As expected, Julie Menin, a Democrat, walloped Republican Mark Foley by a 3 to 1 margin. But while victory’s sweet, it’s short-lived because she gets only two years.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Julie Menin With Two Years To Go
Because the 2020 Census requires redistricting, the 5th District, now claimed by Menin, will have new boundaries. That means, after a long haul campaign against six primary opponents and the final run against Foley, her term ends in 2023. She hasn’t got much time to win hearts and minds before gearing up for her next run.
But the new city council member representing Roosevelt Island takes office with some built in advantages. Having recently run three city agencies, Census and Consumer Affairs as well as Media and Entertainment, she comes with experience and connections.
How all that pans out for Roosevelt Island remains unknown, but the circumstances are odd.
First consideration is that, because of Roosevelt Island’s peculiar political set up, no one in city government has much automatic influence over the community. Outgoing Ben Kallos partially solved that by developing cordial, persuasive relationships with RIOC’s presidents. He was especially close with Susan Rosenthal, calling her the best ever.
But Julie Menin, who is more conservative and business oriented, may take a different approach. Her term begins January 1st, two short months away, and from there, she’s got just 22 months before the polls open again.
Finally…
While wishing our new city council member success in office, we say “Farewell and thank you” to Ben Kallos. His devotion to Roosevelt Island outweighed expectation. He’s been generous with funds and a frequent, much appreciated presence.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- What’s New Across Western Queens: Safety, Community, and Spring at Our DoorstepExplore what’s new across Western Queens this week, including safety updates, casino developments, real estate, and local dining—news that shapes Roosevelt Island life.
- A Full Week Across the River: How Roosevelt Island and Queens Lives IntersectA full week across the river shows how life on Roosevelt Island connects with Queens—covering public safety, legal updates, G train disruptions, and neighborhood events.
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
- How Queens News Shapes Life on Roosevelt Island This WeekExplore how Queens news shapes life on Roosevelt Island, from major fire responses to local court cases and housing initiatives, reflecting the rhythms and routines of our shared city life.
As the Dust Settles
The way the wind cuts across the river this time of year. The way older buildings hold heat but never quite hold air. I told myself that was why my chest felt tight again on certain mornings. Age, perhaps.
