NYC-CC30: District 30 City Council candidates answer hard-hitting questions during engaging Ridgewood POCA forum
Five candidates vying for the District 30 City Council seat faced off during a lively and, at times, contentious forum hosted by the Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association (POCA) on Thursday, April 3. The event, held at Ridgewood Presbyterian Church, drew a packed audience of residents eager to hear candidates’ views on key local issues.
Candidates Dermot Smyth, Phil Wong, Alicia Vaichunas, Paul Pogozelski, and Fr. Mike Lopez shared the stage, offering sharply contrasting perspectives on education funding, senior services, and transportation solutions.
The forum opened with a question on education, focusing on the city’s projected $39,000 per student spending in 2025—more than double the national average of $16,000. Candidates were asked how they would ensure that students graduate prepared for college or the workforce.
Fr. Mike Lopez, who has a background in Catholic education, emphasized the need for a holistic strategy that includes wraparound services. “We can’t talk about student outcomes without talking about the challenges students face at home and in their communities,” Lopez said.
https://qns.com/2025/04/district-30-candidates-questions-ridgewood-forum/