19th City Council District

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 19 you would address if elected?

As our families, friends and neighbors move into their golden years, many are finding it increasingly difficult to afford their homes. Property taxes, electric and heating bills are too expensive for seniors on fixed incomes. These expenses should not be out of reach for our retirees. I will fight for both new programs that help seniors and to expand existing programs that show positive results, like SCRIE and HEAP.

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

I would have a multi-pronged approach to the property taxes and over-development that threaten to corrode our neighborhoods. Implementing a property tax cap, reevaluating the assessment methods used by the Department of Finance to determine property values, and increasing fines issued by the Department of Buildings to reckless developers are some of tools I would support to save the residential character of our community. Not only would these measures help the middle class and preserve our quality of life, they would help the local economy by putting more money into the hands of consumers -- stimulating the economy and leading to job growth. Education is another vital issue. I support creating a more localized school system that puts parents and teachers in the driver's seat. We must change the current system that centralizes all authority into the hands of the mayor and his chancellor.

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

I have lived in Flushing my entire life and fully understand the concerns that face our neighborhood. As the only candidate in my race with a military background, my commitment to public service is unmatched. Since being paralyzed, I have earned my degrees and have been an advocate for disabled veterans, chairing the board of the United Spinal Association and overseeing its annual multi-million dollar budget.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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