By Tangerine Clarke
The stage is set for the June
23 2020 New York State Assembly
special election for the seat
left vacant by Democratic Representative,
Michele Titus in
31st Assembly District, and Lisa
George, community leader and
office manager of State Senator
James Sanders Jr., says she is the
right person to fill the seat.
The district extends from JFK
Airport into Arverne, Brookville,
Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Hammels,
Richmond Hill, Rosedale,
South Ozone Park, Springfield
Gardens, and Wakefield.
In an exclusive interview with
Caribbean life via phone, George,
a Puerto Rico born of Antiguan
descent, said she decided to run
for the seat because she lives in
the district and understands the
needs of working families. She
noted that there were a lack of
women in government, especially
in Albany.
George, who is calling on constituents
to return the special
absentee ballot applications, following
an executive order issued
by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in
light of Covid-19 concerns, said
this was a primary election and
she decided to run to fill the seat
left by a woman.
“I can’t sit back and just do
nothing,” she said.
“There are 150 New York
State Assembly members, presently,
Caribbean L 20 ife, May 22-28, 2020
49 are woman, with this
seat vacant, which was held by
Michele Titus who became a
judge. I would like to replace
that seat with another woman,”
said George, the daughter of a
retired union leader.
“This August we will be celebrating
the centennial year of
women’s right to vote, stipulated
in the 19th Amendment that
guarantees that right,” she said,
declaring, “what a fitting time
for me to run.”
“I understand the educational
system of the district,” said
the former PTA president,and
single mother, whose 17-year
son’s school is on a list of poor
performing schools slated for
closing by the Board of Education.
She is adamant that she
understands the affordable
housing issue, where she sees
changes taking place, with nothing
but new construction.
“I am happy to see my community
growing, but I am also
scared that I may not be able to
afford to live in the community,
or will be pushed out.
“So many are being pushed
out because of gentrification,
without laws to protect those
who are living here. I want to
be that voice for my people,
said George, who is committed
to family and community, and
passionate and willing to listen,
and be responsive to the needs
of constituents.
“I want to be that voice for
the 31st Assembly district and
give workers that live in the
community those construction
jobs. I see time and again, the
community being built, but jobs
are not being given to young
people.
“Some may not be able to go to
college for some reason or other,
but they may want to work. This
is where trade skills are needed,”
reasoned George, who was honored
with a state resolution and
Lisa George delivering food in her community during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa George
bestowed an Unsung Hero Award
for her diligent work from elected
officials of the city council
and state legislature.
George, president of The
Heart of Rockaway (THOR) Civic
Association that represents residents
of Arverne, Queens, has
served as the inaugural chair of
the Caribbean Carnival in the
Rockaways, and spearheaded the
formation of the Carnival on
behalf Senator James Sanders,
Jr.
Lisa George enters political race
in Queens 31 Assembly District
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