Hector Ramirez fo

  HECTOR RAMIREZ ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY

FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

Passionate community activist seeks to bring real and honest representation to the beleaguered 86th District of the New York State Assembly

Calling the people of University Heights, Tremont, Morris Heights, and Fordham to stand up for their right to elect their own representatives and send the real and strong representation they need in Albany, Democrat Hector Ramirez announced his candidacy to the 86th Assembly District. After a strong grass root movement campaign, involving a diverse coalition of volunteers that walked the district for the past few weeks petitioning signatures of district voters, Ramirez submitted more than three times the amount of signatures required to qualify for the candidacy- to the Bronx Board of Elections.

“A district that, confronts exponential problems of inequality, women's health issues, unemployment, high levels of crime, and lack of opportunities in general, we cannot sit idle, while the beneficiaries of the status quo don’t even want to recognize our right to elect our own representatives”, said Hector Ramirez. "I am running because I want to be part of a strong, progressive coalition of democrats that will go to Albany to bring a real voice from our community and fight for the resources needed to tackle the abandonment that this district has suffered for years”

As a result of his own experience and community involvement, Hector Ramirez has been an inspiration to the minority communities he serves. Ramirez has demonstrated his commitment to fighting for immigrant, civil and economic rights. He has been actively involved in fighting street crime and gang violence in cooperation with community leaders and grass roots organizations.

Through his work in the community, Hector Ramirez has seen firsthand the crucial needs that surround the neighborhoods of University Heights, Tremont, Morris Heights,

and Fordham. He understands that we need honest, responsible and effective leadership to give these impoverished sections of the Bronx strong representation in Albany. He will bring back the respect and meaningful change that the district deserves to move forward and get the necessary resources.

In announcing his candidacy, Ramirez highlighted the need to fight for affordable housing, economic development, and educational opportunities for the youth and adult population, including the fight for the state DREAM Act, more resources to improve the lives for our senior citizens and more resources, community engagement and leadership to combat crime.

"But the first step in having our voice and concerns heard in Albany is allowing the people of the district to exercise their constitutional right of electing whomever they want fighting for them in Albany, not a poppet imposed by politicians", Ramirez added.

Over the past two decades, Ramirez has expanded his political involvement in the Bronx to reflect his passion for community service, working in partnership with grassroots organizations to demand more living wage jobs, health care, education and affordable housing to one of the poorest areas in the nation.

A passionate community activist, Ramirez started his public service at a young age in the Dominican Republic, as part of the student movement, in charitable organizations and later as a professional accountant, heading the Ethics Committee for the National Dominican Accountants Association.

In 2002, Ramirez was elected to the 86th Assembly as District Leader where he was re-elected four times. As District Leader, Ramirez has served a densely populated area encompassing University Heights, Tremont, and the Morris Heights section of the Bronx, as a non-paid liaison for the community to government agencies, elected and Democratic Party officials and community organizations. His hard work earned Ramirez a reputation as an honest and responsible leader. Hector Ramirez was one of the community leaders that fought for the creation of the AD86.

The Democratic Primary will be held on September 13, 2016.

EDITOR'S NOTE: 

When asked about a primary challenger current 86th A.D. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo said that he was ready to defend his record against anyone. At the time it was said that former Assemblyman Nelson Castro might run against him. I would have to ask the question again of Assemblyman Pichardo, but I think the answer would be the same for candidate Hector Ramirez.