THE SHIFT STARTS WITH YOU

I have seen so much, learned so much, reflected so much… Not just on this journey, but throughout the years… throughout my ups and downs… and I feel blessed to be at this point in time, the most important time of my life… THIS PRESENT MOMENT… which is also the most important time of YOUR LIFE.

As you know, this blog is about THE URBAN SHIFT… What’s happening? HOW DO WE SHIFT?

Well… Many people complain about what’s going on… Crime, Violence, Emotional Distress, Insecurity, Financial Struggles, Uncertainty…  It’s good to acknowledge the challenges surrounding our lives… It’s the only way we can be ready to redirect our path and unleash our greatest potential.

I see this every day at NY7.  Many apathetic citizens say... “Oh… we can’t do nothing about those corrupt politicians…”  Others say… “I lost faith…” or “I don’t feel represented…” or “I can’t do it…. I can’t succeed…”

Today, I want to dig into your deepest desires, goals and aspirations.  Do you feel safe? Do you feel happy?  Do you feel fulfilled?  Do you think the solution is dependent on others? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???

YES… THE SHIFT STARTS WITH YOU!!!  Just like you need to take care of your car… put some gas, clean it, check the oil…  You are the engine of your LIFE!  We have dreams, goals, aspirations, and we are constantly influenced by external factors… But, will you allow those external factors to dictate your course?

Listen… I challenge you TODAY... to initiate THE SHIFT… It starts with YOU… Are you taking care of yourself?  Do you value yourself? Are you waiting for somebody else? Are you waiting for a miracle???

YOU ARE THE MIRACLE… Value yourself, believe that you can succeed… clear your space and surround yourself with the energy of that NEW LEVEL you dream of… Believe that you can redefine a new path for yourself and your community.

Read a good book, do some yoga, meditate, do some journaling… volunteer… share your unique talents and gifts… eat healthy… be active…  PUSH… DREAM…AND BELIEVE… If you take care and you believe in yourself… this is what you will irradiate… and trust me… IT’S CONTAGIOUS… Show your LIGHT and SHINE… Others are waiting for your LIGHT to join THE SHIFT…  The moment you decide to take this step… EVERYTHING SHIFTS… A NEW LANDSCAPE WILL BE REVEALED… YOU WILL TRANSFORM YOUR COMMUNITY… but IT’S ALL UP TO YOU!!!

If you feel like you are not being represented… GET UP AND REGISTER TO VOTE!  Be active… call your family and friends and get up to speed… write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper… attend a public hearing… YOU ARE THE CHANGE…YOU ARE THE ENGINE… COME ON!!!  I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!

Your contribution is critical to keep on walking, sharing and expanding the message. Please, share the word and support our campaign today at www.JoseLFernandez.com  

#NY7 #JoseLFernandezforCongress #NewBeginnings

THE URBAN SHIFT

 Posted on 08/06/14

Every day on this journey exposes me to new experiences, awakens my perspective and provides me with a unique opportunity to connect, listen, understand and proactively engage with people from all walks of life in such a vibrant and diverse community. 

From joining Shabbat celebrations to sharing with the Hispanic community at church, to attending service at the New York Zen Center in Brooklyn… I can assure you, the energy of New York’s 7^th District is amazing! 

But there is a huge contrast between me and my opponent, Nydia Velázquez.  Even though she has been in office for 22 years, I am perplexed by the huge gap with her constituency.  I am not only talking about people who have a different political viewpoint… it’s the people who voted for her and gave her the opportunity to represent them in Washington, who now say she doesn’t show up, that she is never available, that they have not seen her involved with the community…

I am not sitting in an office waiting to get reports on what is happening around Bushwick, Prospect Heights, Maspeth or Williamsburg.  I walk every day, and introduce myself to citizens throughout the neighborhoods.  You should see their faces when they see me walk in with my jeans, tennis shoes and backpack, presenting myself as a candidate for New York’s 7^th Congressional District.  They give me that look…  and I can read their minds… “Is this guy really running for Congress”?  We initiate a conversation and they tell me, “Well, I have never been visited by my representative, or I have never seen a candidate stop by my shop and introduce himself”.  We connect at a new personal level.

The other day I spoke with Rafael, a regular at Los Primos, a Dominican/Puerto Rican restaurant, and he told me he only voted once in NY, and never again… He went on to express how frustrated it is when politicians take advantage of the people…”they promise and promise, and then turn on their backs when they win”… Another guy told me “I can’t deal with corrupt politicians”.  I told him it’s just that some politicians are unable to honor being a public servant.  People are very apathetic about politics in the city, reason why there is such a low voter turnout.  But we are starting to notice THE SHIFT…

I am an urban candidate with an urban campaign and an urban message of consensus, integration and collaboration.  As I connect with constituents, even with those who have different political viewpoints, I tell them that we may not agree 100%, but our goal is to find common ground, respect each other and strengthen out of those congruent spaces, which allow us to work together towards achieving a better quality of life for NY7 and our nation.  This is why every day, we have new followers, volunteers and people who come on board with us…. from all backgrounds and throughout the political spectrum.  They value commitments, not false promises. 

Your contribution is critical to keep on walking, sharing and expanding the message. Please, share the word and support our campaign today at www.JoseLFernandez.com  

#NY7 #JoseLFernandezforCongress #NewBeginnings

OUT & ABOUT @ NY7 ON MY TENNIS SHOES AND BACKPACK…

 Posted on 07/29/14

Yesterday I enjoyed conversations with constituents from Ecuador, Cuba, Italy, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, among others. Diving into the neighborhoods, riding the subway, at the coffee shops, restaurants, markets…

Very eye-opening to hear about their challenges and aspirations. There is an evident lack of leadership. I asked them if they knew Rep. Nydia Velázquez… most of them don't, but the ones that do, say she never comes around… and that after 22 years of absence from the community, it's time to change! Robert told me… " I don't want a representative that shows up a few weeks before the election for a photo op... I want a representative that is accessible, willing to listen and stand for me all year round." I told him that this is the kind of representative I want to be, and the reason why I am connecting with people at a very personal level.

I later met with other candidates and leaders at the Metropolitan Republican Club, where we discussed critical public issues impacting New York and our nation. Very impressed with the diversity of the candidates and new leadership reflecting the evolution of the Republican Party and its fresh urban character. A new wave of leadership is emerging, engaging in a new conversation aligned with our times… aware of our priorities and potential as a nation.

Later in the evening before ending the day, I met David Ortiz, a young sharp guy from Isabela, Puerto Rico, soon-to-be father, and had a long chat about the island, common dreams and aspirations… We also talked about our passion for cooking… He has learned quite a bit from his Italian friends!!

Just when I thought I was ready to get some rest after a long day, around 2:30am, I walked by this very colorful house… and was greeted by Phil. It turns out that he is a very well known pastor who has dedicated his life inspiring other people on their spiritual growth. Now a retired cab driver, he turned his car into a source of inspiration for many people, and up to this day, continues to help the homeless and those in greater need. An admirable citizen… I even received a very special blessing from him as I continue on this journey…

These are the Voices from NY7... and the moments that give me the strength and determination to keep walking for our communities and our nation.

Your contribution is critical to keep on walking, sharing and expanding the message. Please, share the word and support our campaign today at www.JoseLFernandez.com

#NY7 #JoseLFernandezforCongress #NewBeginnings