By Colin Campbell 8/13/12 8:43am

city council 2013

Kirsten John Foy (Photo: Facebook)

Kirsten John Foy Leaves Public Advocate’s Office

Kirsten John Foy, the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, has left that post in what several sources said was in anticipation for an upcoming campaign for term-limited Councilman Al Vann’s seat in 2013.

Mr. Foy rose to political prominence after his seemingly unwarranted arrest — along with Councilman Jumaane Williams — during the West Indian Day parade last year.  Using that experience as an amplifier, he’s become a voice for reforming NYPD policies, especially stop-and-frisk, giving televised interviews and attending rallies on the topic, which the former aide to Rev. Al Sharpton has been active in for more than a decade. Read More

By Hunter Walker 3/28/12 2:35pm

Schoolhouse Rock

Councilman Robert Jackson (Photo: Facebook)

Council Members Introduce Resolution To Limit Mayoral Control

Council Members Al Vann and Robert Jackson, who is chair of the Education Committee, introduced a resolution today asking the State Legislature to limit mayoral control of city schools. The resolution, which comes following growing controversy over recent school closings, calls on the legislature to give community councils approval over school closures and co-locations.

“The process for proposing and approving these significant changes to schools has disenfranchised communities and parents,” Mr. Vann said. “Providing a significant role for CECs in the co-location and school closure process will not only ensure that proposals are thoughtful and truly include input from communities and parents, but also will enhance community and parental involvement in our public schools.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/04/12 5:18pm

filing to run

winston griffith filing

Mark Winston Griffith Files for City Council Run

Mark Winston Griffith, who ran for City Council in 2009, just registered a committee to run again in 2013, a strong step forward to making an eventual run for the seat.  The incumbent Mr. Griffith challenged last cycle, Councilman Al Vann, is term-limited out, creating an open seat and a prime opportunity for local aspiring candidates.

Currently Mr. Griffith is a member of the Adjunct Faculty at CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism and is particularly passionate about bringing more progressive leadership to Central Brooklyn. “I don’t think Central Brooklyn has been adequately represented in progressive campaigns and addressing some of the deepest needs in our neighborhoods,” he said, citing the Living Wage Bill and education issues in particular.

The prospective candidate also sounds eager to shift the broader City Council’s relationship with whoever New York City’s next Mayor will be in 2013. “I think we need to build a progressive force within the City Council that has the ability to go toe-to-toe with the Mayor,” he said while explaining his vision for the office. “Really try to build a progressive agenda.” Read More