Maria Ortiz, a lifelong West Sider, social worker and Manhattan Community Board 4 member, reflects on what true representation should look like as New Yorkers prepare to vote. This piece is written from Maria’s personal perspective as a Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen resident. W42ST welcomes submissions of OpEds on relevant topics for our readers. Please email phil@w42st.com if you have ideas.
Maria Ortiz, a lifelong West Sider, who is social worker and Manhattan Community Board 4 member. Photo: Phil O’Brien
When I sit in certain meetings or hear about certain negotiations, I sometimes stop and ask myself a question a friend and I began as a joke: “What would Gale do?” This began because local councilmember Gale Brewer has been a consistent example of someone who represents her community with honesty and backbone. She shows up, she listens, and she isn’t afraid to take a stand. That’s the kind of leadership we deserve on the West Side.
Affordable housing is not an abstract issue for me. It’s personal. I grew up in Chelsea’s Elliott-Chelsea Houses, in a tenement in Hell’s Kitchen, and later in the Amsterdam Houses behind Lincoln Center, formerly known as San Juan Hill. In about 2005 I was fortunate to win a “lottery apartment.” I know firsthand how much stability public housing and other affordable housing programs can provide for individuals and families with limited income. That’s why I don’t understand the reason, time and again, I see proposals that chip away at affordability instead of protecting it and protecting tenants in these homes. For example, why are we so quick to demolish public housing? Why are we so timid about demanding more affordability and higher standards from wealthy developers and the City?
Councilmember Gale Brewer speaks at an event with Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. Photo: Phil O’Brien
It’s not just housing. Take the casino proposals for Hudson Yards and Times Square. Many residents were opposed. But where was the firm stance from local leadership? Why weren’t more local voices, beyond political offices, placed on the community advisory boards? Eventually, yes, there was listening and the casinos were not approved in this area. However, leadership must lead, not lag behind the community it represents.
I’ll never forget when I was told that someone in power said, with a laugh, that the City Council seat for this district was considered “the gay seat” due to leadership for more than 30 years; District 3 has been represented by — Tom Duane, Christine Quinn, Corey Johnson, Erik Bottcher. I’m proud of our LGBTQ+ community and its history of leadership. But representation should never be reduced to a label, a donor base, or a voting bloc. It should be about passion for the district, about including different voices, negotiating well, and standing firm on behalf of everyone who calls this community home.
The truth is, many people come through our neighborhoods but don’t remain here. If you do stay, it’s often because you have family roots, are in affordable housing or maybe you’ve been able to buy a home. I want leadership that is committed to all of us — not just large donors or the biggest bloc of senior voters, but also working families, renters, young people and people of color.
Meatpacking District Executive Director Jeffrey LeFrancios, MCB4 Chair Jessica Chait and Councilmember Gale Brewer at the ribbon cutting for Pier 97 in Hudson River Park. Photo: Phil O’Brien
Am I being idealistic? I don’t think so. I’m asking for someone who is straightforward, solution-focused, and committed to leveraging the strengths of their constituents for the good of the community. Someone who can negotiate with power, and do it with courage.
As we head into the polls this fall, my challenge to West Side voters is simple: ask yourself, when you look at the candidates, “Can this person lead us well?” or “Is this person like Gale?” In other words, will this next representative be willing to negotiate, collaborate, show up, speak up and stand up for us all with integrity?
* Councilmember Gale Brewer is running uncontested for Council District 6 (which includes parts of Hell’s Kitchen). She did not contribute to the writing of this OpEd.
Early voting will take place from Saturday, October 25 to Sunday, November 2 and the general election is on Tuesday, November 4. Visit vote.nyc to find your polling site.