35th City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

Democratic

Samuel Eric Blackwell

Letitia James

  

Samuel Eric Blackwell

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: I am currently employed as an Adjunct University Professor of Public Policy, Urban Studies and Economic Development at Long Island University

Occupational background: Presently, I am an Adjunct Graduate School Professor at Long Island University. For the last ten years I have served as a Private Consultant to developers and organizations responsible for commercial revitalization and economic development in the Brooklyn area. For six years, I was the Owner and Publisher of The Fort Greene News, circulating ten thousand copies per month to the community. I have twenty years of dedication and growth with my community.

Educational background: PhD Candidate, MA in Urban Studies/Urban Planning at Long Island University; BA in Liberal Arts at Stony Brook University

Organizational affiliations: Co-founder Brooklyn United for Innovative Development (BUILD), Fort Greene Strategic Neighbor Action Partnership (SNAP), American Planning Association (APA), NAACP

Prior public experience: Elected Community School Board Member of the 13th District in 1993

Email: voteblackwell@mindspring.com

Web site: voteblackwell.com

 

 

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 35 you would address if elected?

The 35th District is one of the most racially and economically diverse districts in New York City. The issues range from intense gentrification to low performing schools. Thus, a need for sustainable development addressing senior and affordable housing would be the priority of my office. To that end, many socio-economic needs would be addressed with increased access to critical social services and coordination of service delivery including increasing home ownership and certificate programs for area youth.

 

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

As a former School Board Member, I know the important role education has in transforming lives. Expanding the role of our major Universities by creating the Downtown Brooklyn University Consortium will serve as an academic link between public education and Universities. Most importantly, by providing our children with access and opportunity to excel in higher education we increase the quality of life in the community.

 

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

As a life long resident and educator in the 35th district, I am intimately suited to improve the lives of my neighbors and friends. As a former elected official, I know first hand how to access government for the overall good of the constituency. Over the years I have created or Co-founded many of Downtown Brooklyn’s foremost organizations and services including: The Fort Greene News, Fort Greene SNAP and BUILD. The latter two continue to serve hundreds of local residents. I have the knowledge, vision and experience to draw on to be successful in this position and seek your support during this candidacy.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

 

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