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2009 NYC Voter Guide: Candidate Profile: Melissa Mark-Viverito

8th City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

Melissa Mark-Viverito    

Melissa Mark-Viverito
[ D, WF ]

   
This candidate is running unopposed.

Melissa Mark-Viverito

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: New York City Council Member

Occupational background: Strategic Organizer with 1199 SEIU; Director, Hispanic Education and Legal Fund

Educational background: B.A., Columbia College, Columbia University, 1991; M.P.A., Baruch College, C.U.N.Y, 1995

Organizational affiliations: Women of El Barrio, Todo Nueva York con Vieques

Prior public experience: Community Boards 2 and 11

Email: viverito2009@aol.com

Website: http://www.melissaforcitycouncil.com

Email & Website links were provided by the candidate.

 

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 8 you would address if elected?

Lack of affordable housing is the primary problem facing residents of this district. In response I passed historic legislation to protect tenants from landlord harassment and I led the fight to restore $18 million to NYCHA to keep community centers open.

If re-elected I will continue to address housing needs of poor and middle income residents through legislation, and by favoring development projects that take optimal advantage of subsidy programs that yield affordable apartments for our community.

 

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

High asthma rates in East Harlem and Mott Haven continue to plague this district. I have fought for a reduction in MTA bus emissions and DOT traffic rerouting to decrease air pollutants. I will continue to fight for further emissions reductions to improve air quality and to build a cleaner/greener community.

 

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

I understand our community's needs and have successfully addressed many of them.

Seniors: Our office collected more than 1,000 signatures opposing the Mayor's plan to close and consolidate senior centers around the City. Thanks in part to our community's advocacy; the Mayor was forced to rescind the plan. I will continue this kind of advocacy as Chair of the Subcommittee on Senior Centers.

Youth: My office formed the District 8 Youth Council (D8YC) to develop political acumen and foster leadership among young people. Other Council Districts are beginning to follow our lead. If re-elected I will continue these kinds of successful innovative projects.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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PARTY KEY
C = Conservative
D = Democratic
FJ = Freedom Justice
G = Green
I = Independence
JE = Jobs and Education
L = Liberal
LBT = Libertarian Party
NV = New Voice
P = Populist Party
PSL = Party for Socialism and Liberation
RTH* = Rent is Too High Party
R = Republican
SW = Socialist Workers Party
WF = Working Families

*Rent is Too Damn High was changed by the BOE to Rent is Too High after the printed Voter Guide had gone to press.