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3 Democrats Seek To Replace Ruben Wills After Corruption Conviction

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | September 11, 2017 3:40pm
 Adrienne Adams, Richard David and Hettie Powell are running to succeed former City Councilman Ruben Wills who was expelled from office in August following his corruption trial.
Adrienne Adams, Richard David and Hettie Powell are running to succeed former City Councilman Ruben Wills who was expelled from office in August following his corruption trial.
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QUEENS — Democratic voters in Jamaica will decide Tuesday who should advance to the November general election in the race to succeed former City Councilman Ruben Wills, who was expelled from office after a jury found him guilty in his corruption trial in July.

Two incumbent city councilmen who represent other portions of the neighborhood are also seeking to defend their seats, as they are being challenged by community activists and political novices.

28th Council District

Three Democratic candidates are running for the seat vacated by Wills in the 28th Council District, which includes Jamaica, Rochdale, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park.

Community Board 12 Chairwoman Adrienne Adams, who has been backed by the Queens County Democratic Party and has raised $66,202 in donations, said she would work to eradicate illegal dumping and penalize illegally parked truck in the community. Known for her efforts to prevent the city from building additional homeless shelters in the area, Adams also wants to fight for housing equity.

Guyana native Richard David, who has worked as a chief of staff at the Administration for Children's Services, was endorsed by Republican Councilman Eric Ulrich and has garnered $43,680. David thinks that local residents "do not have a respected voice fighting to bring more resources into the community and the quality of life has decreased," according to his Facebook page. He wants to lower property taxes, create centers for youth and seniors and bring more affordable housing to the area.

Hettie Powell, a public defender at Queens Law Associates, immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica and currently lives in Rochdale Village. Powell, who was able to raise $57,862, wants to make sure that the diverse communities within District 28 receive their fair share of services and funds, she wrote on her website. She also wants to bring quality education for children, jobs, affordable housing and economic development to the neighborhood.

The winner will face Republican Ivan Mossop on Nov. 7.

24th Council District

Rory Lancman and Mohammad Rahman (Photo: Facebook)

Incumbent Rory Lancman, who represents the 24th District, covering Jamaica, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Kew Gardens Hills and Fresh Meadows, is facing a challenge from Bangladesh-born Mohammad Rahman, an employment planner at the Department of Social Services, who vows to fight for immigrant rights, public safety and senior services in the neighborhood.

Rahman has collected $20,557. 

Making life more affordable for regular New Yorkers and improving public schools are among top issues for Lancman, who has raised $427,849.

27th Council District

Daneek Miller and Anthony Rivers (Photo: Facebook & YouTube)

Councilman Daneek Miller, former president of the Queens chapter of the Amalgamated Transportation Union, is facing a challenge from former U.S. Marine and retired police lieutenant Anthony Rivers in the Council District 27, which includes Jamaica, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Queens Village and Springfield Gardens.

Miller promises to continue fighting for resources for local schools and transportation equity for the area. Ending foreclosure and making housing affordable have also been high on his agenda. He has raised $81,506.

Rivers, who wants to fight for development of community housing units, quality education, afterschool programs and comprehensive programs for seniors, collected $6,934, data show.

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. To locate your polling station go here.