Re-Elect Steven Cymbrowitz

Nobody can debate that 2010 has brought change – and the year’s not over.  We’re all concerned about the economy, changes to our healthcare system, new banking regulations, America’s relations with Israel, the domestic war on terrorism and our nation’s battles overseas.  If 2010 could be summed up in one word, it would be “uncertainty.”   This is what is affecting most people more than any of the actual changes since it is very difficult to invest in or even plan for the future when so much of what we are accustomed to has either changed or will change in the next few years.  Americans, are longing for what we are accustomed to – stability.

However, America’s greatness has been built on continual change. As our nation grew and matured, it evolved.  We had to, or we would never have developed the economy, culture and lifestyle that we, as Americans, are fortunate to enjoy today.  However, for most of our nation’s history, the change was gradual, almost natural.  This enabled Americans to adapt to and become accustomed to the changes.

When I talk with members of our community I either hear or sense their concern about the future.  Of course, previous generations also had worried about the future.  For many of us, our ancestors’ thinking about the future motivated them to immigrate to America.  We are not going anywhere now.  America is our home, Brooklyn is our community. We are here to stay to make the best future possible for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.

America is facing serious challenges.  This is nothing new.  Facing and meeting the challenges our nation is confronted with has always made us stronger.  We must all get involved, converting our concerns about the future into the energies that will create a positive future.  Now, more than ever, your involvement is necessary to move this great nation and state in a positive direction.

There are many ways to get involved.  Over the years that I have been your Assemblyman, I have received thousands of calls, letters and emails from community members offering suggestions, letting me know about problems, informing me of their opinions, suggesting new legislation, and at times complaining.  This is good.  I have always made myself and my staff available to listen to you.  This is what enables me to be an effective representative  knowing how you think and what you need.  Each month my mobile community office travels to various locations in our community, including the Sephardic Community Center.  We bring informational materials and answer questions, but the most important reason for us to be out in the community is to listen.

Government works at its best when it works with the community.  That’s just what happened when nearly ten years ago the Board of Directors of the Sephardic Community Center told me because of its many successful programs it had outgrown its space.  Hearing this and knowing what an important part of our community this institution is, I immediately sought funding.  Last May, as I was participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the expanded Sephardic Community Center, I was proud that I was able to secure over $1 million for this vital project.

Our community has numerous needs and listening to community leaders and residents, and seeing firsthand what must be improved, has resulted in my obtaining more than three-quarters of a million dollars for other community institutions such as the Sephardic Bikur Holim and S.A.F.E .  I was also able to direct over $100,000 of my “member initiatives” budget to these and other vital organizations in our community.

Communications is truly the key.  A few years ago, a group of concerned community residents who had formed the Kings Highway Beautification Association met with me to discuss improving the aesthetics of Kings Highway from McDonald Avenue to Ocean Parkway.  Several ideas came out of that meeting including my funding of the purchase and installation of antique style streetlights. The result of my partnership with the community will be evident very shortly, when the new lights are installed along Kings Highway.

Another way for you to be able to impact the future is to vote.  In the past, people were wary of registering to vote because they thought it meant an invitation to jury duty.  This is not true.  Lists of potential jurors are created from various sources including the list of licensed drivers.

It’s important to vote. Your vote for a candidate reflects your ideals and needs, and combined with the votes of other voters with similar beliefs, adds up to electing a representative who truly has your interests at heart, someone whom you can trust. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz is that person. His record is one of integrity and action. He shares your values and will continue to be responsive to your needs as he represents you in the Assembly.  

Tuesday, November 2nd is Election Day. Our community and state need someone with experience to guide us through these challenging times. That’s why it is important for you to take action by voting for Steven Cymbrowitz for State Assembly.