Protecting our neighborhoods through RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT

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Mel will work to prevent the overdevelopment of our neighborhoods, by introducing legislation that will bring “as-of-right” development under a process that involves the community so that we have a voice in determining our future. Mel will also ensure that developers contracting with the city are meeting the latest green standards to protect our environment, and that we invest in our city’s aging infrastructure to tackle the flooding problems ruining our community’s quality of life.




Advocating for our SENIORS

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Mel will be an advocate for our seniors so that they are not left behind during this economic crisis. Mel will fight to protect vital funding to programs and services our seniors rely on. With many applications for government services going on-line, Mel will also fight to make sure our seniors are not left behind in the digital age. Mel will introduce legislation and fund programs in community based senior centers to ensure that seniors receive assistance and education in navigating the internet.







Fighting for a quality EDUCATION

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As a parent education is a top priority for Mel. Class size is being threatened at every grade level across our city and our schools are becoming dangerously overcrowded. Mel will advocate for the local zoning of new schools and will fight to make sure the City is meeting its obligations to reduce class size. Mel will fight to make sure that parents, and not just the mayor, will have control over their children’s education by working to secure a place at the decision making table for parents.







Defending our MIDDLE CLASS

The gap between the rich and the poor continues to expand as the middle class continues to flee the City. Mel will fight to ensure the Property Tax Rebate is made permanent to reward homeowners. As a middle class New Yorker raising a family in our community, Mel knows how difficult this economic crisis has been which is why he is also committed to a progressive tax that doesn’t favor the wealthy over our working families.

Standing up for SMALL BUSINESSES

Businesses all over New York City are hurting, and it's no less true in our district. Ensuring that community based businesses are given all available means of support to weather and come out stronger from this crisis is paramount. Mel will be committed to assisting community based businesses and working towards the creation of innovative “green collar” jobs to help bolster our city’s struggling economy.

Commitment to SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mel is committed to ensuring that all people – regardless of age, gender (including gender identity and expression), race, religion, place of birth, social status, level of ability and sexual orientation– have equal rights and liberties. Mel will support legislation and regulations to protect our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) neighbors from harassment on our streets and in our schools, as well as ensuring that our LGBT seniors are safe from discrimination in retirement homes and have access to healthcare. Mel will also support programmatic and social services relied upon by our LGBT seniors.

Bringing government to the people through TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Mel believes in being held accountable and will commit to having an open door policy in his office, dedicated and responsive constituent services, and monthly town hall meetings throughout the district. Mel will work to make government more transparent by working to post the city's budget on-line in an easily searchable format and allow people to track where our tax dollars are being spent, including member discretionary spending. Mel will also work to make filing complaints through 311 easier to do on-line, as well as tracking the work and status of complaints of various city agencies on-line.

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Mel Gagarin was rated 100% Pro-Choice by Planned Parenthood NYC
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