Endorsed by: Rev. Al Sharpton, President- National Action Network; Roger Toussaint, President -Transport Workers Union, Local 100.

I have led the battle against police brutality and racial profiling by representing Abner Louima, Nicholas Heyward Sr. and as the first lawyer on the case of the New Jersey Turnpike police shooting that sparked the racial profiling debate.

I have struggled for educational reform, pre- and after-school programs. For many years, I have fought for a living wage, universal health insurance, affordable housing, jobs and community economic empowerment.

A quality Education is the gateway to personal development and economic opportunity. Youth Empowerment through headstart, after-school programs and summer employment will augment public education in the preparation of our youth for learning and maintaining educational focus during the course of their education.

Criminal Justice Reform must be undertaken in order to eradicate the institutional plague that spawns police brutality and the criminalization of the urban poor and immigrant population. The NYC Council must create programs to offer meaningful job opportunities as a methodology for youth development and crime reduction.

Economic Development is much more than minimum wage job creation. Real economic development is local and community ownership. Contractor-training programs must be developed to assist local entrepreneurs in contract acquisition/management. The Council must create incentives to promote partnerships between major and local business entities to further the cause of community-based ownership.

To be productive we must have places to live. NYC must create a minimum of 200,000 new units of Affordable Housing. In addition, HPD must give tenants the opportunity to own and manage buildings where the tenants have demonstrated that ability. The council must investigate and eliminate corruption in the awarding of HPD management contracts.

Initiation of innovative programs targeting independent and assisted-living, meals, healthcare, transportation and safety issues to improve the quality of life of our Senior Citizens.

Carl W. Thomas cares about you!


(Statement reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)