Summary
City Council District 25 covers Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and Woodside. The office is currently held by Shekar Krishnan (D). We will be interviewing each candidate separately. Primary elections will be held on June 24, 2025.
You’ve served six years in the Marine Corps, twenty-three as a Police Officer. How will that experience help make you an effective leader?
I dedicated six years to the U.S Marines (four active and two in the reserves) and spent 23 years serving as a police officer in NYC, retiring at the rank of Sergeant. The leadership abilities and strong sense of integrity I developed over more than two decades of public service have equipped me to be the genuine leader our community needs and deserves. Leading by example and maintaining a high standard of integrity have always been my guiding principles. These leadership qualities have also greatly influenced my community volunteering efforts over the past ten years.
What do you find most lacking when it comes to views held by those in current progressive leadership positions?
One of the most misguided perspectives is that many elected officials believe if they ignore us, we will simply fade away. Their presence is only felt during rare photo opportunities, and of course, when election season arrives and they need our votes. Our current leaders seem unwilling to recognize that our quality of life is deteriorating, while establishments like brothels thrive, unlicensed vendors overrun our streets and sidewalks, reckless e-bike and moped drivers continue to cause injuries, and criminals roam freely to prey on our community.
What sets you apart from other candidates such as Ramses Frias (R), with whom you’ve shared the stage at events?
The distinctions between myself and other candidates are evident. I am dedicated to genuinely serving our community because it is the right thing to do, rather than merely showing up for photo opportunities. My commitment to our community is demonstrated through my service to our country and city, as well as various local initiatives. Whether its participating in the PTA or leadership team at our local school, volunteering at food pantries, serving as President of the SELFHELP/NORC advisory board, or my seven year tenure as Board President, my advocacy for our community is unwavering. I also organize toy drives, coat drives, and Thanksgiving turkey giveaways. I’ve also dedicated time and energy into addressing the chaos surrounding Roosevelt Avenue and when it came time to act, I stood up and spoke up! My dedication extends far beyond occasional photo ops or social media posts-I truly put in the effort!
What do you believe are the most pressing issues confronting Elmhurst and its neighboring communities?
Our community, which includes Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, and Woodside, is undeniably impacted by rising crime and lawlessness. The quality of life in our area is significantly affected by the absence of law enforcement and the hands-off approach that our local officials have adopted in addressing these problems.
If elected, the people you bring in are equally important to run a smooth, well-run office. How can you ensure that residents’ needs and complaints are addressed, something our elected officials have fared with inadequately?
One of my main priorities when elected to the City Council is to unite our neighborhood. We have been tactfully divided. Our diverse neighborhood has been carefully categorized by using an assortment of labels (brown, underserved, underprivileged, needy, and so on), which has prevented us from forming a united front. These labels can then be used to keep us at bay while local elected officials advocate and follow the special interests groups’ agenda. Our district has been gerrymandered to better serve their interest.
You attended Elmhurst’s Memorial Day recognition in 2024 and spoke eloquently. Will you be joining us again this year?
James, you can always count on me. The privilege was all mine, and I was humbled by your invitation last year.
You can read more about Mr. Pacheco’s platform here:
James is the Vice President of the Newtown Civic Association, the Elmhurst Memorial League, and Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society.
