Avella to Run for Queens Borough President

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, said he plans to jump into next year’s already crowded race for Queens borough president.

Avella, who defeated Republican Joe Concannon to retain his Albany seat earlier this month, said he had long been mulling a bid for borough president, but decided to run after witnessing the city’s response to Hurricane Sandy in Queens.

“That was what kicked me over into doing this,” Avella said. “The preparation and response for Queens was not what it should have been. I think the borough president’s office can be much more aggressive and proactive in addressing the issues that face Queens on a borough-wide level.”

Avella, who will remain in his current seat full-time during his bid, said he believes the office could be a good fit because much of his work as a senator involves local Queens issues.

“A lot of the issues I deal with now are borough issues, such as curb replacement or tree maintenance,” he said. “At the state level, 80 percent of what I deal with is local issues. The borough president can be a big advocate for getting resources for the borough. Queens needs a voice.”

Avella said he would make an official announcement for his bid early next year.

Avella said he would meet with U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-Jackson Heights, to seek an endorsement from the Queens County Democratic Party.

Other contenders in the race include state Sen. Jose Peralta, Jackson Heights, Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik and Councilman Leroy Comrie, D-St. Albans.

Former Forest Hills City Councilwoman Melida Katz has also said she plans to take a shot at the borough's big chair.

Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., D-Astoria, has also hinted at a run, but has not yet officially thrown his hat into the race.

Avella was first elected to the state Senate in 2010 by defeating long-time Sen. Frank Padavan. Previously, he served two terms on the City Council.