Our community needs a Councilmember who is truly independent and who has a proven record of getting real results for New Yorkers. We need a Councilmember who has demonstrated that he or she is not afraid to stand up and make government do the right thing.

For 20 years as a community lawyer at Legal Aid, I have successfully stood up for New Yorkers. I have helped literally thousands of individuals get the government services that they need, including senior citizens, survivors of domestic violence, tenants, disabled children and adults, and other vulnerable New Yorkers. When individuals have had common problems, I have successfully fought for the whole community. For example, when the City proposed to close the Baltic Street community center for disabled persons, senior citizens, and children and replace it with an unnecessary shelter, I stopped that misguided plan in court. I have also represented community residents before the City Council and the State Legislature and gotten laws passed and millions of dollars allocated for government services in the areas of housing, health care, social services, and assistance for senior citizens. As the Deputy Attorney-in-Charge of Legal Aid’s Civil Division, I have responsibility for running a large and complex organization that provides legal help in more than 20,000 cases each year and protects the rights of all New Yorkers.

I have a 20-year record of leadership. I have been and will be an effective force for positive change. This is our chance to make a real difference in who our Councilmembers are and what the City Council can do for us. Let’s make a difference together — please help me with your vote.

(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)