By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist, is setting out to shake up the political establishment with his bid to become the next Mayor of New York City. Born in Uganda, Zohran’s early years were marked by a global upbringing. His father, a professor, took the family to Cape Town, South Africa, when Zohran was just five years old, and later to New York City at the age of seven when his father accepted a position at Columbia University. The diverse influences from Uganda to South Africa to New York City have helped shape Zohran into the progressive, community-oriented leader he is today.

Growing up in Morningside Heights and attending Bronx Science High School, Zohran’s early interests spanned from journalism to sports. He was an active participant in soccer and cricket, sports that have remained passions of his throughout his life. Yet, it was his passion for activism and organizing that took hold early in his career. His first job out of college was as a community organizer, where he managed a phone banking operation that reached over 30,000 people. It was there, as he worked with fellow organizers, that Zohran began to feel the pull of local politics.

“I always knew I was a New Yorker, but I didn’t know how my politics fit into New York,” Mamdani said, reflecting on his early political experiences and his inspiration from Bernie Sanders and other local community leaders.

After his time as an organizer, Zohran took brief stints working in film and music before diving into New York City politics. He soon joined the Muslim Democratic Club of New York, where he began to learn the intricacies of local politics. It was there that he honed his political beliefs, grounded in justice, solidarity, and fairness.

His advocacy work reached new heights when he served as a foreclosure prevention counselor, helping working-class and union residents avoid eviction, particularly within the South Asian community. By translating for many homeowners facing predatory lenders, Zohran grew acutely aware of the ways financial institutions and real estate developers exploit working families. This sense of responsibility to fight for those most affected by inequality would become central to his political agenda.

Zohran’s commitment to serving his community was further solidified when he ran for state assembly in 2019 in Astoria, Queens. “There was a sense that Astoria was leading the progressive way in Western Queens,” he said, explaining his decision to run. His deep belief in progressive politics and social justice led him to victory, and since becoming an assemblyman in 2021, he has worked tirelessly to fight for working-class New Yorkers.

One of Zohran’s most notable achievements came when he spearheaded the fight to help taxi drivers, who were trapped in a predatory debt scheme with medallion loans. With his leadership, a hunger strike was organized, and ultimately, the city agreed to forgive over $450 million in medallion debt. 

“What I’m most proud of is fighting for working class New Yorkers,” Mamdani said. “Everyone seemed to understand but no one did anything.”

Beyond his work on the taxi medallion debt crisis, Zohran is equally proud of securing over $100 million in state funding to increase subway service, as well as successfully implementing a fare-free bus pilot. His efforts to make public transit more accessible and equitable for New Yorkers are part of his larger vision for the city. Zohran has witnessed firsthand how the rising cost of living, particularly for transit fares, is burdening New Yorkers. He wants to change that.

“New Yorkers cannot afford public transit at a rate that is unacceptable,” Mamdani said. “We’re talking about one in five New Yorkers can’t afford a metro card, and there’s a regular hike in the cost of the fare.”

Mamdani understands that New Yorkers are looking for practical solutions to the daily challenges they face. “What do people want most? They want to know how their lives can become easier,” he said. For Mamdani, this means adopting an outcome-based approach to public transit. He emphasizes that New Yorkers deserve a system that works for them, one that provides real improvements in their daily commutes. As a regular subway rider himself, Mamdani sees firsthand the inefficiencies that plague the city’s transit system and is determined to make public transit faster, more affordable, and more reliable for everyone.

Zohran’s plan for the city’s transit system is just one example of how he intends to make life more affordable for New Yorkers. Housing, too, is a top priority. As mayor, he plans to freeze rent on all stabilized apartments and ramp up efforts to build 200,000 new units of permanently affordable, union-built, rent-stabilized housing. His approach to housing goes beyond just increasing supply; Zohran believes in putting public dollars to work in a way that truly benefits New Yorkers, and not developers looking to profit off the backs of the working class.

“Ultimately, I want to use every breath I have in every single day of the campaign to talk about how I’m going to make the city more affordable,” Mamdani said.

But affordable housing isn’t the only way Zohran intends to help struggling families. Childcare costs are skyrocketing, and New York families are feeling the squeeze. According to Zohran, parents with children under six are leaving the city at double the rate of other New Yorkers. “This is a crisis that is driving people out of the city,” Zohran said. 

Zohran Mamdani plans to implement free, high-quality childcare for every New Yorker aged 6 weeks to 5 years, ensuring that children receive the care they need and that parents, particularly mothers, are not forced to choose between a paycheck and raising their children.

Mamdani has been a strong advocate for better representation of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in demographic data, recognizing the critical need for accurate representation in policymaking. Working alongside local MENA organizations and fellow politicians, Zohran pushed for a bill to include MENA as a distinct category in census data. His efforts were instrumental in getting the bill passed, ensuring that this often-overlooked community now has a clearer voice in New York’s policy decisions and resource distribution.

Zohran has also launched a plan to address food insecurity by creating city-owned grocery stores that focus on keeping prices low, rather than maximizing profits.

The candidate’s ability to mobilize people is one of his standout qualities. Having raised over $3.8 million, knocked on 60,000 doors, and recruited 5,000 volunteers, Zohran’s grassroots campaign has become a force to be contended with. His innovative use of social media to engage voters—combining humor with realism to highlight the city’s everyday struggles—has made his campaign one of the most visible and accessible in recent memory.

“When you use social media, you can speak directly to New Yorkers,”   Mamdani said, explaining his approach to social media in his campaign.

“It’s up to you to tell your story of what you’re fighting for.” Mamdani uses memes, videos, and viral stunts to communicate directly with his constituents. His social media reach has garnered over 7 million views in just a few months, showing his ability to break through the political bubble and connect with voters.

Mamdani has been critical of both Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership in New York City. He believes that nostalgia for Cuomo’s early political strength is clouding voters’ judgment, pointing out that electing someone who perpetuated the same problems during his time in office won’t move the city forward. 

“People forgot what he did. The early strength of Cuomo in polls is just nostalgia for Cuomo rather than his actual record,” Mamdani said. 

Regarding Adams, Zohran criticized his failure to stand up for working-class New Yorkers, accusing him of not representing the city’s residents effectively. 

Mamdani acknowledges that in politics, there are often “permanent enemies,” referring to entrenched interests that oppose progressive change. However, he emphasizes that the true goal is not personal conflict but achieving tangible outcomes for working people and residents. For him, the focus remains on fighting for the issues that directly impact the lives of everyday New Yorkers, such as affordable housing, accessible public transportation, and fair wages, regardless of political opposition.

This unique blend of political savvy, grassroots organizing, and deep empathy for New Yorkers has positioned Zohran as a strong contender for the mayor’s office. He emphasizes that the city’s challenges—rising rent, public transit issues, homelessness—cannot be solved with Band-Aid solutions. His vision for New York is one of long-term structural change, where public resources are used to meet the needs of the people, not to benefit the wealthy few.

As the election nears, Zohran Mamdani is focused on ensuring that New Yorkers understand one thing: his campaign is about outcomes, not just rhetoric.

“New Yorkers are hungry for a different kind of politics, a politics that doesn’t require translation,” Mamdani said. 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Jonathan Rinaldi is making his mark as the Republican candidate for the open City Council District 30 seat, hoping to bring meaningful change to the neighborhoods of Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village, Ridgewood, and parts of Woodhaven and Woodside.

A lifelong resident of Queens, Rinaldi has deep roots in the community, having attended local Forest Hills schools and now raising three children, aged 19, 16, and 12, in the same neighborhood he calls home. Rinaldi’s campaign is fueled by a passion for local issues, with a focus on improving public infrastructure, housing, and ensuring the community’s needs are met.

Rinaldi’s passion for the issues in his community isn’t new. Throughout his life, he’s always sought ways to make a difference — both through his actions and his outspoken opinions. He speaks candidly about his views, whether it’s addressing the growing concern about illegal immigration, local crime, or the overbearing influence of political agendas.

“If the illegals can get things for free, why aren’t we making sure our elderly are taken care of?” Rinaldi said in a roundtable interview with the Queens Ledger.

Rinaldi’s comments reflect the ongoing debate in New York City over immigration and resource allocation. As the city grapples with a surge in migrant arrivals, Rinaldi’s statement underscores his frustration with what he perceives as a disparity in the treatment of immigrants and the city’s elderly population. His criticism comes amid heightened discussions about the costs associated with providing services to migrants, with many residents expressing concerns about the strain on public resources.

Part of Rinaldi’s direct approach is his strong advocacy for Section nine housing. He argues that the government should take responsibility for managing infrastructure, transportation, and public properties to support its citizens, especially those in need of affordable housing.

Section nine public housing refers to the federal program established under the 1937 U.S. Housing Act, designed to provide decent, safe, and affordable rental housing for low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. While public housing can range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, its primary goal has been to address the housing needs of economically disadvantaged communities.

“My opinion is that public property is public property,” he said. “I’m a big supporter of section nine. What they did with the city’s big plan to get the people off of the city’s payroll is to do this ‘City of Yes’ thing where some of these buildings have section eight apartments. Why is it not section nine? How come section nine is non transferable? Section nine is federally funded. Your utilities are covered.”

His frustration with New York’s infrastructure is a frequent topic in his conversations. He wants to do away with tolls and congestion pricing, which he views as regressive taxes that burden working families. His disdain for the overcharging and unnecessary bureaucracy within the MTA is no secret, either. 

“New York City’s public transportation system is broken. The MTA is a bloated, inefficient bureaucracy that has failed the people of Queens and the entire city,” Rinaldi said. “Our subways and buses are unreliable, filthy, and unsafe. Crime is rampant, and despite billions of taxpayer dollars being funneled into the system, it never seems to improve. Instead of continuing to pour money into a failing system, we should take a bold, common-sense approach: replace the MTA with a new, publicly-run transit agency that offers free transportation for all New Yorkers.”

His criticism of local government and the political system doesn’t stop there. He believes that political agendas are often hidden and buried from public view.

“There are things going on behind closed doors, and people don’t even know it,” he said. For Rinaldi, transparency is key to making meaningful changes in his community.

Rinaldi’s campaign isn’t just about fixing broken systems or challenging corrupt politicians — it’s about leaving a legacy for his three children. He admits that he’s doing it not just for his own future, but for theirs. 

“I’m doing this to educate my kids,” he said. His desire to protect and nurture his family informs many of his political positions.

Rinaldi has consistently expressed opposition to the Cooper Rapid Rehousing Center in Glendale, pledging that, if elected, he would work to shut down the shelter on his first day in office. His stance stems from concerns that the shelter’s presence is detrimental to the surrounding community. Local residents have voiced frustrations with the shelter’s impact on the neighborhood over the years. Among the key issues are reports of shelter residents loitering in nearby Pinocchio Park, adjacent to a local elementary school, and an overall lack of activities for residents during their non-working hours. This has contributed to heightened anxiety about safety and a strain on local resources, particularly emergency services.

The shelter’s response, led by Westhab, has focused on its commitment to providing supportive services to homeless individuals, including case management, employment assistance, and housing placement. However, the shelter’s efforts to engage with the community have been met with resistance.

Rinaldi emphasized his proactive approach to addressing neighborhood issues, stating that he would not wait for bureaucratic processes to resolve local problems. He referenced a situation in Glendale where residents had concerns about trees hanging over their homes, posing a potential danger. Instead of relying on the parks department, Rinaldi said he would personally take action, such as cutting the trees down himself. He stressed that, when it comes to his community, he is committed to handling problems directly, using the power of the community to address concerns without waiting for government intervention.

“I’m not the kind of person that’s going to wait for the parks department, if somebody comes to me and says, I got a problem, I’ll go and I’ll put a ladder up and I’ll cut the tree down myself,” Rinaldi said. “I don’t need to wait for the bureaucracy when it comes to my community. When it comes to my community, one thing I will never do is wait for the bureaucracy. I’ll go and handle it, and I’ll handle it with the power of the community.

Rinaldi’s reputation in his district is also shaped by his past efforts to help others, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He helped those in need and, even more controversially, assisted people in becoming parents through sperm donations. Though some have criticized him for this, he remains proud of his contributions.

“During COVID, I helped a lot of people, I helped people have children,” he said. 

Rinaldi has been involved in an ongoing legal dispute related to an incident at the “Jesus is the Answer” food pantry on Liberty Avenue. According to Rinaldi, two years ago, he noticed a long line of people waiting outside the pantry, which was closed due to a landlord-tenant dispute. Inside the pantry, there were perishable items like milk, poultry, and meat that he felt could not be wasted while people were in need. Rinaldi alleges that in an effort to help, he broke into the pantry to distribute the food. This action led to legal trouble, and Rinaldi is still facing prosecution, a situation he claims is politically motivated.

Through the issues, he has assembled a team to ensure his campaign stays on track, auditing petitions, and scrutinizing his opponents. He has voiced concerns about potential corruption, such as other candidates stealing public funds, forging signatures and faking the address of their residence.

“At the end of the day, I really just care about the truth and transparency, and I have the courage to make sure that you know our interests are represented,” he said.

Rinaldi believes voters should support him because of his commitment to truth, transparency, and advocating for the community’s best interests. He emphasizes his courage to stand up for what he believes is right, ensuring that residents have access to public information and that their concerns are addressed. Rinaldi is firm in his promise to take immediate action if elected, vowing to eliminate the Glendale shelter on his first day in office and prevent any future shelters from being placed in the district.