Several Caribbean politicians are seeking election to the City Council as New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday to choose a new mayor.
Haitian-born Brooklyn Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who is seeking re-election, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that she’s ‘proud to be running for re-election to continue delivering real results for the people of the 46th District.
Farah N. Louis
‘As a nurse, small business owner, and immigrant from Haiti, I know what hard work looks like, and I’ve spent every day fighting to bring resources, services, and respect back to our community,’ she said.
‘While others seek to divide or roll back the progress we’ve made, I’m focused on building up our neighborhoods, investing in our schools, improving healthcare access, and standing up for working families, immigrants, and seniors,’ she added.
‘Our community knows what’s at stake, We’ve come too far to let those who align with extremism that attacks immigrants, undermines healthcare, and works to weaken public education represent us.’
Narcisse’s City Council colleague and compatriot, Rita Joseph, also told CMC that she had no opponent in the Primary Elections in June and will also have none in the general elections for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn.
‘I’m walking back to my seat. Previously, incumbents always have opponents. I’m honestly humbled by it. When nobody steps up to challenge you, that means something. It means the community trusts you. And I don’t take that lightly-I’m going to keep showing up for our schools, our kids, and our families the way I have been.’
Mercedes Narcisse
When asked what she’s most proud of, Joseph, a former public school teacher in Brooklyn, responded that it was the first AIMS programme in September, a specialised early education setup for kids with autism and other developmental needs at the P.S. 6 Annex on Flatbush Avenue.
Joseph, who taught at Public School 6 in Flatbush, Brooklyn, for more than 20 years before getting into politics, said ‘this one hit close to home. ‘
City Council member Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, is seeking her final term in representing the 45th District in Brooklyn.
‘It has been the honour of my life to serve the people of Council District 45,’ she told CMC. ‘As I seek my final term, I am more energized than ever to continue delivering real results for our neighbors.
‘The work we’ve accomplished together is just the beginning, and I will not stop until we’ve built a foundation for lasting change in our district. Throughout my tenure, I have been a tireless champion for the most vulnerable members of our community and New York City, while fighting relentlessly to improve quality of life for all District 45 residents.’
As she runs for my final term in the New York City Council, Louis said she remains ‘laser-focused’ on the priorities that she said matter most to District 45.
New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said: ‘No matter how you vote, or who you vote for – make sure your voice is heard.’
In addition to candidates for elected office, there are six questions on the ballot this year.
New York City Board of Elections (BOE) said that ballot proposals are ‘suggested changes to the state and city’s governing documents, the State Constitution and the City Charter.
‘Voters get to decide on the changes they want to see passed,’ it said.