Interim Queens Borough President Donovan Richards gave his “State of the Borough” address last Wednesday. If the Communications Workers of America Local 1180 has its way, he’ll give a few more.
On Tuesday, CWA Local 180 officially endorsed the former New York City Council Member for re-election as Queens Borough President. With its leader citing Richards’ work on behalf of working people.
“Donovan Richards has always been a fighter for labor, the working middle-class, and for our members,” stated CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton. “As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need strong leaders like Donovan to ensure that municipal workers who keep New York City and our boroughs running are not used as scapegoats for struggling governments. We know he will work with the incoming mayor to advocate for the needs of our members and retirees in Queens…”
With Dec. 31 marking the end date of his tenure Richards will be on the ballot for Democratic Party primary for Queens Borough President, which will take place on June 22, 2021. He’s battling the likes of New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Community Organizer Stan Morse and former government consultant, support staff for Bill Clinton and Jose Peralta and volunteer for Tiffany Caban’s borough president campaign Diana Sanchez.
“As essential workers, CWA Local 1180 members have been working every day to keep our city moving forward, and I’ll always have their backs,” stated Richards. “Throughout the years, I have been proud to work with CWA 1180 and their members to fight for equal pay. I am grateful for their endorsement and look forward to working with their membership.”
Richards won the special election for Queens Borough President last year after a delay in voting due to the early days of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Richards replaced Melinda Katz who won her election for Queens district attorney. Former New York City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley considered running for the seat.
If Richards’ address indicates anything, he feels that he’s not going anywhere. During the address, which was recorded at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Richards focused on something similar to the current mayor’s “a tale of two cities” rhetoric.
“Our message today to all, hear it loud and hear it proud: Queens will lead the way out of this pandemic,” said Richards in an excerpt from the speech. “Queens will lead the efforts to address health disparities, economic disparities, and racial and gender disparities. We will create a more just society, a more just borough, and together we will improve the quality of life for all who call Queens home.”