As your City Council Member, I have kept my commitment to save services in our community, in spite the worst fiscal crises since the 1970’s.

I have worked to save programs at Senior Centers. I have stood my ground against proposals to reduce childcare services. I secured funding for renovating High Bridge Recreational Center, to provide after school and weekend programs for our young people. I obtained funding for the expansion of early head start programs, and I have kept my promise to fight domestic violence by funding programs that provide counseling and job training to victims.

I have worked tirelessly to bring jobs back to our community, initiating the development of a five-story parking facility and retail development that will provide 100 permanent jobs, and attract national corporations such as Staples and Bally’s. I also have worked closely with the developers of the new Target Mall at 225th Street to ensure jobs will be offered to local residents.

I am proud of my legislative record. I am a prime sponsor of the Displaced Workers Bill and the Minimum Wage Bill, which protect the rights of working men and women. I sponsored the Predatory Lending Bill, which protects banks from going into low-income neighborhoods to charge higher interest rates than in other communities. I introduced legislation that will address the disparities that exist in the Rent Guideline Board when determining rent increases.

Still, we have much work ahead of us to continue improving the quality of life of my neighbors and that of all New Yorkers. We must focus on the new education reform plan in our public schools to guarantee the best education to our children. That is why I seek to continue to represent the Washington Heights, Inwood, and Marble Hill communities.


(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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