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PRESS RELEASE
Media contact: Bob Liff, George Arzt Communications, Inc.
C: 917-287-7089; e-mail: bob@gacnyc.com
ASSEMBLYMAN AL TAYLOR ANNOUNCES HE IS RUNNING FOR HARLEM-BASED CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 9 TO RESTORE COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT TO MEET CONSTITUENTS’ NEEDS
TAYLOR JOINED BY LEGISLATIVE COLLEAGUES, COMMUNITY LEADERS IN ANNOUNCING CANDIDACY IN JUNE’S DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Assemblyman Al Taylor today announced his candidacy for Harlem-based City Council District 9 in next June’s Democratic primary, saying the district needs a representative with a proven record of working with colleagues to deliver housing, health services, educational excellence, public safety and criminal justice reform to residents.
“We have to work together with colleagues for the benefit of constituents to help them live better, healthier and affordable lives,” said Taylor. “I have proven to possess and apply that commitment in my work in the Assembly, and I want to bring it home to the City Council.”
Taylor, the longtime pastor of Infinity Mennonite Church on West 146th Street, was joined by elected and community leaders including State Sen. Cordelle Cleare and Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs in his announcement at 1900 Lexington Avenue, between West 118th and 119th Streets. The 9th Councilmanic District reaches into parts of East Harlem.
“We have to work together with colleagues for the benefit of constituents to help them live better, healthier and affordable lives,” said Taylor. “Whether supporting our affordable housing needs, working as a community activist against gun violence, or enhancing educational opportunities for our children, I have proven to possess and apply that commitment in my work in the Assembly, and I want to bring it home to the City Council.”
“I look forward to having a true partner in government, where Harlem can once again assume its rightful place in the center of New York City governance for the betterment of our shared constituents,” said Cleare. “We are stronger when we all stand together. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and work to elect Assemblyman Al Taylor to the Council.”
“We know with Al Taylor in office, the East Harlem portion of his district will no longer be an afterthought,” said Gibbs. “Our needs are great, and his skills and commitment promise those needs will be addressed in an effective and collaborative manner.”
Taylor noted that other respected leaders are expected to run for the seat as well.
“I believe my record of community service through my church and in Albany make me the best choice and will ask voters to rank me first under our ranked-choice voting system,” Taylor said.”
Taylor has had a long career combining his ministry with public service, including serving as chief of staff to his predecessor in the Assembly, the late and great Herman D. “Denny” Farrell.
Just in the most recent legislative session, Taylor led as a sponsor or co-sponsor on legislation including:
· Strengthening New York’s red Flag laws targeting the scourge of automatic rifles and handguns.
· Ensuring an equitable availability of cannabis sales’ licenses to black and brown communities that bore the brunt of past discriminatory enforcement,
· Embracing restorative justice through passage of the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act to allow post-conviction review claims, to have records cleared when convictions were for crimes that have since been decriminalized (marijuana cases), ad building on the 330 innocent New Yorkers who have been exonerated after unfair judicial determinations.
· Fighting for critical investments in affordable housing, including $1.1 billion in funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Landlord Rental Assistance Program, as well as expanded funding for upkeep of New York City Housing Authority and Mitchell-Lama developments.
· Helping pass legislation to extend the NYC speed camera program to cut down on traffic-related injuries and death.
Taylor also took the lead on a variety of other measures, including pressing to carry out promised capital repairs at Esplanade Gardens co-op; increased funding for arts program and funds to assist recovery from the educational impacts of the pandemic; and supporting for women from other states coming to New York for vital health services denied to them in their home states.
“I am ready to go to work in City Hall, and do not need on the job training to accomplish progress for my community,” Taylor said. “That is why I am asking voters in Council District 9 to support me in June’s primary, as I have been supporting them throughout my career in public service.”
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