"I will use my experience as City Council Finance Chair to tackle city concerns that require state solutions." - David Weprin

Thank you for taking this opportunity to learn about my commitment to the Weprin tradition of public service and my campaign to serve the residents of the 24th Assembly District as their State Assembly Member.

At an early age and through my upbringing and schooling right through law school, my mom – a school teacher – and dad – an extraordinary public servant, imbued me with with a love for public service and making a difference.

I entered government service, working for the Cuomo administration, shortly after graduating Hofstra University School of Law.

During my time in the private sector, I continued to serve in leadership capacities on the boards of non-profits that serve some of our neediest citizens. I also tackled tax reform issues on a City Commission established by then Mayor Giuiliani.

Always true to the tradition and high standard of public service set by dad, I stepped forward to run for City Council and was elected and re-elected as City Councilman. As Chair of the City Council's Finance Committee I focused on protecting the interests of working and middle class New Yorkers.

As many know, I chose not to seek re-election last year, remaining true to my avid opposition to the relaxation of term limits.

I believe I made a difference on the City Council, taking principled positions on such matters as term limits and the congestion tax and helping to balance eight tough budgets, while delivering millions in improvements for our schools, parks, senior centers and libraries. My efforts helped maintain senior and youth programs and other core services. [Read more at Get to know David.]

With prodding from some of the foremost civic and community activists, I accepted the challenge to continue the good fight to keep our community strong. I've announced my candidacy for the Assembly seat from the 24th district that became vacant on the first of this year. If elected on Tuesday, February 9 in the Special Election declared by the Governor, I will bring my principled and dedicated service to Albany. It certainly can use my knowledge of budget and finance in these tough fiscal times.

In Albany, I will use my experience as City Council Finance Chair to tackle city concerns that require state solutions. This includes real property tax reform to protect working and middle class homeowners and tenants. It also means establishing real accountability on the setting of water rates which will force the mayor to face the music if he allows our rates to hike further; this would force the reforms we need to reduce our skyrocketing rates. [Read more on David's issues and plans in Media.]

I cannot make a difference without your support. “Special Elections” often attract small numbers of voters. This makes it easier for special interests and or those with narrow-minded and insincere commitments to serving the public to “steal” the vote. We cannot allow that to happen. If likeminded voters join us in working for my election on Tuesday, February 9, we can insure that residents of the 24th District will continue to be represented by a public servant who believes in good government, honest public service and a commitment to making a difference. Please contact me and join our effort.

Sincerely,
David I. Weprin

P.S. Please do not forget to vote, Tuesday, February 9. Polls will be open 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.