45th City Council District

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 45 you would address if elected?

Affordable housing is a vital issue for our community. Too many families face foreclosure, and home prices and rents are still sky-high. Our district includes middle and working-class families who have lived here for generations, immigrants who have recently arrived, and everyone in between. None should be forced to leave because they can't afford a home or apartment here. I've spent 10 years working as an organizer for affordable housing and renters' rights - fighting to keep costs down and pass laws to prevent foreclosures. I'll continue that fight on the City Council.

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

We must provide real opportunities for the youth who are our future, and the best possible care for our elders. On the City Council, I will push to give parents a stronger voice in education, reduce school crowding by building schools on underused land, and expand after-school programs to keep our kids on the right track. To protect the quality of life of older New Yorkers, I will work to keep senior centers open and expand programs that help seniors with prescription drugs, rent, and heating bills.

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

Now that we have a community organizer in the White House, we must have one in City Hall. I'm a first-generation Caribbean American, born and raised in this community and educated in New York City public schools. I have devoted my career to serving and standing up for families who want to be able to live here affordably, safely, and comfortably. For too long, our city councilmembers have listened to only to big landlords, developers, and donors while ignoring the people of their districts. After 15 years of grassroots organizing, I know first-hand what our community needs to grow stronger and succeed. I will put your needs first on the City Council.

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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