Queens Democrats Prepare to Pick New Council Candidate

Constituents in one southeastern Queens district won't have anyone to represent them in the City Council until November — but at least voters then will get to choose who that will be.

The former Council member, Ruben Wills, was convicted last week on multiple felony charges. He lost his council seat and was disqualified from running for re-election.

Before his guilty verdict, Wills was backed by the Queens County Democratic organization — and had submit petitions for the primary ballot. Those petitions include a cover sheet which required Wills to name a committee to fill vacancies.

His committee includes the county leader Congressman Joseph Crowley and four other officials who are expected to select a candidate to replace Wills on the primary ballot.

Two other Democrats, Hettie V. Powell and Richard David, are also planning to run in the September primary. Powell plans to run on the Working Families Party line, as well.

The winner of the general election in November will take office immediately and serve the remainder of this term, followed by a full four years beginning in January.