4 The Courier sun • JUNE 9, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Assemblyman Goldfeder won’t run for re-election this year By Robert Pozarycki [email protected]/@robbpoz After five years in Albany, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder says its time to focus on family, not politics. The lawmaker announced on June 2 that he would not seek reelection this November to the 23rd Assembly District seat, which represents Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Broad Channel and much of the Rockaways. “It was by far the hardest decision I ever had to make, and I caught a lot of people by surprise,” Goldfeder told The Courier in a phone interview on Monday, June 6. “This is The Courier/File photo Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder won’t seek another term in Albany this year. something I had been thinking about for a few months, but the birth of my son just over a month ago brought it all home, and made me realize that I owe it to my family to be home. After five years of service to the community, now was the right time.” His wife, Esther, gave birth to their third child just two months ago. All three children are under 10, according to Jon Greenfield, a spokesperson for Goldfeder. Even so, Goldfeder told The Courier that he “won’t rule anything out” regarding his future in politics. For the immediate future, he’s “exploring a few options” and “fully intends to stay involved in the community on every level possible.” “I would not rule out anything in the future,” he said. “If the right campaign came along at the right time, it would definitely be something I’d consider.” For state lawmakers from Queens, serving in the State Capitol means being away from home and family four days a week for roughly the first six months of every calendar year. The extensive time away from home was the major factor in Goldfeder’s decision not to run for re-election. “With the birth of his son, it kind of put things in perspective for him,” Greenfield told The Courier. Goldfeder, who previously served as a political aide to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Charles Schumer, won a special election in 2011 to succeed former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, who stepped down to become Queens County clerk. One year later, as his district was slammed by Hurricane Sandy, Goldfeder advocated hard for programs and funding to expedite the rebuilding process throughout the region. In the years since, he also campaigned for public transportation improvements in south Queens, calling for the reactivation of the defunct Rockaway Beach branch of the Long Island Rail Road. Goldfeder also pushed for an end to illegal parking on residential streets near John F. Kennedy Airport, reduced noise from aircraft over the area and repairs at Frank Charles Park in Howard Beach. “In five years, we made tremendous accomplishments,” Goldfeder told The Courier. He added that Hurricane Sandy provided him with “some of my worst and proudest moments” in the days following the superstorm. “For a long time, it didn’t matter where you were from or what you did for a living. You were there to help your neighbors, help your community and help your city, and collectively recover from a devastating storm,” he added. “I’m really proud to have been part of that in every way.” Goldfeder’s term expires at the end of the year, and he intends “to use this time to continue my work and fight for the issues that matter most,” he told constituents in the June 3 newsletter. Voters will decide later this year who will replace Goldfeder as the 23rd Assembly District representative. Primaries for the seat will be held in September in advance of the Nov. 8 general election. There was no word as of yet regarding possible contenders. Image via Google Maps On the eve of Ramadan, Mohamed Khan was a victim of hate crime. He was attacked after leaving this mosque. Attack on Muslim man near Queens Village mosque now considered a hate crime By Candace Higgins [email protected]/@QueensCourier Police have categorized the attack on a Muslim man outside a mosque as a hate crime, it was reported on Tuesday. At around 10:30 p.m. last Wednesday, June 1, Mohamed Rasheed Khan, 59, was leaving the Center for Islamic Studies located on 206-09 Jamaica Ave. on his bicycle, dressed in traditional Islamic attire. Three men punched Khan on his face and head, and knocked him off his bicycle, police said. Khan was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was treated for bruising and swelling to his face. In the days since the attack, local lawmakers — including Councilmen I. Daneek Miller and Barry Grodenchik — condemned the incident and called for a full investigation. “The attack on Mohamed Rasheed Khan is a sad example of what happens when people take regrettable actions based on hate speech espoused by those with a platform to do so,” Miller said. “Whether the attack on Mr. Khan is deemed a hate crime or not, there is no good reason for this to happen to anyone. It is unfortunate during this time of holy worship of the Muslim faith, we continue to be the byproduct of such hateful rhetoric.” “I condemn in the strongest terms the heinous attack on Mohamed Rasheed Khan,” Grodenchik said. “For an individual to be attacked after leaving a mosque on the eve of Ramadan is truly disturbing. Those who are responsible for this horrific incident must be brought to justice. I know that the NYPD is investigating, and I have full faith that the police will apprehend the perpetrators of this despicable crime.” Police are looking to the public for further assistance in this case. Anyone with information regarding this case can call NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are strictly confidential. Borough president makes a ‘Stop’ in Richmond Hill for award Queens Borough President Melinda Katz was honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the One Stop Richmond Hill Community Center during a fundraiser the center held on June 6. The center’s president, Simcha Waisman, is shown looking on as Dr. Paul- Michael Kazas reads from the award plaque. The center offers innovative educational and enrichment programs to children and families. Photo courtesy of the Queens borough president’s office
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