2nd City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

Democratic

Michael Beys

Darren S. Bloch

Joan J. Brightharp

Brian Kavanagh

Rosie Mendez

Christopher J. Papajohn

Gur Tsabar

Darren S. Bloch

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: Self-employed consultant

Occupational background: Served as Legislative and Budget Analyst for NYC Council, manager for several local and countywide Democratic campaigns, Chief of Staff to the Nassau County Legislature, and worked for two years as a community and government liaison for Con Edison of New York

Educational background: Product of New York City’s public school system, having attended P.S. 183 and Wagner Junior High School; I received my B.A. from Middlebury College and a law degree from New York Law School

Organizational affiliations: Member of Community Board 6, Advisory Board Member of Brooklyn Legal Services Corp A, volunteer teacher with the New York Civil Rights Coalition

Prior public experience: Current Member of Community Board 6

Email: info@blochforcouncil.com

Web site: www.blochforcouncil.com

 

 

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 2 you would address if elected?

Affordable housing and smart development are the most important issues facing our community. We live in one of the most dynamic areas of the City. Just a few years ago, we were ignored by developers and real estate investors. Now, we have the reverse problem – developers are swarming over our neighborhoods looking to sweep up any property they can. We need a plan built from a smart community-based strategy, an advocate to make sure every party follows that plan, and we need a representative who has the experience and energy to see this plan implemented.

 

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

As our area continues to grow and change, it is essential that we work to insure that every neighborhood in our District – from Grand Street and the Lower East Side to Gramercy Park and Murray Hill – receive the resources and attention they deserve. Our neighborhoods require increased support for senior services, after-school programs, open space and affordable housing; and we need to create initiatives that work to preserve the fabric of our communities while also embracing new opportunities that are available.

 

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

I believe that, despite all we love about this city, there are real problems that require a new type of leadership and energy. As a lifelong resident of the East side of Manhattan and as someone with over 12 years of experience in local government and politics, I have the experience and knowledge to overcome the challenges we face. But it’s going to take more than experience and a plan to confront these issues and I have shown time and again the tireless drive to work day in and day out solving the problems facing our area. In short, I believe I’m the only candidate in this race with the experience, vision and energy to bring attention and results to every neighborhood in our area.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

 

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