Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: Organizer/Activist
Previous Occupation(s): Make-Up Artist
Education: College Grad
Organizational Affiliations: Award from Historic District Council for work to save PS 109. Award from Uniform Fire Fighters for A Breath of Fresh Air Campaign. Lead Plaintiff with W. Harlem Environmental Action and Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund opposing MTA environmental racism. Coordinated with Met Council on Housing for free bus rides from E. Harlem to Albany to lobby to protect Rent Stabilization. Co-Plaintiff with Business and Residents Alliance opposed to East River Plaza eminent domain abuse. Worked with Coalition to Save Harlem to fight gentrification in 125 St. River-to-River Rezoning. I was a steady presence at Occupy Wall Street.
Prior Public Experience: Spearheading the Coalition to Save PS 109, stopping its demolition, replacing its roof at $5 million, landmarking it, and fighting for 12 years to restore it as a public school. Created A Breath of Fresh Air Campaign sending 400 Fire Fighters for mini-vacations in Cape May, after 9/11. Initiated E. Harlem Bus Stop challenging the reopening of the 100 St. Bus Depot.
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 08 you would address if elected?
End NYCHA INFILL plan to lease public housing land to developers for luxury housing. Save Public Housing
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
Amending the Tenant Protection Act to really protect tenants. End public school closures and privatization. Repeal 125 St. rezoning. List all discretionary funding on NYC.gov. No domestic drones in NYC. $12 minimum wage. Label genetically modified food. Work to end human trafficking. Discontinue ritalin and other behavior modification drugs in public schools. Expand phys-ed and after school activities. Build more rent-stabilized and low and middle-income housing. Support immigrant rights. Enforce Constitutional limits on Stop-and-Frisk. Inspector General on Police abuse.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I am a resident of East Harlem for 28 years, and the only candidate that took action to defend the community against school destruction, pollution and displacement. I have done all my activism without pay. East Harlem and NYC are at a crossroads. I have a consistent record or true community preservation. I have not sold out to the big money 1% who put profits before people. the 99%
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