Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson Endorses Alfonso Quiroz

Jackson Heights resident and long-time civic activist Alfonso Quiroz has gained another important endorsement in his bid for the District 25 City Council seat representing Jackson Heights and Elmhurst: William C. Thompson, Jr., who served as New York City Comptroller and President of the then-New York City Board of Education.

“I am proud to support Alfonso Quiroz because he cares deeply about ensuring that our city government is accountable to all New Yorkers,” William C. Thompson said. “I have come to know Alfonso well over the last two decades, and he believes in the same things I do: improving our schools, ensuring equity in healthcare and housing, keeping our neighborhoods safe, and protecting our small businesses. At a time when New York City is facing significant challenges, Alfonso is the type of leader we need to help lead our city forward.”

Alfonso Quiroz thanked Thompson for the endorsement, praising his commitment to New Yorkers, stating, “I am incredibly honored to consider Bill Thompson a friend and an ally. Bill Thompson has always stood up for all New Yorkers and never backed down from a fight. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to improve education for our children, access to vital resources such as healthcare and housing, and, above all, to ensure that no one gets left behind. He is a man of strong conviction who I have long admired, and his support means the world to me.”

This is the latest endorsement for Quiroz. He previously was endorsed by former New York State Governor David Paterson, former New York State Senators and New York City Councilmembers Thomas K. Duane and John Sabini, New York State Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell, advocate Valerie Bell, Jackson Heights Merchants Association President Shiv Dass, LGBTQ Victory Fund, Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, and more than 100 other LGBTQ New Yorkers and advocates, civic leaders, artists, and equality champions.

Quiroz, a resident of Jackson Heights, is a former president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens. He is vice president of the JFK Democratic Club and a member of the Queens Theater board, the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. As the founder of the 37th Avenue Sidewalk Cafe Coalition, he advocated for the expansion of outdoor dining along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

In his neighborhood, Quiroz has served as deputy chief of staff to former Councilmember Helen Sears and is a former Democratic district leader in Queens. He was a White House intern when President Clinton was in office and served as a field organizer for Al Gore's 2000 campaign. Learn more Alfonso Quiroz’s stances on issues.

William C. Thompson Jr. has a lengthy career serving New Yorkers: he served as New York City Comptroller from 2002 to 2009, leading 720 employees, managing a $66 million annual operating budget and the country’s fifth-largest, multi-billion-dollar pension fund. Previously, he was Brooklyn Deputy Borough President and five terms as President of the then-Board of Education.

More recently, in addition to his work in the financial sector where he underwrites loans for schools, roads, bridges and infrastructure projects, he serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the City University of New York. He previously chaired The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority and chaired the Governor’s MWBE Task Force (Minority and Women-Owned Business), and served on the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Since 2015, Thompson has chaired both the New York State Housing Finance Agency and the State of New York Mortgage Agency.