Although, Donovan Richards admits initially he had no interest or thought of politics, in March 2003 after attending the funeral of a childhood friend Darnell Patterson, who was fatally gunned down in front of his home, Donovan decided he wouldn’t let him die in vain. This very thought led him to a meeting hosted by Councilman James Sanders Jr. regarding gun violence in the community. His testimony and outspokenness lead Sanders’ then Chief-of-Staff Andrea Sanders to offer him an opportunity in the office. Over the years he would serve in several capacities in the Councilmember's office but is now embarking upon an even greater role in the 31st city council district. His commitment and work ethic and extensive experience has positioned him to successfully represent voters in Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens and Far Rockaway in the New York City Council.

Donovan’s Record in the 31^st District

Crime and Safety

• Fought to establish “Gun Buy Back program” in Southeast Queens, successfully removing 919 from our streets
• Allocated over $5 million dollars to place cameras in Redfern Houses and Hammel Houses to combat shootings and killings
• Served as President of the Far Rockaway NAACP Youth Chapter, leading efforts to resist Stop & Frisk against local teens by organizing workshops with 100 Blacks & Law Enforcement to teach "Know Your Rights When Stopped and Frisked"
• Stopped the sale of BB guns and bullet casings at Costco Wholesalers

Education

• Organized to keep the Rosedale, Laurelton, Averne and Far Rockaway Library open after facing closure threats Mayor Bloomberg 
• Fought against the closures of daycares in Springfield Gardens and the Rockaways
• Ensured all schools in Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens and the Rockaways received $50,000 annually for technology, science labs, and playground upgrades
• Distributed thousands of book bags and supplies for children since 2005
• Pushed to keep PS 181 open in Rosedale despite Department of Education’s efforts to close the school
• Pressured Department of Education to restore PS 251's playground in Springfield Gardens after it was destroyed by a developer

Health

• Fought tirelessly against the closure of Peninsula Hospital
• Pressed the Health Department to increase spraying for mosquitoes this year in Rosedale and the Rockaways
• Founded Rockaway Walks fitness program in 2005 which continues to combat high obesity rates in the Rockaways during the summer
• Brought mobile HIV/AIDS testing to residents in the district

Community Based Initiatives

• Led initiative to bring fresh foods and good jobs to Edgemere next year through a new supermarket
• Worked along with Counciman Sanders and other community leaders to stop a developer from building a “hot sheet motel” across the street from Springfield Gardens HS and IS 231 
• Allocated millions of dollars to rebuild Montebello Park, Rosedale Little League Baseball Field, Rosedale Jets Football Field, playgrounds for: PS 156, PS 181, PS 104, PS 183 and PS 132 (construction will begin soon) and Lanette Playground
• Raised thousands of dollars through car washes for disadvantaged youth
• Called for the Department of Environmental Protection to fund a $14 million dollar project in Rosedale's Brookville Triangle to alleviate flooding
• Urged New York City Economic Development Corp to complete Springfield Gardens Lake Project- a $20 million dollar initiative to restore Springfield Lake’s natural beauty and alleviate flooding in Springfield Gardens