Fighting for Our Community

 

I love our community. The values, people, and diversity of Manhattan Valley, Mahattanville, West Harlem, and the Upper West Side are what originally attracted me to live here and what make me proud every day to represent my neighbors. Since 2002, when I became the first out gay man elected to the New York State Assembly, I have worked tirelessly in Albany and across the neighborhood to deliver strong progressive policies that benefit all New Yorkers. I am humbled, awed, and grateful for the opportunity to serve my neighbors, and am committed to fighting for more progressive results in the years to come.

There is no doubt: the COVID-19 pandemic has tested all of us. And yet, as the crisis has brought tragedies and trials to many, we never let go of the values that define us. Whether by organizing to help neighbors in need, or speaking out about injustice, or doing the hard work of staying isolated to keep ourselves and others safe, our community has risen to the challenge and forged ahead admirably. As an Assembly Member, I have worked to ensure that these values guided our State’s response to the crisis as well. Throughout the pandemic, I have been proud to support small businesses, secure free food for neighbors in need, distribute PPE, ensure government funding for relief programs, bring vaccine distribution sites to our neighborhood, and more. In these unprecedented times, I have been honored to support such a strong, caring, and unified community.

As an Assembly Member, I work to make New York a more just and more equal State. I have taken on overdevelopment in our neighborhood, and with the support of organizers and community leaders, won new protections for individuals, groups, and businesses. I have passed legislation that makes life easier and safer for our neighbors, like lowering speed limits and implementing landmark anti-bullying programs in schools. I have fought for some of the biggest human rights issues of our time, including writing and passing the bill making Same-Sex Marriage legal in New York State, passing vital police reform legislation, the ‘repeal of 50-a’, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, and using my experience as a public defender to fix our broken criminal justice system. Our community is passionate, engaged, and progressive, I am committed to making sure our voices are heard in the halls of government. I am honored to serve you.

Growing up in a crowded household, I learned early that to get what you want, you have to speak up. I am proud to speak up for my neighbors, my values, and my communities, and I am committed to making sure everyone is safe, respected, and equal. To all my neighbors: thank you for your trust and your input. I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood. If you see me with my dog or my husband don’t be shy and say hi!

 
 
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Issues

I am proud to have a record of 20 years of progressive legislation, without having to evolve or compromise my values. Learn where I stand on the issues that matter:

 
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Upcoming Events

From policy panels to community celebrations, see what events my team and I have coming up in the neighborhood: