcement of the 2025 Grand Marshals: community leader Ed Wong and U.S. Air Force veteran Bernadette Vermersch.

“We are working with some of those corporate sponsors to make sure the parade continues, because it’s still one of the few parades in Queens on or near Memorial Day,” said Daniel Olsen of the Forest Hills Kiwanis Club as he welcomed guests. He encouraged attendees to support the cause, noting, “So thank you all for being here and for your own way supporting the parade.”

The parade, now in its 60th year, remains privately funded and dependent on local contributions. Michael Arcati, commander of the American Legion Post — now in his final month in the role — emphasized the importance of sponsorship.

“This is why we have this event, to say thank you to the sponsors, because without your funding, it’d be very difficult to put on a good show,” he said. Arcati also teased a “special surprise” for this year’s parade and confirmed that U.S. Navy sailors and Marines will once again march.

Arcati introduced the Grand Marshals, who were each nominated by different branches of the organizing team — Wong by the Kiwanis Club and Vermersch by the American Legion.

Wong, a longtime civic figure and co-founder of the Forest Hills Asian Association, has been involved with Queens Community Board 6 and the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park. He said his selection reflected years of service to the community.

“Tonight, I’m lucky enough to be was nominated and accept the civilian Grand Marshal for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade here in Forest Hills,” Wong said. “I’ve always wanted to increase awareness for the parade, because so many people still do not know about the parade.”

Wong also spoke about the importance of honoring fallen service members, getting youth involved — including his own children — and continuing to bring diverse communities together.

“I wanted to make sure that I have an opportunity to contribute and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those that you know in their families as well. I want to make sure that they are not forgotten,” he said.

Wong, a Queens native, has lived in Forest Hills since 2005. “Forest Hills, in terms of what I mean, its home, it’s home to me now. I mean, it’s a great neighborhood, it’s definitely a community that’s very diverse, very welcoming, it’s kind of kind of evident of me being honored, as well as the fact that they’re open to folks that you know are from different backgrounds.”

Vermersch, this year’s Veteran Grand Marshal, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1973 during the Vietnam era. She became a procurement specialist and later applied those skills in her civilian business career. A Forest Hills resident since 1964, she returned to the neighborhood to care for her aging parents and remained.

“Michael wanted to nominate me because I served, there hasn’t been a woman grand marshal in some years,” she said. “I’m gonna be the first one in quite a while.”

She described her nomination as a deeply meaningful honor.

“Being grand marshal is a great honor, because you get nominated, and your comrades have to vote for you,” she said. “I was really thrilled that everyone endorsed my nomination.”

Vermersch reflected fondly on her decades in Forest Hills, calling it her second home after emigrating from Belgium, and recalled a favorite memory — organizing a trip to a Neil Diamond concert at Forest Hills Stadium for her fellow Air Force service members in the 1970s.

“Forest Hills, it’s got everything. Forest Hills, in a way, is home to me, because, of course, my first home was Belgium as a child, but then Forest Hills became my second home, and it’s interesting to watch it evolve over the years,” she said.

The 2025 Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 25, along Metropolitan Avenue at 10 AM. Organizers are hoping for a strong turnout and continued support to ensure the event’s future.

USTA Announces $800 Million Modernization of US Open Facilities

BQE Admin on May 22, 2025

The USTA has unveiled a sweeping $800 million modernization plan for the US Open, marking the largest single investment in the tournament’s history. The project, announced on May 19, will overhaul Arthur Ashe Stadium, build a cutting-edge Player Performance Center, and transform the fan and player experience without using any public funding. The three-phase renovation will be completed by the 2027 US Open and will not disrupt play or fan access during the 2025 and 2026 events. This new investment brings the USTA’s total commitment to nearly $2 billion over the last decade, reinforcing the US Open’s role as a major economic engine for New York City, generating more than $1.2 billion in annual impact.

The plans include a bold redesign of Arthur Ashe Stadium with a new Grand Entrance, expanded concourses, increased seating, new luxury suite levels, and modernized hospitality spaces. Simultaneously, a $250 million state-of-the-art Player Performance Center will be constructed adjacent to the practice courts, offering upgraded training areas, locker rooms, dining, and private lounges for athletes.

FEMA Cuts Jeopardize NY’s Flood Protection Projects

BQE Admin on May 22, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The Trump administration’s decision to cut over $325 million in federal funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has left critical infrastructure and community resilience projects across New York State at risk. In addition to the funding cuts for projects that had not yet begun construction, another $56 million in ongoing projects could now face delays or cancellation.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the federal action, stressing the severe consequences for public safety and disaster preparedness in New York.

 “In the last few years, New Yorkers have faced hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires and even an earthquake –– and FEMA assistance has been critical to help us rebuild. Cutting funding for communities across New York is short sighted and a massive risk to public safety. Without support for resilience projects now, our communities will be far more vulnerable when disaster strikes next,” Hochul said. “As I’ve said all along: no state in the nation can backfill the massive cuts being proposed in Washington, and it’s critical New Yorkers stand united to call out the damage this will cause.”

The BRIC program, which supports state, local, and tribal governments in building disaster resilience, was a key component in New York’s efforts to address the growing threat of extreme weather. As part of the federal program, New York had secured funding for flood mitigation and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing storm risks and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, pointed out the long-term economic and safety implications of the cuts. “It is far more expensive to rebuild than it is to prevent damage before it happens. Mitigation is the best way to save taxpayer dollars and increase resiliency. These projects were created with the sole purpose of helping prevent further damage from the storms that continue to impact the residents of New York State,” Bray said.

Among the hardest-hit projects is the Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation initiative, which was set to receive $50 million in funding to improve stormwater infrastructure and reduce flooding in low-income neighborhoods. Other impacted projects include flood mitigation efforts in East Elmhurst, the Kissena Corridor, and the Seaport area of Lower Manhattan.

The cancellation of funding extends beyond New York City. In Westchester County, the Upper Minkel Dam Decommissioning and Riparian Corridor Restoration project—funded with $731,000—now faces the loss of essential support for flood hazard reduction and environmental restoration.

The BRIC cuts have also drawn sharp criticism from local officials. In Queens, U.S. Representative Grace Meng urged the Department of Homeland Security to restore funding that had been previously allocated to local food pantries under FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Meng called the withholding of these funds “unconscionable and unacceptable” and warned that without the federal support, food pantries across Queens would face operational cuts, limiting their ability to serve those in need.

“Our food pantry is a lifeline for the communities we serve, and this interruption in funding has made it incredibly difficult for us to help our fellow New Yorkers,” said Rev. Benjamin Ytac, Jr., Executive Director of Yeshua Worldwide Ministries in Middle Village. “We join together with our partner community organizations and call on the federal government to restore funding to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and allow us to continue supporting our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers and neighbors.”

New York’s leaders have also voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s stance on disaster resilience funding. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. sent a letter to FEMA, urging the agency to reverse its decision on the BRIC cuts. “Superstorms like Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 impact people of all ideological persuasions. Floodwaters do not discriminate based on political affiliation — neither should our federal government,” Richards wrote, calling the cuts a “serious disconnect” between the federal administration and the communities that need help the most.

Launched in 2020, the BRIC program aimed to help communities reduce disaster risks through mitigation efforts and infrastructure projects. A 2018 analysis by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every $1 spent on mitigation saves the federal government $6 in future disaster recovery costs. Despite these proven savings, the Trump administration has justified its cuts by labeling the program as “wasteful” and “ineffective,” claims that have been met with strong rebuttals from disaster resilience experts and local officials.

The loss of BRIC funding, which has already dispersed over $5 billion nationwide, is seen as a dangerous step backward in New York’s efforts to combat the growing threats of climate change and extreme weather. With multiple projects now at risk, officials are urging the federal government to restore the funding, warning that delaying or canceling these initiatives will put more New Yorkers in harm’s way.

Award Winning Jazz Artist Brandee Younger Performs at Flushing Hall

BQE Admin on May 22, 2025

Sierra Ryan

Sryan@queensledger.com

Harpist Brandee Younger performed at Flushing Town Hall on May 3, Younger has redefined the harp with her unique fusion of funk, jazz, and soul. In 2022 Younger made history as the first black woman nominated for a grammy for best instrumental composition. In that same year she was nominated for a NAACP Image award and later won the NAACP award for outstanding Jazz album for Brand New Life. In her latest album Brand New Life Younger cements the harp as a piece of pop culture as well as delivering a rich body of work.

Growing up listening to hip hop and R&B Younger wanted to combine her authentic love for these genres with her instrument. Younger’s inspirations are Detroit natives and harpists Dorthy Ashby and Alice Coltrane.  At a young age Younger took up the harp and learned from a woman at her fathers job. “I started playing the harp probably around age eleven. There was a woman at my dads job who played as a hobbyist and my parents said oh our daughter’s musical should we bring her to your house. She mentioned to my parents if I get good I could probably get a scholarship” Younger says. Younger wasn’t sure she would be a musician until she graduated from college “I didn’t know I was gonna become a musician for real until after college. I thought I would end up in the music business like behind the scenes that was really my idea but yea I guess the cliche answer is I love music” Younger said.

Younger has worked with many recording artists including Pharoah Sanders, Christian Mcbride, Lauryn Hill, and John Legend. Younger has been selected to perform her original music for Quincy Jones and Steve McQueens’ soundtrack “America.”

Her original composition “Hortense” was featured in the Netflix concert-documentary “Beyonce: Homecoming” in 2019. As for future artist Younger would like to work with “If I had to pick someone alive now that I really want to work with that I have not been able to work with it would likely be Patti LaBelle” she said.

In addition to being a musician, Younger is also on the faculty at the New School, New York University and Steinhardt school. Teaching is rewarding to Younger as she can see the results each semester and year. As for balancing between being a musician and an artist it can be challenging at times “It is a lot to juggle my touring schedule with my teaching schedule but as long as I plan ahead it ends up working out but I have to plan ahead.”

As for new projects, Younger recently announced her new album called Gadabout season which explores the range of human emotions while having Joy prevail through.“This one is all instrumental and it’s actually a really super personal album. It really covers the whole gambit of emotion but I’m focusing on the happy parts. It covers all the emotions but it’s really sort of about joy along life’s journey. Sometimes life can take a dip but there is still some joy in those not so great moments” Younger said.

As for the concert itself it had a mix of Younger’s old content as well as new stuff  from her new album Gadabout season as a sneak peak for fans. Gadabout season is out now and streaming on all platforms.

Candlelight Vigil Honors Veterans

BQE Admin on May 22, 2025

Hosted by United Veterans Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth, Maspeth Memorial Square

In commemoration of Memorial Day, the Maspeth community came together to honor service men and women who have perished in service to our country. On Monday evening, in Maspeth Memorial Square, the United Veterans Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth held a candlelight vigil. Maspeth Lions, The Kowalinski Post #4, Kowalinski Post Ladies’ Auxiliary, Maspeth Kiwanis, Maspeth Town Hall, Ridgewood Moose Club, East Coast Car Association, Transfiguration St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish and St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy as well as members of FDNY Squad 288 were all on hand, along with members of the community to pay tribute to the fallen.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to students who won an essay contest based on the theme of this year’s Memorial Day parade, Let Freedom Ring.

Alissa Sanmartin, PS 58

Paul Milewski, PS 58

Caitlin Wagner, St. Stan’s

Melody Fujiao Tang, Martin Luther School

Ronan O’Connell, St. Stan’s

Sophia Grace Chen, PS 58

Sienna De Salvo

Raymond Coyle, St. Stan’s

Scarlet Salmon, PS 58

Lombardo Cruz, PS 58

Kyara Figueroa, St. Stan’s

Jonathen Jarzynka, St. Stan’s

The NYC-Israeli Relationship Puts Mayor’s Office Under Microscope

BQE Admin on May 21, 2025

By Robert Hornak

It has often been said that New York City is the only city with its own foreign policy. The home of the United Nations, NYC has had many interesting dynamics with perhaps the most telling interaction 30-years ago this coming October when then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani ejected PLO leader Yassir Arafat from a UN event.

That set the tone for the special and unique relationship that exists between Israel and NYC to this day. And that is why NYC will never elect a polarizing candidate like Zohran Mamdani as mayor.

Mamdani has been a vocal supporter of the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement against Israel, noted for its unwavering opposition to the existence of Israel as a nation.

Of course, now that he’s trying to run for mayor, he’s trying to pretend to care about Israel and Jewish people. Just a few weeks ago he made a very controversial appearance at a breakfast in Co-op city, a very large housing development with a substantial orthodox Jewish community in a crass effort to court Jewish support.

However, Mamdani refused to sign onto two purely symbolic bills in the Assembly that generally pass easily with no controversy. The first, a few months back, was an Assembly resolution to condemn the Holocaust. The second, just last week, was an Assembly resolution recognizing Israel on the 77th anniversary of its founding just before the annual Israel Day parade on Fifth Avenue.

Imagine, with all the hate crimes in NYC against Jews, how could anyone hesitate to simply condemn the Holocaust. It was reported that in 2024, hate crimes against Jews in the city skyrocketed to 54% of all reported hate crimes, with a total of 345 anti-Jewish incidents. And anti-Israel protests, especially on college campuses, have disturbingly continued in 2025.

When pushed to explain, Mamdani hid behind his campaign spokesman who claimed that Mamdani “absolutely supports the Holocaust Memorial Day resolution” even though refusing to support it and then continued babbling about Mamdani having to “to narrow down the capacity” and therefore not signing onto any resolutions while running for mayor. Except for all the resolutions he did sign on to.

Confused? So was Mamdaniís spokesman when it turned out that Mamdani refused to sign the anti-Holocaust resolution in 2024 also, long before he began running for mayor.

Mamdani was only one of five Assembly members who refused to support both resolutions. And when the Israel resolution was being passed on Wednesday, it was reported that Mamdani was in the Bronx receiving the endorsement of former “squad” congressman Jamaal Bowman, who was famously fired from his Bronx-Westchester seat by fellow Democrat George Latimer. Bowman had been a very vocally anti-Israel member of the AOC-led squad.

Anyone who chooses to receive that kind of endorsement over backing a resolution supporting the anniversary of the creation of Israel makes his true feelings very clear, and in a city with over one million Jews, the largest concentration of Jews outside Israel, this is not going to go unnoticed.

Mamdani has been loud and consistent for years. And itís disturbing that polls show him with a solid 25% of the Democratic Primary vote. Just the chance that someone like this could be the Democratic nominee for mayor of NYC is also very disturbing but it’s also a relief that he only has a limited base of support in a city that is very likely to elect someone else as mayor come November.

It was a shocking loss at the time as California was then a reliably Republican state that rising star Nixon had won in 1960 in his presidential loss to JFK and had won as the candidate for Vice President in both 1952 and 1956. Nixon’s political career was thought to be at an end. Until he ran for President again in 1968.

As we all say, time heals all wounds. Or, as famed political consultant Dick Morris says, in politics nothing is ever fatal or final. 

Andrew Cuomo has had a similar journey in recent years, without the colorful stage-exiting commentary. After two terms as NYS Governor, Cuomo was considered a rising star with a potential path to the presidency. Early into covid he was lauded by many Democrats for his handling of the outbreak, leading his to capitalize on the positive press and write a book. 

Cuomo was also a clear centrist in his party. He worked with rebellious democrats who for years organized the Independent Democratic Caucus, a group of centrist democrats who voted to maintain Republican (while in the minority) control of the State Senate.

He also feuded with the Working Families Party, considered the far left (pre-DSA) of the Democratic Party at that time. Cuomo’s changes to ballot access laws almost caused the WFP to lose their ballot status. 

The growing ranks of far-left elected Democrats were growing weary of Cuomo and expected him to take a job in the Biden administration. But when Cuomo announced he had no intention of leaving his current job, many democrats started scheming on what to do with a problem like Andrew Cuomo. 

In 2021, Attorney General Tish James set her sights on Cuomo. In what many thought was a politically motivated hit job, a few women made accusations that Cuomo had engaged in various degrees of sexual misconduct, prompting James to write a damning report signaling that she intended to try to remove Cuomo from office. Cuomo, reading the tea leaves, promptly resigned, even while proclaiming his innocence. 

And everyone thought that Andrew Cuomo wouldn’t be here for anyone to kick around anymore. But we know that political comebacks make powerful stories. One look at the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave proves that. 

And now a little less than four short years later we have Andrew Cuomo holding a commanding lead for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of NYC. Current polling has Cuomo over 50% if the race were to be held today. 

Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdami is a distant second at 25% and every other Democrat in single digits including democrats with powerful positions like Brad Lander, the current Comptroller, Adrienne Adams, the City Council Speaker, and Scott Stringer, the former Comptroller. 

As expected, Mamdami has a solid following among the far left of his party. But nowhere near a majority, with only one-in-four Democratic Primary voters polled showing any liking for him. In ranked choice voting simulations Mamdami’s numbers don’t go up. Even among the party faithful, people either like Mamdami and pick him first, or don’t like him at all. 

The rest of the single digit field is running as Mamdami-light. Afraid to take on any positions that the far left might object to, like deporting criminal illegal aliens or removing the mentally ill homeless from city streets. 

Cuomo, on the other hand, has no fear about taking positions that will anger the far left of his party. And polling has also shown that Democratic Primary voters want the address the many crises we are now juggling, including making our streets safer, deporting criminal illegal aliens, and providing real treatment for the homeless, even if it must be forced on them. 

It’s a mystery why not one of these Democrats has tried to carve out a lane to compete with Cuomo for the vast center of the Democratic Party, but not one has. Leaving only the one guy whose message is resonating and voters have confidence he can deliver on, making his win in June almost certain. 

Robert Hornak is a veteran political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can be reached at rahornak@gmail.com and @RobertHornak on X.

 

 

JJ: “Will The Garden Party Continue In The Eastern Conference Finals?”

BQE Admin on May 20, 2025

By John Jastremski

For the first time in 25 years, the New York Knicks are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Last Friday night, the Knicks sent the Celtics packing for Cancun with a performance that will live forever in Knicks lure. 

The Knicks finished off the Celtics in a wire to wire, resounding 119-81 victory and to be honest the final score doesn’t even do the beatdown justice. 

The Knicks finished off the defending champs, who lost star Jayson Tatum after Game 4 due to a devastating achilles injury, but that said, don’t let the Tatum injury take away from the Knicks vibes of the past series. 

The Knicks were cruising to a 3-1 series lead advantage before the injury took place late in the 4th quarter. 

They were the better team in the series and that was obvious in almost every single 4th quarter of the series. 

Now, the Knicks are four wins away from a place they have not been since 1999. The NBA Finals. 

How appropriate is it that the team that’s standing in their way of an Eastern Conference Crown is the same team that knocked out the Knicks a year ago. 

The Indiana Pacers. 

Make no mistake, the Pacers are a very dangerous team. 

They are 9 plus deep in their rotation, they place a ridiculously fast pace that is tough to contend with and Rick Carlisle is one of the best coaches in the NBA. 

In addition, Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as one of the game’s biggest stars and has been lights out this entire postseason despite some of the “overrated” criticism that was thrown his way earlier in the season. 

The Knicks will have their hands full with the Pacers, but there’s a lot to like coming into the series. 

The Knicks toughness and defensive intensity is an element that the Pacers have not matched up with quite yet this postseason run. 

In addition, the Knicks did not have Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in their series a year ago.

Both Towns and Bridges had brilliant regular season games against the Pacers in the regular season.

I expect both to pay major dividends in this series.

The Pacers will be a formidable opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, with the grit and toughness of this Knicks group combined with the fact that they have Jalen Brunson who is the best player in the series, it’s impossible for me to go against the wave. 

Knicks in a hard fought 7 games.

And if that happens, oh baby what a party on 7th avenue will it be.

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New York City beat Red Bulls in First Hudson River Derby of 2025

BQE Admin on May 20, 2025

NYC avenge their 2024 playoff loss to RBNY at Citi Field

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

Justin Haak makes a sliding stop against the Red Bulls. NYC’s defense is among the best so far this season (Photos by Noah Zimmerman, @N.Z.Media)

New York is Blue to start the 2025 season. In their third match at Citi Field, New York City FC picked up a 2-0 Hudson River Derby win over the New York Red Bulls. It’s the first of two matchups this year, with NYC now winners of three straight regular season contests. 

Despite last year’s results, the Red Bulls won the first ever postseason matchup between the two clubs, ending NYC’s 2024 campaign at Citi Field with an identical scoreline. They would go on to the MLS Cup Final, narrowly falling to the LA Galaxy but claiming a second conference championship.

30,000 plus fans came out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, including a strong traveling contingent of Red Bull fans. Home supporters unveiled a tifo celebrating their 2021 MLS Cup triumph and mocking the visitors’ recent defeat in the final. Both groups were in full voice for all 90 minutes.

New York City fans displayed a tifo poking fun at the Red Bulls MLS Cup Final loss, while bragging about their 2021 title

In the first 13th minutes, the Blues drew first blood. After dispossessing the Red Bulls, a quick series of passes set up Alonso Martinez for a long distance shot. He curled it over goalkeeper Carlos Coronel from beyond the box for his 7th goal of the campaign. Five minutes later, the Red Bulls shot-stopper got the better of the Costa Rican striker, making a stellar save on a breakaway.

NYC went on to double their advantage off of a brutal miscue by Coronel. The goalkeeper mishit the ball, giving it right to Martinez on the edge of the box. This time he laid it off to Maxi Moralez, who dribbled past the keeper and defenders for his first goal of the year. 

Red Bull defenders console Carlos Coronel after the GK’s mistake gifted NYC a second goal

Martinez had one last taste of the goal in stoppage time, but his second long-range strike bounced off the crossbar. Still, NYC’s two goals were their most in a game since a 4-3 defeat to Atlanta in late March.

A stellar City defense made sure to keep the Red Bulls from answering. NYC keeper Matt Freese didn’t face a single shot on target through the first half, comfortably saving the only one he’d face in the second. He finished with his 6th clean sheet of the year.

Birk Risa on the ball for NYC. The defensive line only allowed one shot on goal, an easy save for Matt Freese

With the win NYC finally found themselves back in the top half of the Eastern Conference, just three points from 4th in the East and 6th overall. They’re tied for the 4th best defensive record in the league. The scoring hasn’t come easily, but if New York City start putting the ball in the net more frequently, they’ll become a force to be reckoned with this season.

Up next for the Boys in Blue are clashes with Chicago on Sunday afternoon (5/25) and Houston on Wednesday night (5/28), both at Yankee Stadium. New York City FC will make their return to Citi Field in August when they host the Columbus Crew.

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