2013 Voter Guide

Candidates for 37th City Council District

Candidate
* If there is an asterisk next to a candidate's name, s/he did not submit a profile or record a video.
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Rafael L. Espinal Jr.
Democratic

Party Enrolled In: Democratic

Current Occupation: Assembly Member, 54th District (Cypress Hills, Bushwick, ENY, Citi-line, and Bed-Stuy)

Previous Occupation(s): ESL Teacher, Chief of Staff to City Councilman Erik Martin Dilan

Education: Graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School and earned a Bachelor's in English at Queens College

Organizational Affiliations: Parishioner of St. Rita's Church and member of the 54th Democratic Club

Prior Public Experience: Served as Chief of Staff to City Councilman Erik Martin Dilan

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 37 you would address if elected?

The most important issue I would address if elected to the City Council is the immense need for better education. Coming from a working immigrant family, as well as previously being an educator to children with similar stories as myself, I believe that the best way to brighten the future of our great city is by enhancing educational opportunities for all.

 

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

Other important issues that need to be addressed include protecting day-care centers, senior centers and after-school programs from budget cuts. I also want to raise awareness about and support free local screenings for fatal diseases such as Cancer, HIV and Diabetes.

 

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

I believe I am the best candidate for this office because I believe that with the right resources all men, women and children can thrive in Brooklyn. Being that I was born and raised in the district, I know first hand the struggle of the average New Yorker and I believe I can continue to address these issues with the passion, and the dedication that this position requires to help my constituents. I have a proven track record of getting results stemming from my time as a member of the New York State Assembly and look to bringing my experience to the City Council.

 

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

 

This Guide lists all candidates who appear to be on the ballot for the general election based on the latest information obtained from the New York City Board of Elections, even if a candidate did not submit a profile or record a video for the Guide. Profiles and video scripts were submitted to the CFB by the candidates and are reprinted as supplied, except in the case of egregious errors and minor formatting issues, which may be corrected by the CFB. Videos appearing in this Guide were recorded and approved for broadcast by the candidates. All the candidates have affirmed under penalty of perjury that the information in their profiles and videos is true to the best of their knowledge. Website and social media links were supplied by the candidates. The CFB is not responsible for non-working links, although it does correct or remove them to the extent practicable. The CFB removes links that are not campaign-related.

The views expressed in the candidate profiles, videos, and linked materials do not represent those of the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

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Party Key
  • C = Conservative
  • D = Democratic
  • WF = Working Families