Firefighter Challenges Republican Incumbent in Queens Council Race, Championing Street Safety adn greenways
As New York City approaches Election Day, attention is often focused on the highest-profile races. However, several competitive City Council contests deserve scrutiny, including the battle for the District 19 seat in northeast Queens. Democrat Ben Chou, a lifelong resident and active firefighter, is mounting a challenge against incumbent vickie Paladino, a Republican known for her opposition to pedestrian and cyclist safety measures and for controversial statements, including one encouraging violence against a Streetsblog editor.
Paladino’s district tragically led the city in traffic fatalities in 2024, a statistic that fuels Chou’s campaign. He has garnered endorsements from StreetsPAC and support from pro-cycling advocates, signaling a clear departure from the current council member’s stance.Chou has also actively engaged wiht online communities like the r/Micromobility subreddit, demonstrating a commitment to expanding mobility options beyond private vehicles.
Chou recently spoke with streetsblog, outlining his vision for a safer, more accessible District 19. He emphasized the need to move beyond a car-centric approach to transportation, citing the unsustainable trajectory of increasing vehicle traffic. “I grew up here, and I understand that a lot of my district is still car-reliant,” Chou explained. “But I do believe that the direction that we’re heading in is not going to be sustainable having more and more people driving. Having additional options can only benefit us.”
A key component of Chou’s platform is support for the Queens Waterfront Greenway,a project Paladino has vehemently opposed,even characterizing it as a “pipeline for criminals” in a recent newsletter. Chou directly refuted this claim, channeling Paladino’s language to highlight the absurdity of the argument. “We walked,jogged off the river,the bay. It’s a nice function that’s being utilized by our community, our families. It’s not a ‘pipeline for criminals,'” he stated. “This rhetoric – fear mongering it really is – it’s trying to empower a base of people by projecting a villainous image on people that wont any form of change.These are families that want to ride their bikes.”
Chou’s commitment extends to advocating for “daylighting” – enhancing visibility at intersections – and adding protected bike lanes throughout the district. While acknowledging potential pushback,he believes that presenting data on traffic fatalities will resonate with residents. “last year, we led the city in traffic-related fatalities,” he noted. “For our district,for a suburban district where there’s more space,it seems quite drastic,leading the city. It’s a lot.”
His experience as a first responder profoundly informs his perspective. Chou described witnessing the devastating consequences of traffic accidents firsthand, emphasizing the preventable nature of many incidents. He pointed to the effectiveness of speed cameras, noting that they demonstrably reduce both speeding and accidents over time. “People think that speed cameras are just a money grab, but if you look deeper into it…speeding decreases,” he explained. “We have to be preventative. A big reason I’m running is so many years of seeing the devastation going on and thinking how much is preventable.”
Chou also highlighted the potential of daylighting, particularly near schools like P.S. 94, to improve pedestrian safety. He argued that prioritizing safety should be a clear-cut decision, especially when children are at risk.
The candidate acknowledged the current transportation challenges within the district, stating that his campaign activities have necessitated increased driving due to limited choice options.He pointed out the difficulty of accessing early voting sites without a car, requiring transfers between multiple buses. However, he remains optimistic that improved infrastructure will encourage greater adoption of alternative transportation methods. “Studies show that by having alternate transportation options,people will utilize it.”
Ultimately, Ben Chou’s campaign represents a bold vision for a more sustainable and safe District 19, challenging the status quo and offering a compelling alternative to the incumbent’s approach. His perspective, shaped by both his professional experience and his deep roots in the community, positions him as a strong advocate for a future where all residents can navigate their neighborhood safely and efficiently.
