After 12 years of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New Yorkers went to the polls to elect a new leader. Residents of Astoria, Queens, voiced their concerns for the middle class and hopes for affordable housing by casting their votes for Bill de Blasio.
Tais Melillo is a Brazilian immigrant and an Astoria resident for 14 years. Her concerns are echoed by many Queens voters like herself. Click on the black spot next to 00:00 on the left to listen to Melillo
Dana Gallagher, a member of the middle class who lives in Astoria, is excited for the plans that her candidate, and now the new major, proposed. Click on the black spot next to 00:00 on the left to listen to Gallagher
While Astoria is experiencing rent hikes longtime resident Laura Lilia found herself to be one of the few lucky ones. Click on the black spot next to 00:00 on the left to listen to Lilia
Starting a life here is a challenge with the housing situation for Ricardo Lori, a young actor who just moved to the city. Click on the black spot next to 00:00 on the left to listen to Lori
Ivo Helno, an Astoria resident for 25 years, feels it is easier to relate to de Blasio as residents of the boros. Helno hopes for more equalized attention from the new mayor between Manhattan versus the rest of the city. Click on the black spot next to 00:00 on the left to listen to Helno
Voters like these from Astoria made it possible for Bill de Blasio to be the new mayor. Now their voices of hope await answers.
