29th City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

Democratic

Heidi Harrison Chain no photo Michael Cohen Melquiades Gagarin

Heidi Harrison Chain

Albert Cohen*

Michael Cohen

Melquiades Gagarin

Karen Koslowitz Lynn Schulman

Karen Koslowitz

Lynn Schulman

Melquiades Gagarin

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: Media Manager

Occupational background: Media Manager NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Aide to US Rep. Anthony Weiner, Communications Director NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano, Board Liaison National Foundation for Women Legislators

Educational background: BA, Political Science from the American University, Graduate of AU's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies' Campaign Management Institute, Archbishop Molloy High School

Organizational affiliations: National Association of Black Journalists, NYS Young Democrats, Queens County Young Democrats, Stonewall Democrats of NYC, Kew Gardens Improvement Association

Prior public experience: See above

Email: gagarin2009@gmail.com

Website: http://www.GAGARIN2009.com

Email & Website links were provided by the candidate.

 

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 29 you would address if elected?

Overdevelopment has threatened the quality of life and the future of our neighborhoods. I will protect our community by introducing legislation that will bring as-of-right development under a process involving the community so that we have a voice in determining our future. I will also ensure that developers contracting with the city are meeting the latest green standards to protect our environment, and that we invest in our aging infrastructure to tackle the flooding problems plaguing our community.

 

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

I will advocate for our seniors so that they are not left behind. I will fight to protect vital funding to programs and services our seniors rely on. As a parent education is a top priority for me. Class size is being threatened at every grade level across our city and our schools are becoming dangerously overcrowded. I will work to ensure that the city is meeting its obligations to reduce class size so all our children are receiving a sound and quality education. Businesses in our district are hurting. I am committed to assisting community based businesses and working towards the creation of innovative green collar jobs to help bolster our struggling economy.

 

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

Born and raised in the neighborhoods of the 29th, and now raising a family of my own here, I am personally invested in the future of our community. I have always been dedicated to public service, and my experience in government has prepared me to be the advocate our community needs. I offer new ideas, new energy, and a clean break from conventional city politics.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)


Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.

 

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