Brooklyn, NY – On Monday, January 18, 2010, in an unprecedented show of unity, a rapidly growing coalition of community leaders pledged their support to Joe Lazar’s bid for the City Council seat being vacated by Simcha Felder.

“Joe Lazar is a special person who not only cares about our community, but has the expertise to spot openings in government budgets and to design programs to fit them, to help the members our community,” said Assemblyman Dov Hikind. Joe has found funding in creative ways for dozens of institution and programs in our community.” It is only fitting, and I am proud that my community showed Achdus (Hebrew for unity), on Joe’s behalf for the good of the whole community.

“We need to elect Joe Lazar to the City Council in this time of great change and economic uncertainty; to ensure our community continues to get the government programs and services it needs to grow in economic times like these when government budgets are being cut, said Moshe Wieder, a spokesperson for the community leaders.

“As long as I am privileged to be in a position to help, I feel the need to serve my community,” said Joe Lazar.  “I believe in governing by family values and traditions, which means protecting senior citizens, using government resources for public safety, health care needs, affordable housing and helping parents pay for the high costs of education.”

“Joe Lazar was responsible for condemning unsafe drug infested buildings so we could build new homes for families in our community,” Said Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz. “Joe will make it possible for our children, to be able to raise their families in our community.”

“Joe Lazar is known for his selflessness, especially when it comes to helping others with healthcare needs in our community, said community leader Mrs. Miriam Lubling. “Joe has helped me help many individuals who needed medical care.  He has assisted many of our communal organizations to obtain government services, benefits and programs.”

“Joe Lazar understands the needs and concerns of the small businessman in our community,” Said Arnold Klapper owner, Clear View Opticians.  “He has helped many of us fix problems that we have had with city and state governments. I support him because he is already doing the job of our City Councilman.”

Joe Lazar, who has lived in Boro Park and Midwood since 1961, has served this community in many capacities, including his appointment as one of the early members of Community Board 12 (appointed in 1972 by then City Councilman Howard Golden), and served as the chair of the budget committee.

Joe Lazar, a veteran of city and state government and community service for many years, serving as the NYC Regional Director of the NYS Office of Mental Health, and Budget Director for the NYC Department of Buildings, has long since proven his unique ability to successfully navigate large bureaucracies and the legislative bodies which preside over them. It has given him a unique understanding of the inner workings of government. Joe knows how to navigate the system to bring services and funding to our community. Joe has brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the community, and is looking for the opportunity to continue to do so.

(Press Release By Joe Lazar)