Fighting for Pre-K, against the M.T.S.

The city councilmember lists his early priorities

By Ben Kallos

Since taking office in January, I have been working to ensure you have the services you need, while also working to expand pre-k and afterschool programs to all children, opening up government for public participation, and fighting the marine transfer station slated to be built in our neighborhood.

A new report from Pledge 2 Protect has offered further evidence that the 91st St. Marine Transfer Station will hurt our city. I oppose the marine transfer station and support instead a modern approach that will reduce waste, increase recycling and protect residential neighborhoods ? and I am working to spread the word in city government.

As a public school graduate and a child of a single mother, I have also been fighting for the type of fully-funded pre-k and after school program that can make a real difference for families like mine. New York City will be better if we can make life easier for working parents and give every child a fair start. I have been out in the community, sharing ideas on early education with you. A small investment in pre-k can reduce drop-out rates and crime later in life, helping all New Yorkers thrive.

I have enjoyed getting the chance to meet many of you at community events such as monthly First Fridays at my office from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. I have also been holding Policy Committees on the First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., which allow you to lend your expertise and join our team. Please RSVP to rsvp@benkallos.com or call 212-860-1950 to join us for either event.

Finally, I hope you will vote on projects that are important in our neighborhood through participatory budgeting, which I am bringing to our community this year. Please visit BenKallos.com/pb for more details and a voting schedule.