Councilmember Margaret Chin announced her reelection campaign May 5 at Independence Plaza.
By JEFFERSON SIEGEL | Under a dazzling spring sun, City Councilmember Margaret Chin formally announced her campaign for a second term on Sun., May 5.
Dozens, including local activists and powerhouse political allies like Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, filled the steps of Independence Plaza North in Tribeca to show their support for the district’s first Asian-American councilmember,
“Councilmember Chin has been one of our community’s staunchest advocates, making sure that as we continue to rebuild, Lower Manhattan receives its fair share,” said Speaker Silver, offering Chin his “strong endorsement.”
Rep. Velazquez also praised Chin’s commitment, saying the district needs someone to “stand up for small businesses, working families, affordable housing and access to better education and child care.”
Chin, who seemed to know every supporter personally, took pride in recounting the accomplishments of the last four years, including gaining protected affordable housing at 505 LaGuardia Place, inclusion of permanent affordable housing at the Seward Park Urban Renewal Site, and securing space to build two new schools as part of the New York University and Seward Park development plans.
No detail seemed too small, with the crowd ecstatic at the mention of a new traffic light at Duane and Greenwich Sts. — a long-fought battle that began before Chin was elected in 2009.
With her husband, a public school teacher, standing among supporters, Chin recounted her arrival in the U.S. 50 years ago, recalling how she took care of her younger brothers while her mother worked in a Chinatown garment factory.
Also in the crowd were the parents of U.S. Army Private Danny Chen, who died after hazing by fellow soldiers. Chin said the groundswell of Downtown anger over his death resulted in the discharge of four of the eight soldiers charged in connection with his death.
After the speeches, Chin made sure she greeted and thanked everyone in attendance. Community Board 1’s Ro Sheffe told Downtown Express that Chin has been, “one of the strongest pillars in our community.”
Bob Townley, founder and director of Manhattan Youth, said Chin helped families navigate the Department of Education system.
“Those issues are at the heart of working parents,” Townley said.
“She doesn’t just say the words, she does the work,” said Diane Lapson, president of the I.P.N. Tenants Association. “She’s never failed to support Independence Plaza North’s issues, like preserving affordable housing.”
Chin will face off against Jenifer Rajkumar in the Sept. 10th Democratic primary.
