Angelo Maragos, the Republican candidate for the 26th District in the City Council race, is unwavering in his mission to “put the service back into public service.” With his specific and mature goals to reform and improve education and small business, Maragos refuses to be defined by his 24 years.

Born in Staten Island to Greek immigrants, Maragos calls himself a “life-long New Yorker.” Currently a resident of Long Island City, he loves the area because of its “diverse culture, beautiful waterfront presence, mass transit, and proximity to Manhattan.”

According to Maragos, a major issue for the district, which covers Woodside, Sunnyside, Long Island City, Astoria, and Maspeth, is to create jobs and help small businesses.

“While I was out campaigning, many people would come up to me and say that they simply need a job. Therefore creating jobs is my first priority,” said Maragos.

Similarly, his observations of the numerous vacant storefronts in the area alerted him to the need for a revitalization in small business. Maragos plans on using a tax incentive similar to the one in lower Manhattan, as well as giving rent rebates and interest-free or low-interest loans to existing small businesses.

His background at Cooper Union studying engineering followed by a job as a financial analyst for Credit Suisse allowed Maragos to develop “creative and diverse problem-solving techniques,” which he has used to tackle several issues throughout his campaign.

Maragos promises to be an engaged elected official. “Most candidates are practicing lawyers, I plan on being a full-time representative if elected - an area this diverse and dynamic requires a full-time commitment. The area is too often under-served and underrepresented.”

With his campaign centered around the idea of a “new kind of leadership,” Maragos believes that this election is especially vital because “it comes down to a decision between politics and service. City government is about quality of life. I want people to know that I am here for them.”

(Kayla Borg)