Ken Biberaj
Aaron Braunstein*
Debra Cooper
Noah Gotbaum
Marc A. Landis
Helen K. Rosenthal
Mel Wymore
Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: Ken is Vice President of the Russian Tea Room. Ken is active with the Food Bank for New York, and he is a mentor to first generation college students through New York Needs You.
Previous Occupation(s): Ken worked on John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign as his State Research Director in Florida. He returned home to join his family's business and helped reopen the Russian Tea Room.
Education: Ken earned his B.A. from American University, a Master's from Harvard Kennedy School, and a J.D. from New York Law School.
Organizational Affiliations: Culinary Council at the Food Bank of New York. Mentor at New York Needs You. Restaurant Committee of NYC & Company.
Prior Public Experience: N/A
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 06 you would address if elected?
This is a transformative year for city government. Ken wants to bring new energy and a fresh perspective to address overcrowding in schools, affordable housing for seniors, and support the small businesses that are the fabric of our community.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
I want to support the quality of life of the Upper West Side (UWS). I will help small businesses that make up the unique fabric of our neighborhood. I will focus on affordable housing, helping seniors and young families stay on the UWS. Additionally, I want to invest in our community's future. This means bringing new energy and ideas to strengthen our infrastructure, fight for mass transit funding, and improve energy efficiency, and help local businesses create good- paying jobs for working families. Lastly, I want to stand for the progressive values of our neighborhood. I understand that the UWS strength comes from the progressive values we share. That's why I'll fight to improve the quality of our local schools, stand for women's rights and keep the UWS age-friendly, family-friendly, and pet-friendly.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
The leadership on the Upper West Side has not kept up with the changes on the West Side. I am running to bring a fresh perspective to the challenges the city will face in the future. The government will not be able to solve all the problems we face, that is why I believe we need leaders who can forge solutions by capitalizing on the resources of government, the good will of non-profits and the skills of the private sector.
Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.
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