political profi les district 14
BY ADOLFO ABREU
Why are you running?
The COVID-19 pandemic
has exacerbated longstanding
inequities in our community.
I am running to ensure
a just economic recovery for
all residents in the Bronx–regardless
of their race, income,
immigration status, gender,
or sexual orientation–and to
stabilize our neighborhoods
for the long haul. We deserve
quality healthcare for all so
that our families and communities
are supported to thrive.
I will work to guarantee housing
for all to disrupt displacement,
protect tenants rights,
and build community ownership
so that we have the power
to ensure affordable rents and
dignifi ed homes. I will fi ght
for safe, supportive, policefree
schools that put young
people on a path to college and
careers—not prison.
Tell us about yourself,
what you do for a living, your
relationship to the district,
and which neighborhood you
live in.
I was born and raised
in Kingsbridge to a family
of women who immigrated
from the Dominican Republic.
I survived off food stamps,
was bussed out of my community
just to fi nd a school seat,
and moved from one dilapidated
building to another. My
mother worked for minimum
wage as a home attendant and
later a paraprofessional educator
in a District 75 school, but
she always ensured that we
were able to live on the same
block my whole life. Since the
age of 8, I acted as a primary
caregiver for my grandmother
until she died. My community
always had my back, pushed
me to succeed, and taught me
to care for every person.
What are the biggest challenges
facing the district and
how will you solve them?
Council District 14 had the
highest eviction rate before
COVID-19 and since the pandemic
started on March 23,
2020 District 14 continues to
lead with the highest number
of evictions fi lings across New
York City. I will fi ght to ensure
housing affordability and security
for all, including supporting
eviction defense networks
and securing resources
to provide permanent housing
for homeless New Yorkers.
I will invest in Community
Adolfo Abreu
Land Trusts that guarantee
residents’ control and support
collective tenant ownership
through the Community
Opportunity to Purchase Act
(COPA). Additionally, to address
high rates of asthma, I
would fi ght for investment in
green energy improvements to
our buildings and public ownership
of our energy system,
so that our people can ensure
we have clean, healthy, and resilient
communities.
What will you do differently
than the incumbent
I am committed to expanding
on the former City Council
member’s commitment to securing
investment in Community
Land Trusts and pushing
for legislation that supports
opportunities for community
members to own our land and
homes collectively. Additionally,
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, M 62 ARCH 26-APR. 1, 2021 BTR
I will introduce Participatory
Budgeting to District
14 and advocate to expand its
funding and reach citywide.
Our community knows what
we need. Programs like participatory
budgeting support
all residents, including undocumented
immigrants and
youth, to engage in a real democratic
decision-making over
solutions to critical issues and
the resources to implement
them.
I will also be a true ally to
the LGBTQIA+ community in
lifting up their priorities and
needs within the New York
City Council.
What’s your political experience?
I served as District Representative
and Deputy Chief
of Staff for Bronx City Council
District 15. In addition to
managing staff and running
participatory budgeting operations,
I helped constituents
navigate city agencies
and advocated for them on issues
ranging from potholes in
streets, repair assistance, and
eviction prevention. I have
also supported and defended
progressive Bronx candidates
towards momentous electoral
victories as Field Director for
State Senators Gustavo Rivera
and Alessandra Biaggi.
What endorsements do you
have?
I have received endorsements
from Tenants PAC,
Working Families Party,
NYC-Democratic Socialists
of America, Northwest Bronx
Democrats, New York Communities
for Change, New York
Immigration Coalition, Kids
PAC, The Jewish Vote, Run
for Something, and NY Citizen
Action (2nd rank). I have
also been endorsed by State
Assembly Member Amanda
Septimo, State Senator Julia
Salazar, State Senator Jabari
Brisport, State Assembly
Member Phara Souffrant Forrest,
State Assembly Member
Marcela Mitaynes, State Assembly
Member Zohran Mamdani,
and Bronx community
organizers on the forefront of
change such as Samelys López,
Wanda Salaman, Sandra
Lobo, Karen Washington, and
more.
Courtesy of Adolfo Abreu