I believe the new City Council should consist of progressive members with wide ranging life experience. As a small business owner, progressive community activist, and longtime member of TWO Community Boards, I have the kind of diverse background that can represent both the 39th district and our city best.

I’m a walking testament to the best of New York’s public school system — I could not be where I am today without the influence of our teachers. But today, too few who enter high school actually graduate and many who do graduate are ill-qualified for today’s job or college-entrance requirements. Our next City Councilmember can’t single-handedly reduce class size, raise teacher salaries, or repair crumbling schools — but he or she can work to make education our city’s highest priority.

I’ll work to make our transit systems better. The TA must keep pace with the city’s growth. Replacing the Gowanus Expressway with a “tunnel alternative” will enhance our neighborhoods and improve traffic.

Cleaning up the Gowanus Canal will anchor a rebirth in South Brooklyn; maintaining a “1% for Parks” in the city budget will help support Prospect Park.

Tax cuts and incentives should benefit those that need them most — not large corporations or the wealthy.

Term limits will change the culture at City Hall — but replacing one set of lawyers for another is no improvement. My roots in the Brooklyn community, my experience solving local problems, my understanding of small-businesses and almost 30 years working for progressive Democratic candidates and causes will allow me to make a unique contribution to the new government.

Endorsed by: Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Martin Connor, Local One ALA.

(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)