Mark Chipman Runs for RIRA VP Spot

Mark Chipman, as he spoke earlier this month at a RIRA Common Council meeting.

Manhattan Park resident Mark Chipman has announced that he is running for the Vice Presidency of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA).

"Why run for office?" Chipman asked rhetorically in a statement for The WIRE. "This is a question asked of most every candidate running for office. My answer is quite simple: Matt Katz asked me to." Matthew Katz is running for President of RIRA, seeking to return to a position in which he served two terms, from 2000 to 2004.

"The real question is why be involved with RIRA at all?" Chipman continued. "The Residents Association has no direct control over the Island’s operations. What it does have is the power that comes with being the only elected body representing the Island’s residents.

"There will be many issues facing our Island over the next few years. The two issues I would like to be involved with are transportation (Red Bus, Tram, and subway) and self-governance, seeking an elected RIOC Board of Directors.

"Having lived on the Island since 1993 and having been a Common Council Member the last four years, I see these two issues as the most urgent matters facing RIRA. Do I have the answers? No. But, I do have a lot of questions."

"These issues and four more are going to be referendum questions on the November 7 RIRA ballot. I urge all residents to become involved. Run for office, voice your opinions, and vote in the election."