Robert Holden (politician)

Holden was raised in Maspeth, Queens. He earned an AAS from the New York City College of Technology, a BA from Queens College, and an MFA from Hunter College, 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, In the general election, Holden ran on the Republican, Conservative, Reform Party lines, as well as the independent "Dump de Blasio" line. 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. Holden won a tight race, garnering 10,653 votes to Crowley's 10,426. Polish heritage recognition In 2018, Holden sponsored resolutions to recognize Polish Independence Day, Tadeusz Kosciuszko Day, and Casimir Pulaski Day in New York City. The Ridgewood neighborhood in Holden's district has a significant Polish American population. Land use and zoning In 2024, Holden fought to keep parking minimums in the New York City zoning code. During reform negotiations, there were proposals to reduce parking requirements for buildings near transit stations. 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." Transportation Holden is a staunch critic of proposals to implement congestion pricing, calling it a "ridiculous tax that's going to kill New York City." ==Election history==

2017 2021 • Holden is a registered Democrat but received the Republican party's nomination after losing the Democratic primary. ==Personal life==

As of 2017, Holden had been married to his wife, Amy, for 44 years. They have three children and three grandchildren. ==References==