East Harlem and South Bronx NYCHA, Tenant, and Community Leaders Announce Support for Diana Ayala

East Harlem and South Bronx NYCHA, Tenant, and Community Leaders Announce Support for Diana Ayala

New York, N.Y. – 16 Tenant and community leaders from across the 8th City Council District announced their support for Democrat Diana Ayala today. Hailing from every corner of the district, these leaders demonstrate Ayala’s strength from across East Harlem and the South Bronx.
“New York City’s public housing residents deserve a Councilmember who is tireless and unafraid to take on powerful interests,” said Ethel Velez, the Resident Association President of the Johnson Houses in East Harlem. “I have seen Diana Ayala in action, and I trust her to stand up for NYCHA residents because she grew up in public housing and has the experience getting things done in the City Council. Working for Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, Diana has been a strong advocate for residents as a Deputy Chief of Staff. She’s the Democrat we need on our side.”
“The South Bronx needs a voice in the City Council that rises about the special interests and typical politics. Diana Ayala isn’t a career politician, looking to climb the next rung or make deals with those in power. She’s one of us,” said Princilla Jamerson, President of the Tenant Association at Millbrook Houses. “A proud product of public housing, Diana has the energy we need to deliver much-needed repairs and increased safety for residents. I’m excited to support her campaign for City Council.”
“As someone who grew up in public housing, I know the unique issues and concerns facing NYCHA residents. I’m committed to fighting for the needs of these communities, from improving conditions and getting much-needed repairs to making these buildings safe for the families that call them home. These leaders are leading this fight in their buildings, and I’m looking forward to continue working with them in the City Council,” said Diana Ayala.
The full list of supporters is below. Non-NYCHA community and tenant leaders have an asterisk (*) next to their name, while the rest are leaders in their NYCHA Resident or Tenant Associations:
Ethel Velez:
Johnson Houses
Annie Davis:
Taft Houses
Sarah Gamble:
335 East 111th St
Stanley Johnson:
Metro North
Joyce Major:
Wilson Houses
Allie Eason:
Corsi Houses
Abigail Javier:
Jefferson Houses
Sylvia Velazquez:
Former President, Clinton Houses*
Princilla Jamerson: Millbrook Houses
Joseph Ansley:
Mitchell Houses
Pat Simpson:
Patterson Houses
Lou Torres:
Moore Houses
Giselle Gavins:
Betances House
Zoniz Ortiz:
Highbridge Community Leader*
Arlene Parks:
President, Diego Beekman Houses*
These leaders join Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Congressmember Adriano Espaillat; City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; Council Members Annabel Palma, Rafael Salamanca, and Ritchie Torres; 32BJ SEIU; the Working Families Party; the New York City Council Progressive Caucus Alliance; and Make the Road Action Fund in endorsing Ayala’s campaign.
Ayala is running to become the next Council Member for the 8th District, which includes both Manhattan’s El Barrio/East Harlem and the South Bronx neighborhoods of Mott Haven and High Bridge. She has worked in the 8th Council District for nearly two decades and currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, where she has worked on both legislation and constituent services.
The Democratic primary election will be on Tuesday, September 12th.
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