1. What is the most important issue in Council District 13 you would address if elected?

The educational system, despite Mayor Bloomberg’s proclamation that the elimination of 110 Livingston Street misfits and the appointment of a feisty school chancellor, would resolve all of the problems in the school system, has not been achieved.

The courts have ruled that more money is needed for city’s schools to be distributed fairly. City Hall must be vocal for more money from Albany. I will fight City Hall and Albany politicians who have denied our children their fair-share of taxpayer’s money plowed into educational resources for our children. In addition, parents and their children should have the right to take – educational money (vouchers) – to any school without any drain on the educational system. Albany’s educational funding is based on students not schools.

Therefore, if a school is failing a child, that child should have the option to take money to another school. That is why I support charter schools (for all children) as a means of balancing a failing public school system. Parents should always have the right to decide, justifiable so, where their children are best served for a good education. I will fight for that right.

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

Taxes. The 18.5% property tax increase became almost a 22% which Mayor Bloomberg saddled the homeowners, condos, co-op, and renters. It also hit the mom-pop store owners, who were forced to increase prices on basic foods items. I will fight City Hall to give a full taxpayer rebate, due to the almost 1 billion dollar surplus in the city’s coffers. I will fight for a 50% reduction on all parking tickets and increase fines for graffiti laws.

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

I am completely INDEPENDENT from any deals with political-bosses. I will be vigilant in guarding the highest quality-of-life that our residents have worked so hard to achieve.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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