Councilman-Elect Cohen’s swearing-in ceremony in Lehman College’s historic Music Building’s Lovinger Theatre.

PRODUCED BY THE LEHMAN COLLEGE OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

Lehman College congratulates Andrew Cohen, the Bronx’s newest City Council member representing District 11, which includes the College. On January 5, Lehman hosted Mr. Cohen’s swearing-in ceremony in the historic Music Building’s Lovinger Theatre.

“As a product of New York City public schools, I believe a free or affordable education is one of the most important services we provide in our city,” said Mr. Cohen. “There is no more powerful or effective tool in fighting poverty than education. I will be on the front lines with our parents, teachers, and administrators.”

He also addressed parkland, homeless issues, development and land use, and social services.

Mr. Cohen, who officially took office January 1, succeeds Councilman Oliver Koppell. Mr. Cohen was introduced by N.Y. Assemblyman and Bronx County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who said “Andy Cohen embodies what we’re talking about in progressive politics in New York. His commitment to jobs, to helping the homeless, creating better housing, the list goes on and on.”

The oath of office was administered by N.Y. Supreme Court Justice Edgar Walker. Rabbi Avi Weiss of the Hebrew Institute delivered the invocation and Father Richard Gorman delivered the benediction. Music was provided by the Celia Cruz High School Chorus and the Bronx Opera Company.

Speakers included: New York Assemblyman Bruce Feld; New York City’s newly elected comptroller Scott Stringer; former District 11 council member Oliver Koppell; newly elected NYC public advocate and Lehman alumna Letitia James; Congressman and Lehman alumnus Eliot Engel; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; U.S. Senator Charles Schumer; N.Y. Assemblyman and Bronx County Democratic Leader Carl Heastie; N.Y. Senator Jeffrey Klein; Congressman Charles Rangel; N.Y. Senator Gustavo Rivera; and N.Y. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

In an interview with the Riverdale Press, Mr. Cohen said he is working to build his connections and relationships with community members and colleagues.

Before his election to the City Council in the 2013 municipal election, Mr. Cohen served as an attorney and adjunct professor at CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He previously served as a Court Attorney to a Bronx Supreme Court Justice and as Legal Counsel for Assemblyman Dinowitz.

Mr. Cohen lives in Riverdale with his wife Dr. Heather Erhard and their daughter Sarah.

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