On this day, August 6, 1965, some 57 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. It was a landmark piece of federal legislation that overcame state and local legal barriers to voting and brought inclusive and civil rights change to our nation.

 

I have chosen today to announce that I am a candidate for Teaneck Town Council. 

 

I believe that the right to vote is one of our most fundamental civil rights, in that it affords people the right to choose how they will be governed. It allows for individuals to have equal voice in the democratic process. 

 

I believe in the power of the people to choose. It is not lost on me that prior to 1965, voting was a dream for many. Despite efforts currently underway to challenge and roll back these rights, now more than ever, there is a call to change, to hold fast and fight for the rights that our parents dared to believe are essential to fulfilling the American dream.

 

Lack of transparency in governance,  absence of fiscal responsibility, deficient representation in government and trustworthiness in leadership, tone deafness to smart development and impediments to economic empowerment for our small businesses are all challenges to our democracy as citizens of this town.

 

We have an unprecedented opportunity to effect change on November 8.

I invite you to join me to bring about the change that the people of Teaneck so deserve.