Protecting small business

Small businesses are the lifeblood of New York City’s economy and character. From the corner coffee shop, deli, or bodega, to specialty shops that offer products from around the world, it's the small businessman and the mom and pops that neighborhood residents count on for the services they provide and more importantly as partners in protecting their quality of life.

But the current administration, supported by big corporations and big developers, seems more intent on tearing down and depersonalizing our neighborhoods than protecting their character.

I will strengthen the City's Small Business Services and create an Advocate for Small Business. One who will fight on behalf of the small business owner and require that new commercial developments be based upon community need not political or corporate greed.

As Mayor, I would expand the Office of Small Business Services to protect current small business owners from losing their investment because of Big Box corporations moving into areas and dominating the competition.  I would monitor, re-evaluate, and closely regulate zoning that would prove harmful to the lives of small businesses and their neighborhoods.

I will create incentives to increase the number of small businesses in lower income communities that aid in development and revitalization and increase city resources for individuals who seek to become entrepreneurs but lack the resources, education, and support to make the dream a reality.

ENVIRONMENT

New York City has a dirty, not so little secret. It’s decades of wasteful policies that have left the city with polluted air and neighborhoods that are not environmentally safe for families and children. Big developers and have been slow in addressing the issues of our city's environment because our city’s government has not made it a priority.

Under my administration:

• The City would strengthen its pursuit of becoming   the nation's first green Urban Oasis. My GREEN NYC program will mandate that all government   agencies and buildings become LEED certified and follow green practices.
• mandating that developers of new projects pass a new “green” test. Projects that get an “A” will be eligible for tax incentives - developments that get a    “C” or lower would be required to go back to the drawing board.
• help residents and small business owners become more energy efficient by offering programs that assess energy use and waste generation and then propose realistic solutions for cutting both.
• increase the city’s green fleet with more pure electric and electric hybrid vehicles. No city in the country has an infrastructure better suited to electric vehicles than NYC. No city has more to gain from reduced vehicle emissions and efficiency.
• Create green jobs and green business opportunities for City residents. Educate our residents on becoming green while reducing the unemployment rate and increasing our tax revenue.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The cornerstone of successful neighborhoods are its residents. The keystone of successful residents and families is access to safe, clean and decent affordable housing.

First we must clean up our own house by mandating that all Public Housing in the city be inspected and scrutinized for public safety, structural integrity, building maintenance and quality of life issues.

Then, we must hold the private sector accountable to the same standards. Elevators must work, heating and cooling must be sufficient, buildings must be clean and secure.

As Mayor I will enact guidelines to stop redevelopment and zoning that destroys a neighborhood’s cultural make up and I will fight to preserve historic neighborhoods to keep them from falling victim to the gentrification that drives up housing costs.

Promote and encourage developers to create more LEED housing and a sustainable alternative to conventional plans for rental units and condos

Seek new opportunities to protect landlords and tenants, by providing more resources for advocacy, oversight and dispute resolution.

Most importantly we must create programs that transition public housing residents into homeowners. Increasing a neighborhood’s homeownership increases the pride in and commitment to keeping that neighborhood stable.

And more new homeowners create a new tax base and revenue that can assist in closing the deficit and helping local schools.

EDUCATION

We must give our children the skills they need to reach their full potential, grow into successful adults, compete in the workplace, create stable family environments and become valuable contributors to the well being of our society.

 All children in the city have a fundamental right to equal and equivalent access to a public education that is not determined by their socio-economic background, location within the city, or any other prejudices. There should not be a difference between the quality of our local schools -whether on the Upper East Side or in Harlem.

My administration would create a new system of mayoral control of the School System with a stronger emphasis on parental participation and community involvement. I will work with all stakeholders - teachers, administrators, community leaders, the State legislature and Governor to ensure the city has both the resources and policies in place to produce a system that spends its money wisely, is not overcrowded and dramatically increases the numbers of qualified graduates.

 This will require tough new policies to turn around underperforming schools and help the underserved, under credited student.

Quality public education should not stop at a student’s high school graduation. It also must be accessible for New Yorkers who have a desire to attend college.

As Mayor, I will promote a plan that will allow easier access for city residents who apply to a CUNY campus.  By creating more flexible educational programs, higher education will become possible for those who may not have had that opportunity in the past or who may be busy in the workforce or raising families.

A strong economy relies on a strong workforce with the educational skill sets to change career paths if needed and that has the potential for unlimited advancement and success.

A strong New York depends on the success of its children.

GOVERNMENT

Our city government has been beset by greed, corruption, and wasteful spending. We have become a city divided between those who are taking advantage of us and the regular citizen.

City government budgets reflect a sense of entitlement rather than fiscal conservation and fairness.

As we navigate through this period of financial uncertainty, City Hall should be more responsible for maintaining a system of government that works within its current means and not based upon its anticipated tax increases or projected revenue.