5th City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

Democratic

Eric A. Cesnik

Jessica S. Lappin

Dan Quart

George N. Spitz

   

Dan Quart

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: Attorney

Occupational background: An attorney in private practice, Dan has done extensive pro bono work, while also active in community organizations.

Educational background: York Preparatory High School; SUNY-Binghamton: BA; St. John’s University: JD

Organizational affiliations: Dan has served as a pro bono attorney since 2000. He is the pro bono attorney on behalf of the 1,003 apartment Eastwood complex on Roosevelt Island, as well as pro bono counsel for the Roosevelt Island Residents Association in their case against the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s building project in Octagon Park. In addition, Dan is a tutor with the Learning Leaders program, working with disadvantaged students. He has been an Executive Committee member of the Lexington Democratic Club since 2000, serving as a Campaign Committee Chair and Forums Chair.

Prior public experience: Dan has been a member of Community Board 8 for the past 5 years, serving as Transportation Committee Co-chair for the last 3 years and most recently as 2nd Avenue Subway Task Force Chair.

Email: Quart4Council@danquart.com

Web site: www.danquart.com

 

 

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 5 you would address if elected?

The most imperative issue in New York City is the shortage of affordable housing. For the last five years, I have taken pro bono legal cases on behalf of tenants facing eviction. I want to take this commitment to affordable housing and tenant rights the City Council. I will support the Tenant Empowerment Act, provide greater incentives for landlords to maintain affordable housing units, and organize housing forums to keep tenants informed about changes in housing law and their rights as tenants.

 

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

My commitment to public education is based on my own life experience; my mother, father, and sister are all members of the United Federation of Teachers. I will work to reduce class sizes, enhance teacher quality and retention, and enforce standards and accountability in our public school system. I will also prioritize transportation issues as a Council member. In the Council I will advocate for a full-length 2nd Avenue Subway line, seek more efficient bus and ferry service, and fight against the MTA’s reduction of bus service and reliance on articulated buses.

 

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

The type of campaign I am running speaks to the type of Council Member I will be. My campaign is being run from our neighborhood, not from City Hall. I have been knocking on doors and standing on street corners, earning my neighbors’ support one person at a time. When elected to the City Council, I will never stop being an advocate for our community, and I will always be here to listen to the concerns and ideas of my neighbors on the East Side and Roosevelt Island.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

 

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