13th City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

Democratic

Ismael Betancourt

Stephen B. Kaufman

Joe McManus

Egidio Joseph Sementilli

James Vacca

James Vacca

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: District Manager, Community Board #10

Occupational background: 30 years of activity and leadership in civic and community organizations in the Northeast Bronx, Adjunct Professor of Urban Studies at Monroe College and CUNY Queens College, Former President of Chippewa Democratic Club

Educational background: Masters in Urban Studies from Queens College, BA in Political Science from SUNY, Graduate of Christopher Columbus HS

Organizational affiliations: President of Northeast Bronx Senior Citizen Center, Member of St. Benedicts Council Knights of Columbus, Member of Throggs Neck Homeowners Association, Member of AFT Local 2334

Prior public experience: First time running for political office

Email: jimmy@vaccaforcouncil.com

Web site: www.VaccaforCouncil.com

 

 

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

As both a public school parent and an educator, I believe our schools are terribly under-funded, and would make improving our schools my number one priority. We have to increase academic performance, make our schools safe, reduce class size and expand guidance services and after-school programs. I want our schools to become the focal point of community life, and I want to make sure they fully prepare our kids for a life of success and opportunity.

 

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

We need to continue to protect our neighborhood from the threat of overdevelopment – a battle I’ve been fighting for years. Healthcare issues are critically important. I’ll work to reduce childhood asthma by increasing awareness and prevention programs. I’ll also fight to expand access to health insurance and make prescriptions more affordable. I want to increase the “Meals on Wheels” program for seniors and raise the income limits for the Senior Citizen Rent Exemption (SCRIE) program affecting senior tenants. On the City Council, I’ll make sure the MTA provides quality express bus service, protects worker rights, and maintains the current bus routes that are vital to many members of our community. And I’ll do everything possible to keep taxes down, especially for working and middle class families.

 

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

I believe I have the most diverse public and community experience of all the candidates. I am not a career politician, but I know how government works and I’ve spent the past 25 years helping parents, seniors, tenants and homeowners solve problems and get the city services they need. I have been an energetic and independent voice all of my life for the residents of our community, and can do even more for our community in the City Council. As Community Board District Manager, educator and advocate, I have the experience, and the block-by-block knowledge of our community, to get real results for us at City Hall and improve our quality of life. I hope I can earn your support on September 13th.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

 

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