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PODCAST: We Talk to Steve Behar, Candidate For the 23rd Council District

Steve Behar (Photo: Behar 2021)

June 3, 2021 By Christian Murray

Several candidates are running to represent the 23rd Council District—a position that is currently held by Barry Grodenchik, who is not seeking re-election.

In our latest podcast, we talk to Steve Behar who is one of seven candidates campaigning for the seat.

Behar, whose family has lived in the district for 50 years, is vying for a seat that covers a large section of eastern Queens.

The Democratic primary is scheduled to take place on June 22, with early voting beginning June 12.

Behar discusses in the podcast how he would like to see more police officers on the beat, while also requiring that new NYPD recruits live in New York City. He also says that the NYPD should not be spending money on military-style weapons, and said that greater resources should be allocated toward mental health professionals.

He says that he would work on bringing rapid bus transit to Union Turnpike and Hillside Avenue; and would aim to reduce property taxes for middle income homeowners.

Behar also discusses how co-ops and condos are taxed as commercial buildings—which, he says, unfairly inflates taxes. He said that co-ops and condos are essentially affordable housing, and that the tax structure needs to change.

Behar, who is an attorney with a background in finance, has a long-history of public service in the district. He has worked for Grodenchik for the past 5 years as counsel. He also worked as counsel for two years with State Sen. James Sanders Jr.

Behar, who was previously on Community Board 11, worked as a Wall Street attorney for many years prior to working in politics. He has four degrees, including an MBA in finance and a law degree.

Behar has been endorsed by Grodenchik, Council Member I. Daneek Miller and several large unions such as 32BJ SEIU.

There are six other candidates in the race including Sanjeev Jindal, Jaslin Kaur, Linda Lee, Debra Markell, Koshy O. Thomas and Harpreet S. Toor.

For more information on Behar, please click here.

City Council District 23 covers the neighborhoods of Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village.