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The goals we share

The goals we share

Posted October 29th, 2009 by brad

Next Tuesday, November 3rd, we'll go back to the polls for the general election.  I'm honored to ask for your vote one more time.

When we got started, well over a year ago, I knew that many neighbors shared the goals of a more affordable, livable, and sustainable Brooklyn, and a city that does more to offer opportunity to everyone who calls it home.  

Those shared goals were confirmed last December, when hundreds of residents responded to our survey with a commitment to maintaining strong public services (like public schools, safety, and transit) and pushing for smarter development.

Since then, I've had the chance to meet and talk with thousands of residents of our neighborhoods.  I've emerged with a better understanding of what matters to people, and even more committed to working with you to make a difference.  Here's a little bit of what I've heard, what we've already done together, and what we can do in the future:

• Stronger neighborhoods:  We want to see the City do more to strengthen and preserve the common quality-of-life of the neighborhoods we love.  That means listening to neighborhood voices first & foremost -- not as an afterthought -- as I've tried to do in laying out detailed positions on the major development projects facing our community (Atlantic Yards, Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn Bridge Park, etc).  It means insisting on responsible contractors, who respect neighbors and workers.  It means a new approach to the abandoned development sites that are blighting so many blocks.  And it means doing more to support locally-owned businesses.
• More opportunity:  For nearly 20 years, I've been helping to lead the fight to make and keep housing affordable, so families have a real chance to stay and thrive here, and I sure won't stop now.  This fall, I hope we'll see votes on two other important pieces of legislation to make our city fairer for all residents -- marriage equality, so LGBT couples have the same rights and responsibilities as straight couples; and paid sick days, so that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers don't have to choose between their health and their job.
  
• A more sustainable city:  We've started to take action for greener and healthier schools, for less truck traffic and more livable streets, for a more sustainable Port of New York, for more sustainable food policy, and for new programs to help homeowners retrofit their homes to save money and conserve energy.
• Public service and better government:  Our community truly values public service.  Throughout the campaign, we've acted on this value, volunteering with a 5k run/walk raise funds for our public schools, to fight homelessness and hunger, to help seniors stay connected.  We've pulled weeds along the Gowanus Canal, and planted daffodils on Church Avenue. 
  
  But residents also want more from their government -- real transparency & integrity in how tax dollars are spent, more respect for the will of the voters, and an end to the culture of "pay-to-play."  That's why I submitted an amicus brief in a lawsuit to strengthen NYC's campaign finance system, and have committed to a transparent, accountable approach to City grants.  I'm going to work hard to restore confidence in government and strengthen participation in public service.

These are ambitious goals -- and the days ahead are not going to be easy ones, as we face severe budget deficits and ongoing economic hardship.  But I am confident that our collective will is stronger than the challenges we face. 

I am humbled by the amazing set of individuals and groups who have supported me, and eager to work with many more of you to achieve those shared goals.

Thanks again, and don't forget to vote next Tuesday.

Brad

 

P.S.  If you're looking to make your vote go even further, please consider voting for me on Row E, the Working Families Party line.  It counts the same (as voting on the Democratic line, Row A), and sends a message that you care about progressive public policy solutions -- like paid sick days and green jobs, where the WFP is leading the way.

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