Today I work as a Civil Rights Attorney who goes to Court to protect tenants from unfair eviction, and to fight for equal pay for women and for marriage equality. But I grew up a latch key kid in upstate New York. I spent many an afternoon in a publicly funded after school programs taking part in marching band practice, high school sports, or preparing four our school’s annual musicals.
I was only able to complete my bachelors’ and master’s degree and go on to study law, because of government funded educational opportunity programs that I took part in. Many of my mentors are teachers I studied with in public school and met along the way.
The fact is, that without the public education and government programs that existed, I would not be who I am today.
This is a big part of why government is so important to me, and why I believe in its ability to empower people. But in order for government to positively impact our lives, it must function properly. At the core of this, is the belief that those in positions of power are here to serve us, not the other way around.
That is why in 2009, when term limits were extended, I stayed in the race for City Council. I ran a strong, principled campaign, I stood up and spoke the truth, and I won a third of the votes in a three way race against arguably one of the most powerful Democrats in NYC.
Then in 2010, when our only hospital was shut down to build massive luxury condominiums, some told us not to try to do anything about it. It was a done deal and there would be repercussions if we didn’t stop. Again, I showed courage and principle centered leadership and stood up to some of the most powerful interests in this City, because it was the right thing to do for my community.
We got there too late to stop the closure, but working for 3 years we have gotten the NYS Department of Health to admit that by law there must be a hospital at the site of St. Vincent’s. We have also helped other communities fight to save their hospitals. When I get to City Council, job number one will be to continue this fight to restore a level 1 hospital for our community.
I dared to run even though term limits were extended, and I didn’t give up on the fight for a hospital. This has upset some. But if you look at my work, and read the record, you will see, I have always demonstrated respect for those in power while unapologetically standing up for the rest of us. And in doing so, I have helped win important victories for my community. This is the work I will continue to do in City Council.
In this upcoming election, our community is tasked with a choice: Do we appease the powers that be, or do we try something new, and elect someone who is one of us because of their proven record of standing up for us?
To me the answer is clear. If we want something different, we have to do something different.
I am running because our community needs someone who will be there for us, even when the special interests line up against us. That is what I did when term limits were extended, that is what I did when St. Vincent’s hospital closed, and that is what I will do as your next City Councilmember.
