If state redistricting maps hold firm, Astoria native Michael Gianaris absorbs Roosevelt Island into his Queens-based 12th Senatorial District. Our isolated mid-river community, now covered by Bronx based José Serrano, has bounced around a lot, but this seems a better fit.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Swapping José Serrano for Michael Gianaris
No matter what gives with redistricting, it’s important to remember that José Serrano is our state senator until the end of this year. Serrano has been a friend of Roosevelt Island. He shows up, appearing at most events, and is always accessible. And he is currently promoting badly needed legislation aimed at reeling in RIOC. Similar legislation, penned by Rebecca Seawright, also awaits state assembly approval.
No question, Serrano would win the votes of Roosevelt Islanders in this year’s election, but he probably won’t be on the ballot. Instead, we’re likely to see Michael Gianaris as his 12th district slides west and absorbs Roosevelt Island. It’s a big change connecting neighboring communities with many mutual interests. We already share police and fire protection, and you can’t drive off Roosevelt Island without visiting Astoria.
That’s made more relevant by the fact that Gianaris is an Astoria native who still lives there. A first generation Greek-American, he got his BA at Fordham and his law degree at Harvard. And he shares another local quality – Gianaris is a fighter who does a lot more than talk about it.
Tackling Amazon
When Amazon proposed using tax dollars for a Long Island City headquarters, it was in the 12th District, and Gianaris led the winning fight against it. When you think about it, he already did us a favor because we never hear Jeff Bezos’s helicopter buzzing overhead on its way to Queens.
Plus, we gain some clout. Gianaris is deputy majority leader of the state senate, and he led the 2020 Census-driven redistricting now reshaping political power. You can read more about him on his website.
We promise to keep you posted on developments as they come along.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
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- Fatal Stabbing on J Train at Woodhaven Boulevard Spurs Subway Safety Concerns in QueensA fatal stabbing on J train at Woodhaven Boulevard raises fresh subway safety concerns in Queens, as NYPD investigates and riders reflect on recent incidents.
- J and M Train Weekend Service Changes: What Riders Need to KnowJ and M train weekend service changes will impact riders for five weekends as crews replace elevated track switches. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for modified schedules across Brooklyn and Queens.
- Coastal Flooding Disrupts Southeast Queens Streets and TransitCoastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
- Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYCAfter the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
Still Searching: Transparency Delayed at RIOC
New York’s Freedom of Information Law rests on a basic principle: government records belong to the public unless an agency can identify a lawful reason to withhold them. For Roosevelt Island residents, that right matters because RIOC controls public land, infrastructure, transportation, contracts and development without functioning as a locally elected government.
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