In my first year representing Staten Island’s North Shore, I have accomplished many of the things that I set out to do. Without question, the most pressing issue for all Staten Islanders is keeping the gates to the Fresh Kills Landfill locked. As Chairperson of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, I have led the fight to force the Administration to develop and implement a trash plan that is environmentally sound, fiscally prudent, and fair to all neighborhoods. The now agreed to Marine Transfer Station plan will accomplish this. In addition, I have successfully argued to keep and improve recycling as well as twice a week trash pick-up in the outer boroughs.

In addition, I won the battle to keep current levels of Staten Island Ferry service in place. Although, the City must reduce expenses I believe that basic services like the ferries, garbage pick-up, police, fire, and education must remain in place.

Locally, I continue to lead the battle to bring unplanned development under control. I am advocating legislation and planning that will help Staten Islanders plan for the future and fight against sprawling construction, horrendous traffic, and overburdened schools and infrastructure. Moreover, I have put in place a ten million dollar capital plan that will relieve school overcrowding in four schools and effectively create nine hundred new and improved school seats. We have brought government to the people by holding numerous town hall meetings and issue oriented meetings among civic leaders and City Commissioners. My staff has earned an impeccable reputation for dealing with thousands of constituent requests.

I believe we have accomplished very much in a short time and I look forward to tackling many of the other issues facing my District.


(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

View Candidate Statement Disclaimer