-Del-Rio.jpg "Richard (Rick) Del Rio")
Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: Community Organizer, Entrepreneur and Pastor
Previous Occupation(s): N/A
Education: Zion Bible College ('73)
Organizational Affiliations: Senior Pastor & Founder, Abounding Grace Ministries since 1982; President & Owner, various business since 70; NYPD Clergy Liaison since 96; 20/20 Vision for Schools since 2008; Latino African American Chaplaincy Assoc since 12
Prior Public Experience: Coordinated largest Sandy relief site in Manhattan (12); Co-Founder & Chair, Generation Xcel (96-10); one of the first clergy responders on 9/11; Co-convener & Co-chair of Ground Zero Clergy Task Force (01-03)
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 02 you would address if elected?
Housing & Economic Development must grow and strengthen community, not displace it. As councilman, I will embrace CD2's economic diversity rather than squeeze the poor and middle class; fight to ensure affordable housing for families and living wage jobs for the underemployed; and reject developments that destroy the character of neighborhoods and threaten public spaces.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
Youth & Education. I will invest in outcomes-based youth programs and public-private partnerships that empower students and community groups as change agents in their schools and neighborhoods; promote after school and summer programs and arts; and create opportunities for disconnected youth.
Safety. I will increase community policing and NYPD transparency; expand liaison programs for grassroots peacemakers; grow transitional programs and jobs for ex-offenders; and expand gun buy-back programs.
Seniors. I will provide safe spaces for children, families, and seniors to thrive; protect community centers and heritage centers and foster efficiencies among them; and combat fraud and waste in Medicare, Medicaid, and other entitlements.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I am a political outsider but community insider, who has given all for sustainable change in CD2 for more than 30 years. My opportunity agenda rejects status quo politics and promotes change from the inside out.
Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.
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