O’Donovan
was the first Vietnam veteran elected to the
Council. A U.S. Marine Corps Captain and advisor to
the South Vietnam Marines, he was awarded two Bronze
Stars and Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.
O’Donovan passed legislation that ended the fare on
the Staten Island Ferry, and was pivotal as sponsor
of the city’s law which closed the Fresh Kills
Landfill. He fought to pass the “Safe Streets/Safe
City” law, putting thousands more police on our
streets.
Chairing the Economic Development Committee, he used
his authority to stimulate compatible economic
development on the Island, while guiding legislation
to promote small business. He sponsored legislation
for tax exemptions for veterans, and to freeze
property tax rates.
O’Donovan provided funding to build new schools and
fought to pass the multi-year, $1.4 billion school
reconstruction fund. He provided funding for
computer labs in every school in his district, and
advanced a school-seat certification plan to help
end overcrowding.
No one fights with more conviction to control
over-development on Staten Island. O’Donovan
proposed the creation of a Master Plan for Staten
Island that will control development, assess
infrastructure needs, like schools and firehouses,
protect open spaces, and preserve the character of
our neighborhoods.
O’Donovan led the fight to reduce the express bus
fare and is leading the fight to bring more express
service to the South Shore.
As Borough President, O’Donovan will continue his
mission to control over-development, and return the
decision-making process to local input.
O’Donovan has been endorsed for Borough President by
the Democratic Party, Working Families Party, and
many labor and civic organizations.
(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)
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