39th City Council District

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 39 you would address if elected?

The economic crisis. We are at a crossroads in NYC: we can work with our partners at the state and federal level to make the necessary investments in transit, education, sewers and power infrastructure to put NYC on a sound footing, or repeat the mistakes of the 1970s. With these investments we can turn this crisis into an opportunity and put people to work building a sustainable future, similar to the WPA in the 1930s.

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

Invest in universal pre-k and smaller class sizes. Implement the Ravitch Plan at the state level to keep transit fares low. Preserve neighborhoods with contextual zoning. Reform the DOB. Fund senior centers to maintain services. Eliminate illegal curb cuts and mandate "complete streets" planning at DOT. Increase mileage of separated bike paths and greenways. Retrofit existing buildings to reduce emissions and runoff. Change the way we do economic development; NYC should create the conditions to attract development, rather than create sweetheart deals for favored developers.

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

I started this race as an advocate for better transit and planning practices, dedicating my time to serve our community. I will devote that same tireless passion to serving our district as your councilman. Given my background and the economic and environmental problems this district faces, I am uniquely suited to serve at this critical juncture. If elected, I pledge to work full time on the Council, foregoing any outside work. And because of the grassroots campaign we have run, I answer to no one but the people of the 39th District. Vote for Gary Reilly on September 15th.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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