2013 Voter Guide

Candidates for 29th City Council District

Jon Torodash
Civic Virtue

Party Enrolled In: Independent

Current Occupation: Software engineer, educator, small business owner

Previous Occupation(s): n/a

Education: Stuyvesant HS, Trinity College, Vanderbilt University, Queens College

Organizational Affiliations: triumphofcivicvirtue.org, Rego Forest Preservation Council, MacDonald Park Stewardship, Curtis Residence Cooperative, Phi Beta Kappa

Prior Public Experience: Various

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

Many in district 29 are concerned that our neighborhood's attractive qualities such as safe, well-kept green streets, adequate transportation and parking, middle class housing, good schools, and a rich sense of history, may be at risk. I seek to bring greater public involvement and civic awareness to these issues.

 

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

The city struggles with tremendous financial challenges that affect every aspect of public life. It's not that we lack the revenue. Rampant misallocation has resulted in and continues to threaten the closure of hospitals, libraries, senior centers, and bus lines. Inadequate operations money has left our parks neglected, streets in disrepair, streets not policed, and schools overcrowded. I aim to free up billions by tackling waste and fraud in the city's contract system. We pay for a functioning city, and are denied it.

 

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

I have local roots, having been born and raised in Forest Hills, and now live in Kew Gardens. I am a completely independent candidate, running because the continual negligence, ineptitude, and corruption in local politics have reached a feverish pitch, and one must take a stand. I am inspired to do my part to restore open and honest government that is responsive to the people. I have no conflicts of interest in the pursuit of public office, and working in a high-demand private sector industry, I am unafraid of reprisal in the effort to stamp out corruption and secure just governance. As a technologist, teacher, and small businessman, I bring a capacity to understand a wider variety of issues than many other candidates.

 

Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the Campaign Finance Program.

 

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Party Key
  • CV = Civic Virtue
  • D = Democratic
  • WF = Working Families