Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: Candidate for the 35th Council District
Previous Occupation(s): NYC Council, Chief of Staff and Legislative & Budget Director; SEIU 1199, New Organizing
Education: UCLA, M.A. 1995; University of Michigan, B.A, 1993, Vassar College 1989-91, & Brearley School, 1989.
Organizational Affiliations: Brooklyn Community Board 8 Member and Chair, Environmental/Sanitation committee; President, Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Prior Public Experience: County Committee Member, Kings County Democratic Party 2010-2014
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 35 you would address if elected?
Affordable housing: advocate redefining "affordable" so families earning $30,000 to $50,000 can afford to live here, increase the number of units developers are required to set aside as affordable from 20% to 50%, build for families not just studio and one bedroom units, build 202 housing for seniors and bring 2500 new units of affordable housing to the 35th district in my first term. Support mandatory inclusionary zoning to ensure affordable housing is evenly distributed across the district, home rule to bring housing laws back to NYC Council not the State Legislature, and limiting the loss of rent stabilized/controlled apartments.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
Jobs: Bring light manufacturing to the 35th District for more jobs, create more office spaces to attract small businesses, and implement new technology incubators. Small business: eliminate/reduce convenience fees and fines, set up a revolving loan fund, and create a fund for seed money for start ups. Education: Stop school closings and provide more funds. Transit: Advocate for more bus service in Brooklyn. Seniors: increase funding for senior centers.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
Six years experience in the City Council distinguishes me from my opponents and will enable me to bring resources to the 35th District to solve basic problems such as the lack of affordable housing and quality education, unemployment and limited support for small businesses.
Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.
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