35th District City Council Race

Over the past several days, I've received several phone calls from residents in the 35th Council District inquiring about the barrage of postal mail they have received from "JOBS for New York."

I explained to those who contacted me that my understanding from several sources, emails I've received and a recent article in the New York Times is that Jobs for New York is a political action committee and one of it's leading founders was the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) which according to well-placed sources was responsible for a recent negative push poll in many Council Districts including ours. Additionally, I also informed residents that the decision to endorse in the 35th was made several months ago and the goal is to influence the outcome of City Council races by making independent expenditures with a war chest that is now in excess of $5 million dollars. 
 
 
Yesterday, Jobs For New York released their latest round of City Council endorsements which included the 35th Council district where I'm a candidate. Click here http://politicker.com/2013/07/pro-business-pac-rolls-out-latest-round-of-endorsements/.  Additionally, Prospect Heights resident and advocate Gib Veconi wrote an excellent article on "Big Real Estate and the 35th City Council race."  


I strongly encourage you to read this article and you may click here <http://prospectheights.patch.com/groups/gib-veconis-blog/p/big-real-estate-comes-to-the-35th-city-council-district-race> to do so.  Mr. Veconi not only outlines the impact that such groups may have on a race, but also it demonstrates how the New York City Campaign Finance Board's 6 to 1 Matching Funds Program is being undermined where the goal is to give ALL candidates an "equal playing field."  We have reason to be concerned given that Council Member James and so many community residents have worked extremely hard to ensure responsible development from the real estate industry. My candidacy in part is not only to continue to move in that direction, but also to stand up for our community by serving as an independent voice free from external special interests.


Also, denouncing Jobs for New York after 5 mailings is disingenuous and according to a local realtor, REBNY opposes landmarking which aids in the preservation of many communities and makes it difficult for independent realtors (non-REBNY) real estate agencies to stay in business.    
 
 
My hope is that you will join me in this effort as I seek to represent our community as the next City Council representative.