My first detailed post will be about Brad Lander. Mr. Lander is running to replace Bill de Blasio as City Councilman in the 39th District. Brad has been "called the frontrunner" by some, however, many good opponents are making it a tough race. The Mr. Lander ran the 5th Avenue Committee (for 10 years), and served most recently as the head of the Pratt Center for Community Development. He is also an active member of Community Board 6, as well as a proud public school parent. Since all politics are local, I'll go through the issues, noting his positions and experience with them. Development: • Atlantic Yards: Brad has been against the Atlantic Yards from the start. He wrote one of the earliest public memos critiquing the development. He believes the current project should be scrapped and should not be given the go ahead. I know this from personalling grilling him after I read some critical pieces online. • Guwanus Canal: Brad is in support of SuperFund designation for the cleanup of the canal. • Out of Scale Development: As we all know, condo-towers are going up everywhere, and it’s getting harder and harder to afford living in the district. One of Brad’s strengths has been his successful ability to fight off and curb out-of-scale development. As a member of Community Board 6, he was very involved in the rezoning of Park Slope which down-zoned the side streets all the way to 4th Ave. Most recently, as the Director of the Pratt Center, he helped get the City Council to pass legislation which requires developers who receive tax breaks to include 20% affordable housing in those projects. Education: • Brad is the only public school parent in his race. He often mentions his personal experiences with the over-testing of his two kids and the overcrowding of their classrooms. • His wife, Meg, is on the leadership team of the school which his kids attend, PS. 107. • He has been endorsed by the Teacher’s Union and the Principals Union. Brad Lander has also been endorsed by The Educational Justice PAC, and two-dozen plus PTA presidents and parent leaders. Jobs & The Economy: • Brad Lander helped put people in 2,500 living wage jobs when he ran job-training and placement programs as Director of the 5th Avenue Committee. • Labor organizations of all stripes have shown their belief in him with a stream of endorsements: SEIU Local 32BJ, SEIU Local 1199, UFCW Local 1500, UAW Region 9A, New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council and more. Assorted Brad Lander Endorsements From Respected Instutitions and People (that I like): • State Senator Hakeem Jeffries • State Senator Daniel Squadron • The League of Conservation Voters...they endorsed Brad, along with a bunch of other great candidates; check it out. • Congressman Jerold Nadler • Ron Shiffman (former New York City Planning Commissioner) • 504 Democratic Club (disability rights) • The Freelancers Union...also endorsed Brad with some great progressive candidates from other races.