via Nomiki Konst for Public Advocate
Jan. 30, 2019 By Meghan Sackman
Nomiki Konst, one of several candidates in the running for Public Advocate, took to Astoria yesterday to release her environmental platform in an event that also saw her campaign endorsed by Council Member Costa Constantinides.
Konst, a former investigative reporter and activist, pledged in her Jan. 29 conference outside the Con Edison plant on 20th Avenue to pursue a series of actions as public advocate that would “protect New Yorkers from the dire effects of climate change.”
The Con Edison plant marks the site of the December “arc flash” that lit the city’s sky electric blue, which has since prompted a greater focus on the gas-fired power plant itself and greener energy alternatives for the city.
Constantinides, who heads the city’s environmental protection committee and is known for his green legislation, has also rallied on the issue, even taking to organizing a hearing on the “Astoria Borealis” event for next month.
“I am proud to support Nomiki—an ally in the fight against climate change, a constituent and a fellow Greek-American leader,” Constantinides said in a statement.
He described her as “a dynamic, progressive, and inspiring advocate who will fight for marginalized New Yorkers with the same tenacity she did as a truth-seeking reporter.”
Konst’s several environmental initiatives include creating a city-owned electrical utility system as a path toward renewable energy; investing in mass transit to encourage its use and reduce carbon dioxide emissions; allowing green roofs on buildings that are able to accommodate; and banning plastic bags citywide, among other actions.
“Getting the support of Councilman Constantinides is a great honor,” Konst said in a statement. “I’m proud that as my Councilman, he has emerged as one of the nation’s boldest and most progressive leaders on issues related to climate change.”
Konst, a former national surrogate for Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, and a Democratic Socialist, will be running in the Feb. 26 election under the “Pay Folks More” party line.
She is one of several candidates who will appear on next month’s ballot, which include names like former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Members Ydanis Rodriguez and Humane Williams and Assemblymember Ron Kim.
One Comment
Does anybody know if Costa Constantinides still supports Nomiki Konst since she “allegedly” got caught giving her boyfriend $110,000 out of her public campaign funding and falsifying expense records?