Manhattan Borough President

 

CANDIDATES

Democratic

Brian V. Ellner

Adriano Espaillat

Margarita López

Carlos Manzano

Stanley E. Michels

Eva Moskowitz

Bill Perkins

Scott Stringer

Keith L.T. Wright

Adriano Espaillat

Democratic

Party enrolled in: Democratic

Occupation: New York State Assemblyman - 72nd District

Occupational background: In 1996, Adriano Espaillat became the first Dominican-American elected to a State House in the United States. He represents the 72nd Assembly District, which encompasses Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill in Upper Manhattan. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Adriano was the Director of Project Right Start, a national initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to combat substance abuse by educating the parents of pre-school children. This pilot program has now been implemented in six cities throughout the country and in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Educational background: B.S. degree in Political Science from Queens College

Organizational affiliations: Dominican Business Roundtable

Prior public experience: New York Criminal Justice Agency, District Leader, Member of Community Planning Board 12

Email: info@espaillat2005.com

Web site: www.espaillat2005.com

 

 

1. What is the most important issue in Manhattan you would address if elected?

If elected my number one priority will be affordable housing. Residents in Manhattan continue to be priced out of their neighborhoods. I will use capital funds to substantially increase affordable housing for a range of mixed income families. I will work to protect the economic and social diversity of our borough. I believe that anyone working in Manhattan should be able to afford to live in Manhattan. I will also allocate more funding for legal services to protect Manhattan tenants. Many people are being taken advantage of because they don’t know their rights.

 

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

As Borough President, I will continue to fight for an equitable education for all New York City children. These efforts will include reduced class sizes, increased funding for after-school programs and great resources for staff development. I will push for more teacher training and increased parental and community involvement. Furthermore, we must substantially upgrade the quality of classroom instruction. I will also work very hard on issues like transportation and job creation.

 

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

I have built my career by standing up for those who don’t have a voice. I believe that in one of the richest cities in the world, all people in Manhattan should enjoy a decent standard of living. Throughout my tenure in the Assembly, I have worked successfully to improve education, create affordable housing, rehabilitate our subways, protect victims of domestic violence and beautify our local parks. I have been an effective coalition builder and have a unique understanding of how city government works. I believe that I can take my experience and use it to help create a better Manhattan.

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

 

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