I believe that the key to having a better district lies in the ability to have strong families because family is what gives our community strength. In order to accomplish my goal of making the 16th District a place for families I believe all of the issues below are crucial. Additionally I will always listen to my constituency, you, because only through fulfilling your needs will I truly be putting COMMUNITY FIRST.
The Issues:
- Education
- Affordable Housing
- Jobs and Economic Development
- Health
- Youth
- Senior Citizens
- Art and Culture
- Immigration
- Support for Organizations who want to help our community
The best way to secure the future of our community is by investing in our children's future via sound basic education. I will fight to protect funds and will stand up for what is right for our children. I commit to the following:
- Secure the establishment and expansion of head start and childcare programs for our children
- A transparent k-12 Department of Educational System. One that will allow parents to have a say in the development of their children's education
- The creation of an independent entity which will monitor and evaluate the overall functioning of the Department of Education
- Use of Federal Test Standards proven to work, not tests developed to simply make the Mayor's office look as if it is improving our children's education
- Smaller class sizes, better school facilities and a rich curriculum which highlights the values of our community
- Fair wages for low level school employees
- Increase access to higher education by preserving and expanding opportunities for low and middle income residents
We need leaders who understand the importance of affordable housing. I will ensure that residents are not priced out of our district. I will support laws which protect tenants and fight against disproportionate rent increase. Through protection and expansion of affordable housing I will ensure all families have a safe neighborhood to live in:
- Secure rent affordability for low and middle income families through rent stabilization laws which ensure continuity for residents, especially seniors
- Secure and support Section 8 and Mitchell Lama housing for the purpose of helping low income residents and families
- Stop "vacancy decontrol," so housing laws will not allow rent-stabilized apartments to be increased to market rate rent by greedy landlords
- Assist landlords in providing clean and safe buildings while holding them accountable for failure to do so
- Make sure that The Tenant Fair Chance Act passes so that we are given a fair opportunity to live in the buildings we choose
While we are thinking about creating new jobs we must remember to help ensure the small businesses which already exist do not have to close their doors. We must also advocate for fair wages and protect worker rights:
- Fight for the immediate implementation of the Small Business Survival Act which is designed to protect thousands of minority owned small businesses
- Provide access to educational programs intended to enrich our small business owners success
- Partner with local financial and governmental entities so our small businesses can grow and build together
- Help our merchants obtain minority owned business and state owned business certifications
- Protect worker rights and fair wages through the strengthening of unions and legislation which allows workers to be paid what they deserve
Healthcare is a right not a privilege. I am intent on fighting for quality health services for all. When someone needs medical attention they should not have to think twice about seeking help:
- I strongly support Universal Health Care Services and will keep this as a central part of my agenda
- Cleaner Public Hospitals with reduced wait times for patient care
- Access to public nutrition programs such as food stamps and WIC
As a child who grew up poor I saw first hand the realities of poverty in the Bronx, I became one of many High school drop-outs. For that reason I know how important it is to have role models and community centers. We must let our youth see that they can follow their dreams regardless of socio-economic status:
- Youth Centers which foster community bonds and give children a place to feel safe.
- After school programs which are shaped by students so they can learn about the things they are interested in and see that anything is possible for them
- High School Students Retention Programs
- Create and support mentoring programs for our children
As a member of the DYCD NBA #4, I protected funding for senior centers. The shame of our country is to forget those who have come before us. I believe strongly that our elderly should be able to look forward to retirement and live out the rest of their lives in a humane and respectable way:
- Fixed rate prescriptions for Senior Citizens with no exceptions
- Create an emergency help line with direct action, for Seniors in danger of losing their homes
- Senior centers with integrated services, a one stop shop where Seniors can get the assistance or information they need all in one place
I want to bring the summer concert series to our neighborhood. I want to have a museum exhibit placed in our community. We should celebrate the multiple artistic talents and cultures of our community right here at home. In these troubling economic times we must make sure we do not sacrifice what makes us who we are:
- Placement of murals and art throughout our district of heroes who have inspired us and represent our values
- Funding for educational workshops on art and culture
- Team up with corporate sponsorship to hold a Bronx music festival highlighting the many influences of culture which make us home to several musical styles
As an immigrant who was brought to America at an early age by my parents, I understand what it mean to strive in order to archive the American Dream. America is a symbol of unity, freedom and prosperity and we need to make sure that it stays that way. Allowing all immigrants and non-immigrants alike to be able to fulfill the American dream is vital as we continue to grow as a nation. In order for this to happen we need to extend a helping hand to those who deserve to be part of this great nation. For that reason, I stand for the following:
- Stopping arbitrary deportation and demanding that Congress pass a law that will provide legal documentation to all undocumented immigrants who are deemed people of good moral character
- Pass the Dream Act
- Secure funds for educational program to assist English as Second Language learner
- Secure funds for immigration related services
Support for Organizations who want to help our community
We have all benefited, sometimes unknowingly from either a faith based community program or a not-for-profit based community program. It is important that we team up with these organizations:
- Work with faith-based organizations to identify needs of our community as they arise
- Work with not-for-profits so they can use their resources to help improve our District in the ways we see fit
- Work with various groups including, housing, public benefit, and labor groups to join us in pushing our common agendas forward
