Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: Founder & Executive Director of a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization
Previous Occupation(s): Journalist
Education: BA, Brown University
Organizational Affiliations: New Kings Democrats
Prior Public Experience: Community Board 2 - Youth, Education & Cultural Affairs, Kings County Democratic Committee
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 33 you would address if elected?
As the son of two high school teachers, access to comprehensive education is extraordinarily important to me. For the past eight years I've run a non-profit organization that tutors at-risk 7th-10th graders. I've seen firsthand how life-altering after-school hours are. I am committed to expanding after-school programs, ensuring universal access to pre-K, fighting school overcrowding, and giving public school parents a voice.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
Our district needs a genuine commitment to affordable housing. Plenty of politicians say the right things, then deliver few affordable units. I will be a tough negotiator who demands that developers make strong commitments to affordable housing. I will also ensure that these commitments are backed by stiff financial penalties for developers who break their agreements.
A new political scandal comes to light every week. Enough is enough. I will work hard every day to deserve your trust. I will also solicit community input on all aspects of government, so that cronyism and backroom deals will no longer be possible.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
My commitment to honesty, reform, and public service is why I have been endorsed by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman Major Owens, District Leaders Jo Anne Simon and Chris Owens, and New Kings Democrats President Alex Low. I will work tirelessly to preserve our libraries and hospitals, expand our educational opportunities, and build a less corrupt government. As an educator, non-profit director, and father of one daughter (with another on the way), there is nothing that is more important to me than building a better community for our children.
Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.
This Guide lists all candidates who appear to be on the ballot for the primary election based on the latest information obtained from the New York City Board of Elections, even if a candidate did not submit a profile or record a video for the Guide. Profiles and video scripts were submitted to the CFB by the candidates and are reprinted as supplied, except in the case of egregious errors and minor formatting issues, which may be corrected by the CFB. Videos appearing in this Guide were recorded and approved for broadcast by the candidates. All the candidates have affirmed under penalty of perjury that the information in their profiles and videos is true to the best of their knowledge. Website and social media links were supplied by the candidates. The CFB is not responsible for non-working links, although it does correct or remove them to the extent practicable. The CFB removes links that are not campaign-related.
The views expressed in the candidate profiles, videos, and linked materials do not represent those of the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
