“The only way we can beat someone [in the New York City mayorial race] who is going to spend $100 million on this race is to have a really anti-political campaign. I’m the anti-politician. I’m the unpolitician.”
Councilmember Tony Avella, mayorial candidate, was quoted as saying this in an article entitled "The Outsider" by David Freedlander. Mr. Avella describes himself as the politician who refuses to be compromised by dirty politics. “Nothing is ever decided on the merits. It’s political and personal agendas. . . It’s money buys the influence and money rules this city in stead of the people.”
Mr. Avella refuses to play the game. Example: In 2003, in voting according to the wishes of his district, he voted against Bloomberg’s property tax increase, along with a handful of other council members, despite pressure from the Bloomberg administration.
"That was the first time I had come face to face with a dilemma about what do you do. A lot of people said 'If you vote against it, you are going to be punished.' And I thought about it, and I said, 'Why am I here? Am I here to do what I'm told or what I think is best for my constituents and the people of the city?' And I said, 'I'm going to do what I think is best, because in my opinioin, once you make the other choice, you are absolutely lost.'"
The punishment was fast and severe.
Click on the link to see the entire article.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tony Avella calls for preserving neighborhoods
In a recent article entitled "The Outsider" by David Freedlander published in City Hall News, the reporter discusses Councilmember Tony Avella and his bid for mayor of New York City. Freedlander says that some of Avella's "most fervent battles have been with the Department of Buildings and with what he sees as the runaway development of the Bloomberg years." Mr. Avella is on a mission to bring the city back to the way it was and back to when the job of government was to serve the people. Avella is the voice of the small and the local, and "one of the most ardent preservationists in the city." On the subject, Freedlander quotes Mr. Avella as saying, "In many neighborhoods a lot of the charm is being lost. . . That's the cry I hear from most residents throughout the entire city, that the charm and character of the neighborhoods is just being destroyed . . . Surely, no one who has watched the city slowly morph these last several years into one gigantic food court broken up only by the occasional Duane Read would consider these changes progess."
Go to tonyavellaformayor.com to read Mr. Avella's stand on all the issues.
Go to tonyavellaformayor.com to read Mr. Avella's stand on all the issues.
Monday, March 2, 2009
At the mayoral candidate forum held at the Three Parks Democratic Club in February, Councilmember Tony Avella was invited only if he would allow Comptroller William C. Thompson to speak first. The comptroller had a mildly receptive audience, but they found Councilmember Avella to be exciting and provocative, frequently interrupting him with applause. Mr. Avella had to keep quieting the audience in order to continue. Thompson all but ignored Avella and exited the forum as soon as he was finished. Avella criticized the comptroller for, among other things, failing to answer the question of whether or not he takes money from real-estate interests.
Mr. Avella is a candidate of the people. He said at the forum that we need to take back City Hall, and that we need a campaign that will send a message throughout the entire country that it’s not about money, it’s about people! He got a standing ovation when the forum ended, and he had a hard time getting out the door.
The attendees were inspired and signed up to be volunteers for the Avella campaign.
New Yorkers must find out everything they can about this man, who would bring to our fair city a mayor who is honest and dedicated to the interests of the people, rather than the special interests.
Go to tonyavellaformayor.com.
Mr. Avella is a candidate of the people. He said at the forum that we need to take back City Hall, and that we need a campaign that will send a message throughout the entire country that it’s not about money, it’s about people! He got a standing ovation when the forum ended, and he had a hard time getting out the door.
The attendees were inspired and signed up to be volunteers for the Avella campaign.
New Yorkers must find out everything they can about this man, who would bring to our fair city a mayor who is honest and dedicated to the interests of the people, rather than the special interests.
Go to tonyavellaformayor.com.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Councilmember Avella Willing to Help the Horses
As vice-president of the Coalition to Ban the Horse-Drawn Carriage in New
> York City, I am well aware that Tony Avella is the first member of the NYC council who has ever been willing to step up to the plate and introduce
> a bill that would ban the horse-drawn carriage in New York. No other council
> member, since the 70's when the movement against the industry began, has
> been willing to do this, despite overwhelming evidence that the practice
> equates to a life-style that is contrary to every natural desire and
> instinct on the part of these much-loved animals. The conditions in New York
> City are hugely incompatible with the well-being of horses, forced to pull
> carriages in extremes of weather through New York streets crowded with
> vehicles and noises prone to cause horses to spook and bolt, causing fatal
> injury to themselves. Thank you Mr. Avella, for your courage, your ethics, and for your sensitivity to these majestic animals.
> York City, I am well aware that Tony Avella is the first member of the NYC council who has ever been willing to step up to the plate and introduce
> a bill that would ban the horse-drawn carriage in New York. No other council
> member, since the 70's when the movement against the industry began, has
> been willing to do this, despite overwhelming evidence that the practice
> equates to a life-style that is contrary to every natural desire and
> instinct on the part of these much-loved animals. The conditions in New York
> City are hugely incompatible with the well-being of horses, forced to pull
> carriages in extremes of weather through New York streets crowded with
> vehicles and noises prone to cause horses to spook and bolt, causing fatal
> injury to themselves. Thank you Mr. Avella, for your courage, your ethics, and for your sensitivity to these majestic animals.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
AVELLA RANKED BEST IN QUEENS ON HUMAN RIGHTS.
On December 10, 2008, the Urban Justice Center released its report card for the Human Rights Project, which rated NYC Council Members on their human rights record based on key legislation before the City Council in the past year. The Human Rights Project works to hold city government accountable to human rights laws and standards. Click here to see the New York City Council Watch report card.
Council Member Tony Avella, candidate for mayor of NYC in 2009, ranked third on the list. Leticia James ranked first, followed by Charles Barron who ranked second. The issues covered included term limits, voter registration, elder abuse, immigration services, tenant protection, paid family leave and child-health plus - just to name a few.
Read the article in the Queens Ledger by Nathan Duke.
This should answer all those animal haters who think that compassion is a finite quality - that to give any to animals - as Council Member Avella has consistently done - means that you have less for people. Those of us who disagree with this miserly approach know that compassion for animals or humans only generates more compassion. It is an infinite quality and only grows with use.
We are proud of Council Member Tony Avella's achievements and wish him the best in his race for Mayor of NYC. Wouldn't it be great to have a mayor who cares about people and animals?
See his web site - www.tonyavellaformayor.com
Council Member Tony Avella, candidate for mayor of NYC in 2009, ranked third on the list. Leticia James ranked first, followed by Charles Barron who ranked second. The issues covered included term limits, voter registration, elder abuse, immigration services, tenant protection, paid family leave and child-health plus - just to name a few.
Read the article in the Queens Ledger by Nathan Duke.
This should answer all those animal haters who think that compassion is a finite quality - that to give any to animals - as Council Member Avella has consistently done - means that you have less for people. Those of us who disagree with this miserly approach know that compassion for animals or humans only generates more compassion. It is an infinite quality and only grows with use.
We are proud of Council Member Tony Avella's achievements and wish him the best in his race for Mayor of NYC. Wouldn't it be great to have a mayor who cares about people and animals?
See his web site - www.tonyavellaformayor.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
FUND RAISER FOR COUNCIL MEMBER TONY AVELLA
Tony's voice needs to be heard and you can help!
Please join fellow progressives at a pre-holiday fund raiser on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, for Council Member Tony Avella -- to support Tony's campaign to be Mayor of New York City.
Tony is a fighter for our city and stands up for what is right – whether it be against an extension of term limits; against over development or advocating for animal welfare issues including introducing legislation to ban the inhumane carriage horse industry. He is truly a public servant and a tireless advocate for us all.
When: Tuesday December 2, 2008
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: Mantra 986 – 1st floor
986 Second Avenue (between 52nd and 53rd Avenues)
Donation Requested: $25 minimum -- payable at door or by cash or check
Host: Peter Muller / League of Humane Voters & Elizabeth Forel
Light refreshments provided; cash bar; Singer JoAnne Robertozzi of the group Tres Bella will perform.
RSVP – newyorkersforavella@gmail.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008
TONY AVELLA: A PROFILE IN COURAGE
Council Member Tony Avella has emerged as a true leader in the battle for democracy in the recent term limits vote fiasco, which occurred last Thursday. Tony voted NO for the bill to extend term limits - and had taken that position from the beginning. From Newsday - Janison: Bloomberg's term-limit win far from decisive reports on 10/24/08:
"In hoarse and angry tones, Tony Avella (D-Queens) struck the core of the issue when he explained his "no" vote. "If those who support this bill think it is a really good-government thing, that we have three terms instead of two, why did they wait 'til now? They waited 'til now so it was too late to do a referendum, so it could only be done legislatively."
Then he warned others in the council: "You're not conning anybody. The public of this city knows the fix was in from the beginning. And you know something? When the time comes, hopefully - and I apologize to my colleagues - but you should all be voted out of office."
How often do you hear that kind of statement in City Hall?
Answer: Never - until now.
We are planning a fund raiser for Tony Avella on Tuesday, December 2nd in Manhattan. More details to follow. Let's support this courageous, intelligent and ethical maverick. A true man of the people. Please contact us if you want more information and would like to be on our mailing list. Otherwise, visit us again in a week or so for more information.
Please visit Tony's web site at www.tonyavellaformayor.com
In the meantime: please take part in our campaign
WILL YOU PAY $10 FOR DEMOCRACY? Help bring back integrity to NYC politics
"In hoarse and angry tones, Tony Avella (D-Queens) struck the core of the issue when he explained his "no" vote. "If those who support this bill think it is a really good-government thing, that we have three terms instead of two, why did they wait 'til now? They waited 'til now so it was too late to do a referendum, so it could only be done legislatively."
Then he warned others in the council: "You're not conning anybody. The public of this city knows the fix was in from the beginning. And you know something? When the time comes, hopefully - and I apologize to my colleagues - but you should all be voted out of office."
How often do you hear that kind of statement in City Hall?
Answer: Never - until now.
We are planning a fund raiser for Tony Avella on Tuesday, December 2nd in Manhattan. More details to follow. Let's support this courageous, intelligent and ethical maverick. A true man of the people. Please contact us if you want more information and would like to be on our mailing list. Otherwise, visit us again in a week or so for more information.
Please visit Tony's web site at www.tonyavellaformayor.com
In the meantime: please take part in our campaign
WILL YOU PAY $10 FOR DEMOCRACY?
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Tony Avella has done so much for the integrity of the democratic process in NYC. He has spoken out on many occasions - most recently against the extension of term limits, which was a blow to democracy. Please participate in our special campaign and send $10 to Tony Avella for Mayor and mark it "Democracy Campaign." That's all it takes. You do not have to live in New York City to participate.
The Campaign Finance Reporting Rules of NYC require that everyone who donates to a political campaign fill in a special form, which they will send in with their donations to the candidate. Click here for the printable form.
Tony Avella is the underdog in the run for mayor, but we can help change that if we all come together and support him. Because he is against over development, he does not get donations from the real estate industry. Checks are preferred because the campaign will get the full $10. If you want to donate by credit card, please click here. Checks/money orders should be made out to Tony Avella2009 and mailed along with the campaign form noted above to:
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