When I decide which candidates to vote for in any election, I base my decision on a combination of things. I consider their intelligence level, character, past performance, current platform, and my perception of whether or not they'll be able to fulfill their campaign promises.

Even though I'm running unopposed, I think it's important that you know at least some basic information about me.

I've been a resident of Roosevelt Island for the past 26 years and I believe it's one of the best places in the country to live.

I've been a Common Council member, representing Rivercross, for the past two years, and an Alternate for the prior two years. During my tenure, I've worked on several RIRA committees, such as Housing, Social/Cultural/Education, and Government Relations, which I chaired. Among other things, these committees organized an Insurance Fair, coordinated the annual blood drives, arranged for a busload of residents to go to Albany to lobby for an extension of rent control legislation, showed movies at Southpoint Park, worked with the legislature to pass our Open Spaces law and, under a Government Relations sub-committee, we continue to work toward getting a resident-elected RIOC Board of Directors.

I was fortunate that during my tenure Matt Katz was President of RIRA. Matt has donated countless hours to community service and it was a pleasure serving under his leadership.

This year Steve Marcus is running for Council President. That's the main reason I threw my hat into the ring. I completely endorse his platform. Steve is intelligent, caring and, unlike many others, willing to take an active part in the work that needs to be done. I've worked with Steve in the past. He's a good guy who loves this Island and really wants to save it from piecemeal development and the disastrous financial deals of the past. But, in addition, he wants to build a stronger community spirit and exert more pressure on RIOC to be more responsive to resident issues. But he can't do it alone; the more resident involvement, the better the results for the Island will be.

Realistically, RIRA has no unilateral power to make any changes on this Island. Our only strength comes from whatever pressure we exert over our government officials. No matter how hard this new Council tries, it will only be as effective as the people of Roosevelt Island enable it to be.

This is your home. Pataki's biggest ace in the hole is our apathy. No matter who wins the Presidency and the Council seats, please work with your new representatives to make New York State sit up and listen to the citizens of Roosevelt Island.