This year’s municipal elections are the most important in a generation. A new mayor, City Council speaker, and at least 35 City Council members will assume office. The opportunities are tremendous. We must seize this moment to create a results-driven vision for all New Yorkers. As an educator, activist, and lifelong resident of the community I wish to serve, I am uniquely qualified to provide the proactive leadership that is required.

As Councilman, I will:

• Commit to reinvesting in public education by advocating higher teacher pay, encouraging classroom innovation, ending classroom overcrowding and widening community access to CUNY.



• Work relentlessly for social justice by improving police/community relations.



• Seek to end the “stop and frisk” policies of the NYPD and require residency for any NYC police officer.



• Focus on increasing recruitment and promotion of persons of color in the police force.



• Promote responsible economic development by fighting for affordable housing and responsible growth of business and jobs along the waterfront in Sunset Park and Red Hook.



• Stand firm against anyone who wants to introduce more power plants in Sunset Park and South Slope that don’t meet federal regulation requirements.

To be a successful public servant, one must have policy expertise, grassroots networks, real life experiences and a progressive vision that brings these elements together. Given these standards, I am by far the most qualified person in this race. It is time we move beyond the politics of personal gain and set a new standard for political leadership. The one I will set is simple: I will go places others won’t, say things others don’t, and do things others can’t. I will serve with a relentless energy and work with anyone willing to roll up their sleeves to effect positive change in the lives of the people of New York.

And we will all take credit in our hard-fought victories.

(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)