On Memorial Day, John Choe, chief of staff for Councilman John Liu, asked a group of poeple at Macedonia AME Church in Flushing to observe a moment of silence for the soldiers that died in service.

“As we recognize the valor of those who fought to protect us, I am committing myself to protect the values and principles that were so hard-won by the blood and sweat and the tears of countless generations of Americans,” said Choe. “Today, as we commemorate the sacrifices of those who served our country, I am standing up to serve our community.”

He then introduced himself by saying, “My name is John Choe, and I’m here to recruit you.”

Choe officially announced his bid for the seat his boss will be vacating in December to run for City Comptroller. His campaign team and family members have already taken to the streets, raising $60,000 in just a few days.

Choe described his vision for District 20 as one based on safety, sustainability, and a safeguarding of Flushing’s legacy, particularly the diverse groups of people who live there.

He illustrated how struggle and anger can be powerful motivation to take action, citing personal examples: having to fight with city agencies to get a collapsing road fixed; meeting with a family whose son was robbed, killed, and mutilated by thugs who wanted money to buy sneakers; and touching the wounds of a man brutally beaten by police officers.

Choe got choked up when he mentioned as another example seeing his mother cry while sewing garments in the middle of the night to support her family.

He urged constituents to turn their own anger into a common cause and promised to struggle alongside them.

“I need you to struggle with me, by my side. I need you to hold me and other elected officials accountable,” he said.

His supporters appreciated the candidness, rewarding him with a generous round of applause.

Choe ended his address the same way he started it, “My name is John Choe, and I’m here to recruit you.”