StreetsPAC Endorses for Public Advocate and Five Additional Council Seats

StreetsPAC announced its pick for public advocate today, along with endorsements in five more City Council races.

For its first endorsement for a citywide office, StreetsPAC is supporting Tish James for public advocate. "In her 10 years in the City Council, Tish James has established a reputation as an outspoken crusader unafraid of seemingly lopsided battles," reads a StreetsPAC press release. "As Public Advocate, she pledges to use the powers of her office to ensure that the NYPD conducts full and complete crash investigations and holds dangerous drivers accountable for their actions, and will champion the expansion of complete-street projects, especially to disadvantaged neighborhoods that are all too often plagued by poor road design." James is one of eight candidates for public advocate, according to the Campaign Finance Board.

StreetsPAC has endorsed City Council Member Brad Lander for a second term in Brooklyn's District 39. StreetsPAC cites Lander's record on transportation issues, including support for traffic-calming on Prospect Park West and Fourth Avenue, and says he plans to focus on the expansion of Select Bus Service and bike-share. Lander is running unopposed.

Kirsten John Foy, of District 36 in Brooklyn, is one of four newcomers supported by StreetsPAC for open council seats. Foy wants safer streets in his district, StreetsPAC says, including more bike lanes. Foy would also look to expand public seating for seniors, according to StreetsPAC. Foy is one of six candidates in the race for District 36, which covers Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights and is currently represented by Albert Vann.

Among the field of 14 vying to represent Upper Manhattan's District 7, StreetsPAC favors Mark Levine. Levine supports Select Bus Service for 125th Street, StreetsPAC says, and will push for Citi Bike expansion into all of Northern Manhattan. Levine also wants Columbus Avenue safety improvements to extend to the north.

Ritchie Torres is the StreetsPAC pick for District 15, in the Bronx. "[Torres] will work to improve health in his district through the transformation of major thoroughfares, like the Grand Concourse and East Tremont Avenue, into complete streets with room for transit users, cyclists, and pedestrians," says StreetsPAC. "He will also aim to improve the walking experience around Arthur Avenue, a mecca for visitors." Nine candidates, including Torres, have filed to run in District 15.

Also in Manhattan, StreetsPAC has endorsed Mel Wymore to succeed Gale Brewer in District 6. StreetsPAC points to Wymore's support of safety measures on Columbus Avenue, and his work to get cars out of Central Park. Wymore is one of seven District 6 candidates.

"We’re excited about each and every one of these candidates," said StreetsPAC co-founder Peter Frishauf, via the press release. "They’re all deeply committed to making their districts safer places for people on foot, on bikes, on transit and in cars. We’re looking forward to a City Council in 2014 that will make livable streets a top priority."

StreetsPAC is NYC’s first livable streets political action committee. See other 2013 candidate endorsements here and here.