Councilman David G. Greenfield congratulates Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito following today’s historic unanimous vote appointing her as the first Latina leader of the New York City Council, and welcomes the 21 new members following their first official Stated meeting at City Hall. Councilman Greenfield was part of a wide and diverse coalition of Council Members from across the city who supported Speaker Mark-Viverito in her campaign over the past month and was proud to back her during today’s vote.

“I am very proud to be part of this historic vote as we usher in a new era of government in New York City. My congratulations to Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito on today’s vote and for running a great campaign. It was especially inspiring to see the entire Council unite behind Speaker Mark-Viverito out of recognition of what is best for the city. I have worked closely with Speaker Mark-Viverito over the past years and have no doubt that she will be a great leader who will represent the needs of all New Yorkers. I am confident that we can now join together as a Council to address the many pressing issues facing our great city,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Councilman Greenfield also applauded Kings County Democratic Chairman Frank Seddio for uniting the Council’s Brooklyn Delegation in support of Speaker Mark-Viverito. “One of the most encouraging parts of this entire process is the way in which members from across the borough came together in support of a common goal. There is no question that this cohesiveness played a key role in making today’s historic vote a reality,” said Councilman Greenfield.

In addition, Councilman Greenfield welcomed the 21 new Council Members who were elected in November, including Councilman Mark Treyger, Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Councilman Carlos Menchaca and Councilman Alan Maisel, who will join him in representing portions of southern Brooklyn’s fast-growing Orthodox Jewish population.

“Congratulations to all of my new colleagues as they take on the incredible responsibility of representing their constituents at City Hall. I am very excited to hear many new ideas about how we can improve our city and I am confident that we will accomplish great things in 2014 on behalf of the public that placed this trust in us,” added Councilman Greenfield.

(YWN Desk – NYC)