May 25, 2021 By Christian Murray
Several candidates are running to represent the 23rd Council District—a position that is currently held by Barry Grodenchik who is not seeking re-election.
In our latest podcast, we talk to Jaslin Kaur who is one of seven candidates campaigning for the seat.
Kaur, who is the daughter of Sikh Punjabi immigrants, is vying for a seat that covers a large section of eastern Queens.
The Democratic primary is scheduled to take place on June 22.
Kaur discusses in the podcast her position on the NYPD budget and why she believes the budget should be cut; her plans to bring dedicated busways and an expanded bicycle network to the district; and how she will focus on expanding senior homecare services.
She also discusses street safety and how it is a big issue in the district, particularly on Jamaica and Hillside Avenues.
She says she hears constant complaints from residents who want pot holes to be repaired, as well as more stop signs and speed bumps throughout the district. Many residents, she said, are concerned about the uptick in reckless driving.
Kaur, who has lived in Glen Oaks all her life, also wants to see greater oversight of the NYPD, which would include an elected civilian complaint review board. She also says that the funds saved from slashing the NYPD budget should be allocated toward housing, healthcare and education.
Kaur, who is the daughter of a taxi driver and grocery store worker, currently works as a policy advocate for Know Your IX, an organization that aims to empower students to end sexual and dating violence in their schools.
She has been endorsed by the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, several unions and many progressive elected officials.
There are six other candidates in the race including Steve Behar, Sanjeev Jindal, Linda Lee, Debra Markell, Koshy O. Thomas and Harpreet S. Toor.
For more information on Kaur, please click here.
City Council District 23 covers the neighborhoods of Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village.
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