Since 1999, I have had the honor of serving as your Council Member. In that time, I have worked every day for my constituents and for this city. As Chair of the Education Committee, I have taken tough, independent stands on issues such as support for Mayoral Control, led dozens of capital improvement campaigns, and funded every public school in my district. I fought for high academic standards and after a three-year battle with the Board of Ed, succeeded in creating the first new high school on the East Side in 30 years. I also authored the School Construction Accountability Act to hold the School Construction Authority accountable for delays and cost overruns.

I have authored seven city laws, including The Paperwork Reduction Act, which will greatly reduce bureaucratic red-tape. The Citizens Budget Commission estimates it will save the city $200 million annually. The Council also passed my Rape Survivor’s Defense Act, which ensures rape victims have access to emergency contraception and the Health Care Mobilization Act, which requires City agencies inform the public about health insurance programs.

Having grown up in a rent-regulated apartment, I know the value of affordable housing. That is why I have supported over a dozen pieces of legislation to strengthen our rent laws and to protect tenant rights. Dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout the city, I authored the Sidewalk Safety and Beautification Act to improve our streets by regulating the placement and maintenance of newspaper boxes. I have also devoted resources to East Side Parks, such as St. Vartan’s, Stuy Cove and Samuel Seabury parks.

With your support this fall, I hope to continue my work to build a better New York.




(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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