NYC Council District 29 Election: Michael Conigliaro Seeks Seat

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Republican voters in New York City's 29th Council district, which includes Forest Hills, Forest Park, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, and Richmond Hill, will see one name on their ballots when they vote in the June 22 primary election.

Michael Conigliaro is the sole Republican running for the District 29 City Council seat. He is a lawyer.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles. Conigliaro's responses are below.

<b>Age (as of Election Day)</b>

52

<b>Position Sought</b>

City Council District 29

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Republican, Conservative, Save Our City

<b>Neighborhood of residence (i.e., East Village, Astoria, etc.)</b>

Rego Park

<b>Family</b>

Sophia -14 - Daughter
Madelyn - 6- Daughter

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No

<b>Education</b>

Schools Attended:
Queensboro Community College
St. Johns University
Concord Law School

<b>Occupation</b>

Managing Attorney - 20 Years

<b>Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office</b>

Community Education Council District 24

<b>Campaign website</b>

mikeconigliaro.com

<b>Why are you seeking elective office?</b>

I am running for city council because there is a dire need to take our city back. Our opponents are pushing for radical policies that put our community at risk. Common sense is being thrown out the window at our peril, crime is skyrocketing on our streets and subways, small businesses are struggling, property taxes are reaching unaffordable highs, an unwanted community jail is soon set to open with no support, and now we face rapid overdevelopment through unwanted high-rises.

<b>The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

Law and Order, The New York City Council is leading us down a bad path that will only get worse unless we fix this now. Crime is on the rise throughout the city and we cannot allow policy makers to let us backslide into a time when criminals had more rights than working everyday-citizens. This city does not need a defunded and demoralized NYPD. As a result of astronomical increases in crime, we need to restore safety in NYC and stand behind the NYPD by ensuring they are fully funded and empowered to do their jobs. We must reverse the failed bail reform legislation, restore the plainclothes anti-crime unit, and legally crack down hard on lawbreakers by once again implementing the broken windows theory of policing that worked for decades. Our fine officers need an advocate who will have their back in the city council, and I will be that person.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I am beholden to nobody especially the Democratic machine. The only people I have an obligation to are the constituents of Council District 29.

<b>If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)</b>

Exiting City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz sold out her own constituents who do not want a jail where they raise their kids and care for their families. I put the question out for all the other candidates– do you agree with this sentiment or do you side with the current representative that sold everyone out?

<b>How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?</b>

Karen Koslowitz was MIA during the entire pandemic. We did not see a single press release, proposal, or action in the past year. Meanwhile, our Governor and Mayor have been too busy in a civil war, disguised as a popularity contest, that has left our constituents suffering. These so-called leaders have left the State and City in the worst condition it has been in decades. They have used COVID-19 as an excuse to mandate ill thought policies that have crippled our economy (Don't get me started on nursing home).

<b>Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.</b>

Our top three issues are to maintain law & order in our neighborhoods, to preserve our
children's educational opportunities, and to protect quality of life. Our current members do not seem too concerned with preserving our communities. This is the failure of a one-party city government. Rather, they are focused on recklessly defunding law enforcement, abolishing police from schools, and letting crime run rampant in our neighborhoods. The City Council is more concerned with pursuing their own radical agenda that is causing us to backslide into a time when criminals had more rights than working everyday-citizens. I also care about the economy and ensuring that local businesses are up and running, we want a pro-success, pro-business, and pro-growth economy.I will also ensure that no jail is put up in Kew Gardens.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

As the former Executive Director of the Queens County GOP, we saw unprecedented growth in civic engagement. My campaign is for the people of our district. We address the concerns of everyday citizens, who live and breath this district. As a Civic Leader, I have proven time and time again that when you talk to your neighbors and hear their concerns, we can make meaningful change possible.

<b>The best advice ever shared with me was:</b>

There are two pieces of advice that I was offered. The first is "Transparency amongst one's constituency is the key to good governance.", which means it is the responsibility of office holders to be transparent and clear in their intentions, in order to govern effectively. Office holders are beholden to their constituents in every way. Which brings me to my second piece of advice "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Our current representatives have become so entrenched in the one party Democratic system, that they no longer see the forest for the trees. They have lost vision of their duty to their constituents by suppressing the discussion of common sense ideas. This city needs a new vision for reform and the Democrats don't have it.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I am a lifelong district resident and I know what this district needs. This district is in my blood. I highly encourage everyone to explore my policies in more detail at mikeconigliaro.com.