1. What is the most important issue in the city you would address if elected?

Education: A good education opened the doors of opportunity for me. I want our children to have the same benefit. I’ll work with unions and provide leadership to settle contracts, gain efficiencies, and reduce class size. I will launch early education programs, transform our middle schools and engage parents. To prepare students for tomorrow’s careers, I will create career education programs that begin in high school and continue through college. I joined the lawsuit to get full funding from Albany, and I’ll take that fight to the finish line.

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

Jobs: It’s time to tackle chronic unemployment and help small and midsize companies. I will bring fairness in city contracting for minority and women owned businesses. My priorities include rebuilding lower Manhattan, revitalizing business centers in all boroughs, and attracting growth industry jobs.

Affordable Housing: We are being priced out of our city. My plan to build 100,000 affordable apartments in ten years – and preserve 80,000 more – requires developers to create affordable housing in rezoned areas. I will develop vacant city owned land and put housing instead of a stadium on Manhattan’s Westside. I’ll fight to repeal state laws that cost us 7,000 rent stabilized units annually.

Seniors: We must help seniors live in dignity and independence. My “Aging in Place” plan will provide services to seniors in their own homes, keeping many out of nursing homes and reducing Medicaid costs, and expand affordable housing for seniors.

Visit my website for plans on health care, budget and tax reform programs, which can save money by reducing the cost of Medicaid and debt service.

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

I am the most experienced candidate. I will focus on priorities that affect our daily lives. I’m proud the New York Times called me a “consensus builder.” My journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, at 17 when I marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I devoted my life to improving social conditions and fighting intolerance, and I want to make New York the best city to raise a child. I will put my passion, knowledge, and experience to work for all New Yorkers.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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