Robert Holden (politician)
{{Short description|American graphic designer (born 1951)}}
{{Other people|Robert Holden}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Robert Holden
|image = Robert Holden 2024.jpg
|office = Member of the New York City Council
from the 30th district
|term_start = January 1, 2018
|term_end =
|predecessor = Elizabeth Crowley
|successor =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|10|12}}
|birth_place = New York City, New York, U.S.
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = Democratic
|otherparty = Republican (2017–present,
ballot line)
|spouse = Amy Holden
|children = 3
|education = New York City College of
Technology (AS)
Queens College (BA)
Hunter College (MFA)
|website = {{url|council.nyc.gov/d30/html/members/home.shtml|Official website}}
}}
Robert F. Holden (born October 12, 1951){{cite web |url=https://council.nyc.gov/district-30 |title=Robert Holden |accessdate=May 5, 2018 |via=council.nyc.gov}} is an American professor, graphic designer, and the New York City Council member for the 30th district, representing the neighborhoods of Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, and parts of Woodside and Woodhaven in the borough of Queens.30th District, New York City Council {{cite web|title= New York City Council|url=http://council.nyc.gov/d30/html/members/home.shtml|access-date=December 1, 2016}}
Early life and education
Holden was raised in Maspeth, Queens.{{cite web|url=http://holdenforcitycouncil.com/bio/|title=Bio - Robert Holden for City Council|publisher=|accessdate=December 18, 2017}} He earned an AAS from the New York City College of Technology, a BA from Queens College, and an MFA from Hunter College,{{cite web|url=http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/faculty/RHolden|title=Faculty Profile|first=CIS Web|last=Team|website=www.citytech.cuny.edu|accessdate=November 17, 2017}} all CUNY schools.
Career
Holden is a professional graphic designer and a professor of the same at the New York City College of Technology.
Holden has also worked as an editor and art director for Juniper Berry magazine, and as a photojournalist published in newspapers and magazines in the United States and Europe. He has had his work exhibited at International Center of Photography, and other galleries.
Holden has been a member of Queens Community Board 5 since 1988.
New York City Council
=2017 election=
Holden, a long-registered Democrat, ran in the 2017 Democratic primary for New York City Council against incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Crowley, but lost 63.6% to 36.1%.{{cite web|url=http://cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/campaigns-and-elections/new-york-city-2017-primary-election-results.html#.Wg8p2EqnEpS|title=New York City's 2017 primary election results|first1=Jeff|last1=Coltin|first2=Jon|last2=Lentz|date=September 23, 2017|website=City & State New York|accessdate=November 17, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914061636/http://cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/campaigns-and-elections/new-york-city-2017-primary-election-results.html#.WboeyC-l3BA|archive-date=September 14, 2017}} In the general election, Holden ran on the Republican, Conservative, Reform Party lines, as well as the independent "Dump de Blasio" line.{{cite web|url=http://cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/campaigns-and-elections/how-holden-beat-crowley-and-why-he-is-not-loyal-to-republicans-or-democrats.html#.Wg8lnkqnEpQ|title=How Holden beat Crowley – and why he's not loyal to either party|first=Frank G.|last=Runyeon|date=November 16, 2017|website=City & State New York|accessdate=November 17, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117105054/http://cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/campaigns-and-elections/how-holden-beat-crowley-and-why-he-is-not-loyal-to-republicans-or-democrats.html#.Wg6_Ei-l3BA|archive-date=November 17, 2017}} Despite not being a registered member of the Republican party, he was able to receive the county's nomination by obtaining a Wilson Pakula authorization.{{cite web |last=Kelley |first=Ryan |date=January 17, 2018 |url=https://qns.com/story/2018/01/17/queens-councilman-holden-stays-democrat-eager-contribute-council-committees |title=Queens Councilman Holden remains a Democrat and is eager to Contribute to Council Committees |accessdate=19 Jul 2018 |work=qns.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118022745/http://qns.com/story/2018/01/17/queens-councilman-holden-stays-democrat-eager-contribute-council-committees |archive-date=January 18, 2018}}
Holden won a tight race, garnering 10,653 votes to Crowley’s 10,426.{{cite web|url=http://cityandstateny.com/articles/personality/winners-and-losers/winners-and-losers-of-2017.html#.WjfpHN-nEpQ|title=Winners & Losers of 2017|author=|website=City & State New York|accessdate=December 18, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222071213/http://cityandstateny.com/articles/personality/winners-and-losers/winners-and-losers-of-2017.html#.WjywVy-l3BA|archive-date=December 22, 2017}}
=2018=
Holden was the prime sponsor in introducing and passing resolutions 420, 421, and 422. The resolutions declared November 11 as Polish Independence Day, October 15 as Tadeusz Kosciuszko Day, and October 11 as Casimir Pulaski Day in New York City, respectively.{{cite web |url= https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3541090&GUID=16547039-2AA1-41CD-9D0C-8BFA102D11CE&Options=&Search= |title=Resolution declaring November 11 as Polish Independence Day in the city of New York|author=Legislative Research Center |website= legistar.council.nyc.gov |accessdate=November 3, 2018}}{{cite web |url= https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3541088&GUID=74870ABB-8D32-467A-AF7D-56A866EE3A5F&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=421 |title= Resolution declaring October 11 as Casimir Pulaski Day in the city of New York |author=Legislative Research Center|website=legistar.council.nyc.gov|accessdate=November 3, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3541089&GUID=9B9372FF-38EF-43DC-88B1-12EC8BB88C45&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=422|title=Resolution declaring October 15 as Tadeusz Kosciuszko Day in the city of New York|author=Legislative Research Center|website=legistar.council.nyc.gov|accessdate=November 3, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://qns.com/story/2018/11/01/ridgewoods-polish-american-residents-honored-city-council-resolutions/|title=Ridgewood's Polish American residents honored with City Council resolutions|first=Mark|last=Hallum|website=qns.com|date=November 1, 2018|accessdate=November 3, 2018}} The bills all passed unanimously on October 31, 2018.
=2020 =
Holden has been a staunch critic of proposals to implement congestion pricing in the most congested and polluted areas of New York City.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title=Bipartisan group of lawmakers stumps to oppose congestion pricing |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/politics/bipartisan-group-rallies-city-hall-against-new-york-city-congestion-pricing |website=Crain's New York Business |language=en}} Holden argued, "This ridiculous tax that's going to kill New York City."{{Cite web |date=2023-08-17 |title=MTA: Money made from congestion pricing will be used to address existing issues - CBS New York |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mta-congestion-pricing-money-capital-budget/ |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}
=2024=
In 2024, Holden fought to keep parking minimums in New York City. During negotiations to reform zoning in New York City, there were proposals to reduce parking requirements for buildings near transit stations.{{Cite news |date=2024-11-22 |title=NYC Gets Historic Push for 80,000 Homes With $5 Billion Pledge |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-22/nyc-gets-historic-push-for-80-000-homes-with-5-billion-pledge |work=Bloomberg News |language=en}} Holden argued for parking mandates, saying, "It’s gotten so bad in parts of my district, including Maspeth, Middle Village and Ridgewood, that the firehouses are telling me when they go to a fire they can’t find the hydrant because it’s blocked by somebody parking."
In December 2024, Holden voted against a modified version of Mayor Adam's new zoning proposal called The City of Yes legislation; it would allow the conversion and construction of 80,000 new and legal housing units for families across New York City. It awaits Mayor Adam's signature.https://queenseagle.com/all/2024/12/5/city-of-yes-gets-final-yes-from-city-council
Election history
=2017=
{{Election box begin no change
| title= New York City Council, 30th District, Primary election{{cite news|title=Statement and Return Report for Certification: Primary Election - 09/12/2017 |url=https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2017/20170912Primary%20Election/01402200030Queens%20Democratic%20Member%20of%20the%20City%20Council%2030th%20Council%20District%20Recap.pdf|work=Board of Elections in the City of New York |date=26 September 2017}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Elizabeth Crowley (incumbent)
| votes = 3,621
| percentage = 62.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 2,050
| percentage = 35.4
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party =
| candidate = Write-In
| votes = 16
| percentage = 0.2
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party =
| candidate = Unattributable
| votes = 107
| percentage = 1.8
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title= New York City Council, 30th District, General election{{cite news|title=Statement and Return Report for Certification: General Election - 11/07/2017 |url=https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2017/20171107General%20Election/00402200030Queens%20Member%20of%20the%20City%20Council%2030th%20Council%20District%20Recap.pdf|work=Board of Elections in the City of New York |date=November 7, 2017}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 8,720
| percentage = 40.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Conservative Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 1,507
| percentage = 7.0
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Reform Party of New York State
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 189
| percentage = 0.9
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party = Dump De Blasio
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 147
| percentage = 0.7
}}
{{Election box winning candidate no change
| party = Total
| candidate = Robert Holden{{ref|ns1|1}}
| votes = 10,563
| percentage = 49.0
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Elizabeth Crowley
| votes = 9,351
| percentage = 43.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Working Families Party
| candidate = Elizabeth Crowley
| votes = 911
| percentage = 4.2
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party = Women's Equality
| candidate = Elizabeth Crowley
| votes = 164
| percentage = 0.7
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party = Total
| candidate = Elizabeth Crowley (incumbent)
| votes = 10,426
| percentage = 48.4
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party =
| candidate = Write-in
| votes = 11
| percentage = 0.2
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party =
| candidate = Unattributable
| votes = 123
| percentage = 2.4
}}
{{Election box end}}
=2021=
{{Election box begin no change
| title= New York City Council, 30th District, Primary election{{cite news|title=2021 Primary Official Ranked Choice Rounds |url=https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2021/20210622Primary%20Election/rcv/DEM%20Council%20Member%2030th%20Council%20District.pdf|work=Board of Elections in the City of New York |date=20 July 2021}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 5,250
| percentage = 54.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Juan Ardila
| votes = 4,324
| percentage = 45.0
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party =
| candidate = Other
| votes = 38
| percentage = 0.4
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title= New York City Council, 30th District, General election{{cite news|title=Statement and Return Report for Certification|url=https://web.enrboenyc.us/CD234370.html|work=Board of Elections in the City of New York |date=November 3, 2021}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 10555
| percentage = 52.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 7991
| percentage = 39.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Conservative Party of New York State
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 1167
| percentage = 5.8
}}
{{Election box winning candidate no change
| party = Total
| candidate = Robert Holden
| votes = 19713
| percentage = 97.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Write-ins
| candidate = Write-ins
| votes = 440
| percentage = 2.2
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 20153
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
- {{note|ns1}}Holden is a registered Democrat but received the Republican party's nomination after losing the Democratic primary.
Personal life
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://holdenforcitycouncil.com Campaign website]
- [http://council.nyc.gov/d30/html/members/home.shtml New York City Council: District 30 - Robert Holden]
{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=Elizabeth Crowley}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the New York City Council
from the 30th district |years=2018–present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{New York City Council}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Holden, Robert}}
Category:21st-century New York (state) politicians
Category:American graphic designers
Category:Hunter College alumni
Category:New York (state) Democrats
Category:New York City College of Technology alumni
Category:New York City Council members