Guyanese–born Ashook Ramsaran moderated the CANDIDATES FORUM on June 11, 2026 with the 3 candidates contesting York State’s 13th Senate District. The event was hosted by Jackson Heights Beautification Group (JHBG), in collaboration with Queens Civic Congress (QCC). Ashook Ramsaran is Executive Vice President of the Queens Civic Congress (QCC) and President of Indian Diaspora Council.
The CANDIDATES FORUM held at the Renaissance Charter School in Jackson heights, New York. It was a standing room only crowd in attendance, with questions, comments and concerns about current issues impacting them.
The forum was hosted by the Jackson Heights Beautification Group (JHBG), founded in 1988 as a civic organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and quality of life in Jackson Heights, Queens. The event was held in collaboration with the Queens Civic Congress (QCC), founded in 1997, an umbrella organization representing over 100 civic and other community organizations in Queens, and other community organizations, committed to the protection and advancement of the “Quality of Life”, to provide a forum for the civic associations and neighborhood organizations, to develop and present common policies and positions, and to furnish effective leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the welfare and interests of Queens’ neighborhoods.
The candidates were: Jessica Ramos – Currently NYS Sen. District 13 (2109 – present); Jessica González-Rojas – Currently NYS Assembly Member District 34 (2019 – present); and Hiram Monserrate – former NYS Sen District 13 (2009-10), former NYC CM (2002-08)
JHBG president Leslie Ellman welcomed everyone and outlined the guidelines and format of the forum. John McCaffrey, JHBG consultant and vice president of Queens Civic Congress, introduced Ashook Ramsaran as the moderator of the forum.
Each candidate was given 3 minutes for introductory remarks followed by two (2) questions prepared by JHBG and QCC:
Question #1: Do you support legislation that requires the MTA to contract with a certified independent public accounting firm to conduct an independent, comprehensive audit to examine? Redundancies, inefficiencies and the MTA’s governance. Ref: Assembly bill A06088 / No Senate bill.
Question #2: Do you support legislation requiring the siting of lithium battery storage systems to include restrictions on placement in residential areas and require public hearings prior to approval?
Assembly bill A6955 /Senate bill S7197.
Questions from the audience (managed by John McCaffrey):
Unlicensed street vendors and public safety.
Comparison of bills enacted and proposed by candidates
Accepting contributions from lobbyists for election campaigns.
Consequential addiction due to the new casino and treatments.
Violence in the community by gangs and more policing.
Advocating for more open space in the community. Ex: Paseo Park
Human trafficking along Roosevelt Ave by organized crime.
Each candidate made their concluding remarks, and Leslie Ellman (President, JHBG) expressed thanks and appreciation to the candidates and attendees.
