1. What is the most important issue in Council District 22 you would address if elected?

The average person in District 22 (and throughout the city) just doesn’t have enough power and influence over what City government does. Every other issue –whether it be quality of life matters such as cleaner, safer, quieter streets, or dollars-and-cents issues such as regulation of the skyrocketing rents in Astoria – depends on this one issue of community involvement.

If elected, I will hold regular, well-publicized meetings in different neighborhoods around Astoria. In the long run, I would like this to lead to the establishment of an elected "Community Council" in District 22 that will give the average resident more direct say-so in making City laws and policies.

2. What other important issues would you address if elected?

Since 2001 I have proposed revamping the Rent Guidelines Board to give much more representation to tenants. I want to see economic development – including small business loans – in deprived neighborhoods such as Astoria Houses and the 14th Street area. I am calling for extensive tax reform – lowering and equalizing property taxes, restoring the Stock Transfer Tax, and enacting a surtax on income over $200,000.

I advocate changes in New York State law to make our city a more fair and democratic place to live. Since 2001 I have supported allowing documented non-citizens to vote in local elections, as well as enacting equal marriage laws for same-sex couples. I also favor the complete abolition of the Rockefeller drug laws, which disproportionately punish poor people, especially African-Americans and Latinos.

3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?

I want to be a “hands-on” City Councilmember and reach out to all the residents of Astoria. My opponent, Peter Vallone Jr., has taken large contributions from big real estate developers – and it shows. Since Vallone came to office in 2002, banks and high-rent housing have been pushing out affordable housing and small businesses. In general, I will be much more in touch with the people of Astoria, and will regularly consult them on issues that directly affect them.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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PARTY KEY
C = Conservative D = Democratic EP = Education Party G = Green I = Independence L = Liberal	LBT = Libertarian R = Republican REB = Rebuild Party REF = Reform Party RNY = Reform Pary of N.Y. Party RTD = Rent is Too Damn High Party	SCS = Smaller Class Size Party SW = Socialist Workers Party VOP = Voice of the People WF = Working Families WVP = War Veterans Party