Vickie Paladino is an American politician, and a member of the New York City Council for the 19th district, which covers College Point, Whitestone, Beechhurst, parts of Flushing and Bayside in Eastern Queens. A member of the Republican Party, she was elected in 2021, replacing former City Council Member Paul Vallone who was term limited.[1][2] Paladino was re-elected to the New York City Council in 2023, successfully winning the race against Tony Avella for the 19th district seat.[3]

Vickie Paladino
Member of the New York City Council
from the 19th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2022
Preceded byPaul Vallone
Personal details
Born (1954-10-28) October 28, 1954 (age 69)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
WebsiteOfficial website

During her time on the New York City Council, she has been a critic of bicyclists in New York City. She has called for bicyclists to carry liability insurance, register their bikes and carry license plates.[4]

In March of 2023, Paladino was removed from NYC City Council's mental health committee in what she claimed to be retaliation for her homophobic comments about Drag Queen Story Hour, a program in which drag performers read storybooks to children at public libraries. Paladino referred to the program as “cultural indoctrination” and “child grooming.”[5]

On May 3rd 2024, in response to campus protests against Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip, Paladino called college students "monsters" who must be "slayed" in New York City.[6]

She has a son, Thomas Paladino Jr, who has also worked as her spokesperson.[7]

References edit

  1. ^ "Republican Vickie Paladino Defeats Democrat Tony Avella For New York City Council Seat". www.cbsnews.com. 2021-11-17. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  2. ^ "Democrat Tony Avella concedes in Queens Council race". www.ny1.com. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  3. ^ "NYC Councilwoman Vickie Paladino reelected in northern Queens". New York Daily News. 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  4. ^ "NYC Councilwoman Vickie Paladino says bicyclists should be licensed". New York Daily News. 2023-02-13.
  5. ^ Levine, Jon (March 11, 2023). "GOP Councilwoman Vickie Paladino booted from NYC Council panel after criticizing Drag Queen Story Hour". New York Post. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  6. ^ "NYC councilwoman calls protesting students 'monsters' and it's 'our job to slay them'". The Independent. 2024-05-04. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  7. ^ "'Law-and-Order' Council Member Had Fake, Illegal License Plate in Her Driveway". nyc.streetsblog.org. 2023-07-24.
Political offices
Preceded by Member of the New York City Council
from the 19th district

2022–present
Incumbent