ASTORIA – Costa Constantinides, the Astoria Council Member who last year led the passage of the Green New Deal for New York City, on June 29 endorsed Nick Roloson as the prepared, progressive choice to represent District 22. 

His endorsement is the first in the race to represent the district, which includes Astoria and Rikers Island as well as parts of Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and Woodside. It comes after more than a decade of partnership between the two to improve the lives of New Yorkers, particularly when it comes to climate justice, infrastructure, and affordable housing. 

“I knew from the moment I first met Nick that he was a natural leader who was going to make this City a better place,” said Costa Constantinides, Council Member, District 22. “I saw that firsthand in the days after Hurricane Sandy in Howard Beach. I drove supplies to a relief drop-off site and, instead of finding FEMA or the National Guard, it was Nick Roloson organizing with dozens of volunteers to deliver critical supplies to impacted families. He’s only grown from there to be the leader on housing, accessibility, and climate justice western Queens needs.” 

“Costa is the best friend, boss, and mentor a person could ask for,” said Nick Roloson, candidate for City Council District 22. “I have seen firsthand Costa’s ability to get things done – whether it was organizing young activists, securing $30 million for Astoria Park, or passing the Climate Mobilization Act. His endorsement in the race is a critical sign of support for our campaign, and it is incredibly meaningful on a personal level. Costa’s vision was always much bigger than his eight years in office, I look forward to continuing his work for a more sustainable District 22.” 

Constantinides has represented District 22 since 2014, during which time Astoria has become one of New York City’s most attractive neighborhoods. Roloson has served as his Chief of Staff through this unprecedented period and played a key role in the passage of historic legislation and key re-zonings. They worked side-by-side to enact the Climate Mobilization Act, a game-changing environmental legislative package, in the face of Big Real Estate’s efforts to quash the bills. Previously, Roloson managed Costa’s 2013 campaign for City Council, ushering in a new progressive era for western Queens. 

Roloson and Constantinides’ friendship dates back to 2008, when they respectively led the St. John’s University Young Democrats and Queens County Young Democrats and organized young people against the Republican-held State Senate. That carried on over the years to create a local Democratic party that brought in people with new perspectives and different backgrounds.

It should be noted that New York City Council Members elected in or after the year 2010 are limited to two consecutive terms in office, but may run again after a four-year respite.

Nick Roloson is a progressive Democrat running to represent City Council District 22, which includes Astoria, Rikers Island, as well as parts of Jackson Heights, Woodside, and East Elmhurst. He has served these neighborhoods as Chief of Staff to Council Member Costa Constantinides since 2014, during which time he helped pass the Climate Mobilization Act, a Green New Deal for New York City. Roloson lives in Astoria with his wife and their newborn daughter.

More information is available online: https://www.nickroloson.com.