As you know, our most recent President Jonathan Judge is running in that race!

Many of the Brooklyn YRs have been out supporting one of their own, and we hope you’ll all come out and support him.

The debate will take place Wednesday, February 24, 7 pm, at the Boro Park YMHA at 4910 14^th Ave. in Brooklyn.

Jonathan will be answering questions from a panel of Jewish Press reporters and editors, from the audience, and from residents who have submitted questions in advance.

Let’s come out to support Jonathan and let our voice be heard!

If you plan on attending, be sure to email us at brooklynyr@gmail.com. We’ll see you then!

Judge has released the following statement in reference to his candidacy:

100 Year Association. Taken at 2007 100 Year Association/DCAS College Scholars Award Ceremony at One Police Plaza. Left: NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly; Center: NYC Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler; Right: Jonathan J. Judge

“My neighbors and I have been deeply concerned about the direction in which our city and community is heading.  Too many of our representatives in City Hall have stopped listening to the people on many key issues.  These tough times require constant vigilance and someone who knows how city government works to keep our district running at its best for everyone.  It is time for a true public servant to step up for the people of our district.  My experience working in government and with our diverse community over the better part of the last decade would be a tremendous asset to our community as our City Council Member.

“Therefore, after much consideration and many kind phone calls and emails, I have decided to seek election to the New York City Council in the 44th District.  I am putting together a committee of local residents, community leaders, and experienced activists to prepare for my candidacy in the upcoming special election.  We will be releasing more details in the days ahead.”

Judge’s decision was made in response to the recent news that a special election will be called after current Council Member Simcha Felder’s resignation takes effect on January 31, 2010.

— ABOUT JONATHAN J. JUDGE —

Jonathan J. Judge, who resides in the Kensington section of Brooklyn, has spent his entire adult life in public service.  At the age of 17, he began volunteering at Brooklyn Community Board 14, where he interned throughout college and now works as part of the board’s staff. There, he has worked with the Board and many constituents over the years to help resolve complaints on city services, to identify funding priorities for a variety of city programs, and to ensure local government meets the needs of the residents and businesses of the district.  In 2005, CB14 presented Jonathan with the Certificate of Appreciation for his service to the Board and the community.

While in college, Jonathan interned with the New York City Office of Emergency Management, working with the press office in conducting outreach to ethnic and multilingual media outlets so everyone in the City of New York can instantly receive and understand urgent emergency communications.

Jonathan also served for two years as the 70th Precinct Community Council’s Recording Secretary, creating the 70th Precinct Community Council Blog (http://70pctcc.blogspot.com), which keeps residents informed of all the latest information about the council and public safety in the community.

Jonathan has had a thoroughly New York education.  He attended parochial grammar school in Brooklyn, and graduated from Xavier High School in Manhattan. He then graduated magna cum laude from CUNY Brooklyn College as a Macaulay Honors College scholar with a B.A. in Classics and Linguistics.  He first got a taste of local politics by running for Brooklyn College Student Assembly on the PHD Party line, where he served for three sessions–one of which as Speaker.

His dedication to public service has been greatly inspired by the transformative administration of Mayor Rudy Giuliani and from his own family’s background of public service. For instance, his parents, Victoria and Kevin, both have served in the New York City Police Department, as have other members of his family who also served in various government agencies.  His father, Kevin, recently received a Certificate of Service Achievement from New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly for his longevity of service to the department for over 35 years.

Jonathan has also been very active in local politics and issue advocacy.  For instance, he organized StopNYCCongestionTax.org, an online advocacy site organized against the city’s proposed congestion pricing plan, which resulted in thousands of emails and petitioners who protested the adoption of this traffic tax on New York’s residents and small businesses. During the process, he worked with various elected officials and business and community leaders to mobilize opponents of the plan.  Jonathan also participated in debates, testified before the City Council, and attended public forums on the proposed plan as well.

Jonathan is now pursuing a Master’s degree at New York University in political ethics, focusing on the causes of corruption and strategies for government reform.

###

Hi-Res Photo Link: http://www.jjjudge.com/jonathan-judge-photo.jpg

Photo Credit & Description: 100 Year Association. Taken at 2007 100 Year Association/DCAS College Scholars Award Ceremony at One Police Plaza.  Left: NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly; Center: NYC Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler; Right: Jonathan J. Judge