StreetsPAC Endorses for Manhattan Borough President and More Council Seats

StreetsPAC announced its pick for Manhattan borough president today, along with endorsements in four more City Council races.

The livable streets political action committee is supporting Gale Brewer for Manhattan borough president. "Gale Brewer has been a dedicated advocate for safe and complete streets in the City Council," StreetsPAC board member Steve Vaccaro said in a press release. The other candidates in the race are Robert Jackson, Jessica Lappin, and Julie Menin. "Several candidates in this hotly contested race have strong livable-streets credentials, but Gale stands out both for her track record and her vision for transforming Manhattan’s streets," Vaccaro said.

On Manhattan's East Side, StreetsPAC endorsed two City Council incumbents: Dan Garodnick, who faces challenger Helene Jnane in District 4, stretching from Stuyvesant Town to the Upper East Side, and Rosie Mendez, who faces Democratic challenger Richard del Rio for District 2, covering the East Village and Kips Bay.

"Dan Garodnick and Rosie Mendez have both been strong supporters of safer streets in their eight years in the City Council," StreetsPAC co-founder Dave “Paco” Abraham said in the release, adding that the organization hopes the council members turn their attention to complete streets improvements for Fifth Avenue in the coming term.

In Brooklyn, the hotly-contested District 35 race also received a StreetsPAC endorsement. Ede Fox, who worked for Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito and Jumaane Williams and is seeking a council seat of her own, won the group's backing. "Fox knows she has big livable-streets shoes to fill in those of current 35th District Council Member Tish James," StreetsPAC said, "but pledges that she's up to the challenge."

StreetsPAC is also endorsing Chris Banks, co-chair of Community Board 5's transportation committee, for the District 42 seat currently held by Charles Barron, covering East New York, Canarsie, Brownsville and East Flatbush. "Banks fought the MTA when it cut the B20 bus line and championed the New Lots pedestrian plaza," StreetsPAC says. "Chris Banks is eager to bring much-needed bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure."

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