As kids went back to school this week, NYC Council Member Linda Lee didn’t succumb to the online pressures of having her kids hold a cute custom plaque announcing her kids’ school year plans. A piece of paper did the job. Quick, simple and efficient. Says a lot about the mindset of this Queens legislator! Sila Asa, her district manager, loves working with Linda because she’s a ‘real person’ – we need more of these people in politics! And that’s the purpose of this newsletter…
New daddy Kenny Burgos who resigned from the New York State Assembly last month, is the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, a new organization resulting from the merger between Jay Martin’s Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) and Joe Strasburg’s Rent Stabilization Association (RSA). The Tribeca headquarters is where Kenny has been spending recent days acclimating to the new position in his king-size office with an ensuite bathroom, where he commutes via NYC Ferry from Soundview to Wall Street…
After 30 years, the Town of North Hempstead finally has new leadership in its buildings department, and can thank its Supervisor Jen DeSena for making this happen. Jen was first elected in 2021 with no government or political background – on the platform of changing the status quo in the Town, particularly in the buildings department. Current commissioner John Niewender is out, and new deputy commissioner, Stephen Haramis, is in…
Kyle Strober’s ABLI quarterly cocktails and networking event (hailed by political personalities from across the state as one of the best because there’s never ever any speaking portion – just open bar and schmoozing) attracted guests from across the Island and even Manhattan, where a two-hour trafficky car ride wasn’t a deterrent. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine was seen sitting and speaking with new LIRR president Rob Free, who has worked for the agency for over 30 years, beginning as station cleaner… a similar career path to Hector Garcia, the LIRR’s current chief of staff… Long Island zoning attorney Tom Abbate was widely admired at the event for his unique pink blazer, overheard speaking about his dynamic nighttime presentations to the Town of Huntington Zoning Board… and former Long Island Association CEO, Kevin Law, who is a partner at Tritec Real Estate Development and holds various board positions across New York, made his way across the crowd, still as popular as before!
Also spotted there, Adam Hornbuckle formerly of Tucker Green consulting, who is now Long Island regional director for Senator Chuck Schumer, was speaking with his counterpart from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office, Michael Scheid… Former Senator Todd Kaminsky staffer turned offshore wind expert, Halie Meyers, overheard chatting about excellent pho in Farmingdale, while Long Island Board of Realtors’ Kevin Brady was hypothesizing a potential Kim Keiserman win for the state senate district seat currently occupied by incumbent Jack Martins…
Governor Kathy Hochul made a visit to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove this week speaking alongside former Rep. Steve Israel about combating antisemitism, before making her way to Hempstead and meeting with Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs to deliver a check for over $9 million dollars to the local public pool – part of a larger investment made to increase New York State park pool attendance and her “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign… On the east end of Long Island, Rep. Nick LaLota spoke at The Hampton Synagogue…
Back in New York City, Fashion Week had Meatpacking District BID president Jeffrey LeFrancois chasing elephants, literally – The Great Elephant Migration installation of 100 life-sized elephants can be seen over the next few weeks downtown – and they’re made from lantana camara, one of the world’s top invasive weeds… Assemblywoman Nily Rozic partnered with nonprofit organization, Commonpoint Queens, to host a back-to-school giveaway of 100 backpacks for children and single-parent families in Flushing and Fresh Meadows…
Also in Queens, Council Member Nantasha Williams hosted a graduation party to celebrate her completion of a doctorate program.. Approaching the party, one could hear the resounding voice of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on the microphone, followed by Diana Richardson who was in attendance with her hubby, state senator Zellnor Myrie, who is seeking to primary Mayor Eric Adams next year… A few political personalities were in attendance with their children – aka, next-gen political personalities! – including Commissioner Laurie Cumbo and her son, Prince, Council Member Julie Won and her son, Rush, as well as Franck Joseph II, Chief of Staff and Organizational Strategy for New York City Transit with his daughter, Ava.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH at 4:30PM at GRACIE MANSION, I BRING YOU, STYLE ACROSS THE AISLE: Because REAL MODELS can’t compete with ROLE MODELS
Political Personality of the Week
New York City Council Member, Dr. Nantasha Williams
New York City Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams represents Council District 27 in Southeast Queens, encompassing communities such as Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Addisleigh Park, and Springfield Gardens. As a passionate community leader and social justice advocate, Dr. Williams is dedicated to driving real change in her district. Her top priorities include creating economic opportunities, advancing youth development, improving housing, and protecting seniors, all while continuing the rich legacy of her hometown.
Raised by a single mother who worked as a social worker, Dr. Williams learned early on the value of hard work and the importance of advocating for vulnerable community members. Her background in activism, particularly focused on women and girls, led her to found the New York City Black Women’s Political Club in 2019, aimed at empowering Black women across the city. Dr. Williams has also been a national force in political strategy, contributing to historic events like the Women’s March on Washington, D.C., and playing a crucial role in criminal justice reform and anti-gun violence efforts.
Dr. Williams holds a PhD in Social Welfare from the CUNY Graduate Center, with research focused on Social Movements, Public Policy, and Racial Justice. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Her first year in office saw significant achievements, including landmark legislation for fair pay transparency and substantial investments in her district. As Chair of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights, she has championed anti-racism training for city employees and is currently leading the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan to enhance affordable housing and community development in Downtown Jamaica and Hollis.
Fast Facts:
- Founder, New York City Black Women’s Political Club
- She’s a dancer
- In 2024, she completed her Doctorate in Social Welfare from the CUNY Graduate Center
- Chair of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights
- Previously professionally involved in JFK Redevelopment Program
- Raised by a single mother
