Manhattan Borough President

1. What is the most important issue in Manhattan you would address if elected?

The top issue on my agenda will be Manhattan public schools. There has been progress. Mayoral control of the schools has produced welcome improvements in English and math test scores. And by using the urban planning expertise of my office, I have made sure that new schools are being built in the Manhattan neighborhoods where they are needed most. But there is much unfinished work ahead. High school graduation rates in New York City are still shameful, and parents are too often shut out. When schools fail, families abandon New York City for the suburbs, and the city suffers in countless ways. Continued progress on public school education is essential not only for the economic futures of our children, but also for the economic future of our borough and our city. It is job one.

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

I will work every day to lift Manhattan out of this historic recession by using the full power of my office to help create jobs, support small business, and diversify the city economy beyond Wall Street. Progress on neighborhood crime and quality of life must not be reversed because of economic and budget pressures. The successes I have achieved in keeping New Yorkers safe must be preserved, from reforming regulation of construction sites to fixing dangerous elevators in public housing developments. I will continue to work to make New York City the greenest and healthiest city in the nation.

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

I was born in Washington Heights, lived my entire life in Manhattan, and have made public service my career. For the past four years, I have proudly served as Manhattan Borough President. I know what New Yorkers care about, and I know how to use the office of Borough President to meet the needs of New Yorkers. During these challenging times, New Yorkers should expect more from their elected officials than ever before. If privileged to serve a second term, my mission will be to meet and exceed those expectations.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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