By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven), through a district-wide mailer in late 2023, sent a Quality-of-Life Questionnaire to households of his constituents, asking them to answer questions to help him better assist the community throughout the year and the 2024 legislative session.
The brief questionnaire asked questions such as what the constituent feels is the most important issue facing their community and what events they would like Addabbo’s office to offer in the future. In addition, residents ranked each issue in order of importance and rated quality of life services from one to five, with one being the best and five being the worst.
Addabbo indicated that he was pleased by the response from over 500 constituent surveys returned via mail, dropped off at his offices, or completed online. Every neighborhood in District 15 participated, and many filled in the “other” section by providing specific details about their concerns.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office
“My constituents communicating their concerns and interests to me is critically important in the work that I do,” Sen. Addabbo said.
Addabbo took time to read each form, after which staff distilled the information into quantitative data, providing a snapshot of each neighborhood and the overall district. This roadmap will allow Addabbo to ensure he is more effectively addressing the top concerns of his constituency.
According to responses from all communities, crime is the #1 issue. Taxes are #2 in Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Lindenwood/Howard Beach, Forest Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale. The economy and education are ranked #2 in Woodhaven, and education came in at #2 in Rego Park. Some responses from all communities ranked “other” as #1, writing in answers that included cleanliness, safety, illegal cannabis, e-bikes/motorized vehicles, unregistered/unlicensed/uninsured drivers, noise pollution, quality of life, homelessness, and illegal migrants topping the list.
“It’s important that we gather feedback from the community, whether through mailed surveys or everyday contact because it is helpful as my office team and I plan for the upcoming year so I can be the best elected official for the community,” Addabbo said. “My constituents communicating their concerns and interests to me is critically important in the work that I do, and the tremendous response underscores the community’s eagerness to actively participate in the democratic process by contributing their perspectives and aspirations for the betterment of the district.”
A summary of the data broken down by neighborhood will be available on Addabbo’s Senate website and via flyers that will be available at his offices and circulated throughout the district at local meetings.
