Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: State Committeman/Male District Leader, 53rd Assembly District
Previous Occupation(s): Social Worker; Professor
Education: Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, 1970; BS, Long Island University, 1964
Organizational Affiliations: Brooklyn Unidos, Founder; Southside Taskforce, Founder; North Brooklyn Public Housing Coalition, Founder; Bushwick Parent Coalition, Founder;
Prior Public Experience: New York State Assemblyman, 53rd Assembly District
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 34 you would address if elected?
Affordable Housing. I have been a champion of Affordable Housing throughout the State of New York. In the 53rd Assembly District, I helped develop over 1000 units of truly affordable housing. I have been able to bring together groups of all different beliefs to promote one common cause: Affordable Housing. Under my leadership as Chair of the Assembly's Housing Committee, I addressed and legislated on issues ranging from rent to loft law protections.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
As your Councilman, I will continue to fight for the important things in this community: access to job training and employment programs, improve our education system, and delivering services that will better our environment. Moreover, for too long we have been ignored in City Hall. We need a Council representative that will bring more services to our community. I will work to build on the coalitions that I have created throughout Brooklyn and extend these services to Ridgewood.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
In the 1970's Bushwick was on it's knees as it burned. For weeks I met with community leaders day and night to organize Bushwick and bring the community to where it is today. My reputation as a tough advocate has earned me some critics, but I know that the work that I have done speaks volumes for Bushwick. I will bring that toughness to City Hall to ensure that our daycare centers maintain their doors open, that the schools in Williamsburg get equal funding and that Ridgewood isn't ignored.
Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.
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