We are
used to hear politicians talk about issues or campaign promises. Today, I would like to talk to you about
Commitments, which reflect a new level of intention, sense of responsibility
and engagement.
My 7
Commitments for New York’s 7th District set a new foundation to
leverage our communities’ diversity and development, addressing current
challenges and connecting with our people at the very core level to learn about
their aspirations, leading to the quality of life that we all deserve.
My 7 Commitments for NY7:
1.
I Commit to Integral Education
through the development of an initiative supported by local NGO’s and the
community, focused on school retention and securing new employment
opportunities for our youth
As an educator myself, it’s alarming to see that 56% of
the adult population in NY7 has less than a fourth year of high school, which
reflects that education and school retention have not been a priority, leading
to high unemployment in the district.
The lack of guidance, academic and professional preparation has limited
their potential within their communities, while people have been more
controlled by the government. They can’t
find jobs and their quality of life has deteriorated. We must set education as a priority.
2. I Commit to Entrepreneurship
& Strengthening our Small Business Community as the leading source for job
creation
Coming from a small business background, I have been
able to connect with business owners in the district, and have discovered the
incumbent’s lack of support for the small business community. As chair of the Small Business Committee,
besides responding to crony corporate interests, what did Rep. Nydia Velazquez do to help small businesses in NY7
dealing with bureaucracy, tax increases and other impediments that limit their
growth and potential? I propose starting
a fund to promote the creation of microenterprises and providing citizens with
guidelines on how to start their businesses, which will allow them to create
jobs and contribute to the economy, while improving their quality of life and
that of their families.
3.
I Commit to Arts Education and
the development of a World-Class Arts District as a model for economic
development
I have been an artist all my life, started piano lessons
when I was 3 and later pursued my career at the Conservatory. I understand the value and impact of arts
education. It is frustrating to see how
funding has been eliminated in schools.
This is why I am committed to find federal funding to reinstate these
programs. We have the potential to turn
Williamsburg, Brooklyn into an Arts District as a model for economic
development. We have the resources,
talent and infrastructure to transform this area into a world-class arts
district, providing incentives for artists to stay in the city, refurbishing
abandoned warehouses to create collaborative work spaces and housing, expanding
their engagement, which will also be good for tourism and businesses in the
area, while enhancing the cultural environment of our people.
4. I Commit to Equality by
supporting comprehensive immigration reform and demanding equal treatment for
all U.S. citizens
I AM for equality, Nydia Velázquez IS NOT. I must question her credibility, promising to
defend the rights of undocumented immigrants, while denying the rights of her
own people… U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico.
What kind of hope can Hispanics and other immigrants have when she
doesn’t even defend the rights of her fellow Puerto Ricans? President Obama has not taken the lead on
immigration reform, deporting more people than any other president, while Nydia
Velázquez has been silent. Comprehensive
Immigration Reform and equality for ALL U.S. citizens should be at the top of
the agenda in 2015.
5.
I Commit to Public Safety by
empowering first responders and engaging our communities, while leveraging our
strategic positioning for national security
Nydia Velázquez has ignored first responders in NY7 and
the strategic positioning of the area for national security. I have visited firehouses and police stations
to thank them for their service to our nation.
We are living in a post 9/11 world and our threat is real and more serious
than ever before… The tension in the Middle East is escalating, we have been
threatened by ISIS, and the president keeps improvising, leaving us at
risk. We need to empower our first
responders in NY7 and leverage our resources accordingly.
6. I Commit to fixing Obamacare and
securing a fair health plan for our citizens as a result of an incremental
reform which has been carefully studied and is well-balanced
There is no doubt that we should fix Obamacare to
address the adverse impact of the current health care law on our citizens. We must increase community health centers and
hospitals, reform Medicare to provide seniors with better choices, increase and
extend tax credits to small businesses and fund the expansion of Medicaid.
7.
I Commit to Renewable Energy
Initiatives, focusing on Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Living conditions
for our communities and local businesses
Our goal is to create a model of sustainable living for the vibrant
communities in NY7 by combining discipline, sound planning and improving the
natural and common areas that will bring prosperity to our people.
By building strong alliances with public and private partners we
will advance sustainable development throughout our communities.
I
strongly believe that the manifestation of these commitments will set a new
foundation for NY7.
Now,
it’s up to YOU to make a commitment!
We are
less than 50 days away from the election.
An unprecedented opportunity to have a historic victory in NY7 is just
around the corner. YES, IT IS POSSIBLE!
Now,
more than ever, we need the economic support to fund this critical last stage
of the grassroots operation that will uncover a new majority in NY7. It is a costly operation, and we can only get
up to speed with your donation.
You can donate online now at www.JoseLFernandez.com. Reach out to your family and friends! Check contributions can be mailed to: 190 Bedford Avenue Suite 256
Brooklyn, NY 11249.
Thank
You for your Commitment and Support!
Follow
Us…
Twitter: @JLFNY7
Instagram: @JLFernandezForCongress
José Luis Fernández was born in San Juan, Puerto
Rico on June 15, 1978 and throughout the years he has excelled as an
entrepreneur, artist, educator, communicator and civic leader. He served as
president of the Inter American Entrepreneurs Association (Asociación
Interamericana de Hombres de Empresa AIHE), Director of the Puerto Rico Chamber
of Commerce and adjunct faculty of leadership and entrepreneurship with Sacred
Heart University in San Juan. At age 27, he was recognized as Caribbean
Business' 40 leaders under 40. He also served as Senior Advisor to The
Washington Center for Academic Internships and Seminars, managing the Córdova
& Fernós Program, and as host and producer of MESA PRESIDENCIAL (Presidential
Roundtable), with Univision Radio in New York and Puerto Rico, highlighting
federal legislation and national developments impacting the Hispanic community.
Fernández holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in
management and international business from Sacred Heart University. He also
holds a degree in music with a concentration in piano performance from the
Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and a Master of Public Administration from
American University in Washington, DC.
