Doctors may not make house calls anymore, but Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) has reinstituted the concept with the launch of his Senator On Site or “SOS” initiative intended to tackle outdoor safety and quality-of-life issues in the 17th Senate District. Senator Felder initially introduced the program late last month in his newsletter. Since then, nearly 100 people have contacted his office for assistance with problems pertaining to potholes, street lights, tree stumps, or broken sidewalks outside their homes or in their neighborhood which require repair.
“My goal in starting the SOS program was to bring personal service back into politics,” said Senator Felder. “I want to ensure that I am accessible to all of my constituents regardless of where they’re located, and to make certain that everyone has an opportunity to have their concerns heard and addressed. Many of the calls we’ve received involve truly hazardous situations or disgraceful conditions. A number of constituents have expressed frustration about the lack of response they have received from 311 or other government agencies. I see it as my responsibility to use my elected office to resolve these issues.”
The idea for Senator On Site arose after one small business owner called Senator Felder’s office for help. The sidewalk in front of his discount store was obstructed by a tree encased with a metal fence, a bike rack, and a Muni Meter. Delivery trucks could not off-load new merchandise, and vendors told the store owner they would cease deliveries until there was adequate space available. The constituent was steadily losing business until Senator Felder and his SOS Team intervened with the Department of Transportation and had the bike rack placed elsewhere.
If you would like the SOS Team dispatched to your home or another location, please call Senator Felder’s office at 718-253-2015.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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One Response
I had a parking issue on Erev Pesach and Simcha came down personally to take care of it a few hours before Yom Tov. I want to thank him in public. I called his office a few times but I could not leave a message. He even followed up with a phone call after Yom Tov. What a Mentch!!!!!!!!!