Preferred Candidate
SERGIO VILLAVERDE – DEM
(photo from prba.net)
(photo from prba.net)
Sergio Villaverde’s Candidate Questionnaire
Age: 43
Occupation: Lieutenant Commander United States Coast Guard Reserve
Education: Laguardia Community College (AAS); CCNY (BA); Fordham Law School (JD)
Campaign website: http://www.sergio2010.com
Sergio Villaverde, a lawyer and U.S. Coast Guard reservist, is running for the assembly because as a former EMT and police officer, he has seen firsthand the needs of the district and believes that he has the skills, experience, and honesty to help the community. One of his top priorities is working for economic development benefiting residents in the district. He specifically supports creating an economic empowerment zone without borders that would allow employers, within or outside the Bronx, to hire residents of the district in return for tax incentives. He also wants to push for more government involvement in the Kingsbridge Armory development and emphasized his desire for mixed-use development there. Villaverde also emphasized the importance of education as well as public safety. On reform issues, Villaverde supports the creation of an independent redistricting commission. He also backs election reforms, including election-day voter registration and no-excuse absentee voting. However, Villaverde does not support lowering the signature requirement to make it easier for candidates to appear on the ballot because he believes that the current limit is not prohibitively high. He also opposes public financing because he believes the system is flawed and takes money away from other worthy needs. Villaverde is an impressive candidate with a clear understanding of his districts needs and who has a proven commitment to public service. Although he may not agree with Citizens Union’s position on all reform issues, Mr. Villaverde is dedicated and has the integrity to bring reform to Albany, which is why we prefer him in the primary.
JOSE RIVERA – DEM, WFP
(photo from NYS Assembly website)
Has not returned questionnaire
Candidate declined to be interviewed by Citizens Union
Assembly website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=078