Going the Extra Mile

Viola Varfley, a 20-year resident of Harlem, didn’t know where else to turn. A few months ago, the Liberian immigrant’s Social Security benefits had been cut without warning and her bills were mounting.

She had reached out to her elected representatives at the federal, state and local levels for help.

“They are supposed to be there for me,” said Ms. Varfley. “But nobody was even responding to my requests.”

Service to the community is at the heart of politics. From strengthening the economy to improving schools and parks, political leaders have the power to change their communities for the better. Too often, though, leaders at all levels of government seem more concerned with their own careers than with their constituents’ needs.

Enter City Council candidate Nick Simpson. Last Saturday, Nick was reaching out to voters in District 9 when he met Ms. Varfley at her 142nd Street residence. After explaining her struggles with the Social Security office, Nick gave Ms. Varfley a flyer with his cell phone number on it.

“I told her to call me if she needed any help,” recalls Nick, an affordable housing activist. “Well, she called the next day and took me up on the offer.”

Nick and Ms. Varfley took the bus together to the 125th Street Social Security office last Monday morning. Two hours later, the technical error was resolved and Ms. Varfley’s benefits were restored in full.

“I am running for political office because of my dedication to service and the community,” said Nick. “While knocking on doors in District 9, I have heard a lot of complaints about leaders not listening. I tell them that I am here to listen, and to help in whatever way I can.”

The Democratic primary for the City Council seat representing District 9 is on September 15th.

Todd, June 24th 2009 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in On The Campaign Trail

A Call for Action

This campaign is about giving the community its voice back. It’s about putting the backbone of District 9 ahead of greedy developers and bringing fresh leadership to City Hall.

We need your help to do this. To get on September’s primary ballot, all City Council candidates must gather 900 signatures by July 19th. We are amassing an army of volunteers to make sure Nick exceeds that number…this is a great chance to send a message that District 9 is ready for change.

If you want to join our team of petitioners, drop us a line at nick@nickforharlem.com. We’ll provide you all the tools you need to help give residents of District 9 a leader who will fight for them.

You can also make a substantial impact today with a contribution. Click on our Donate tab and help our grassroots campaign grow during this crucial phase.

Thanks,
Todd

Outreach Manager

Todd, June 14th 2009 | Tags: , ,
Posted in On The Campaign Trail

A Common Struggle

Sharon is nervous about her family’s safety. A resident of Rangel Houses here in the district, she told me that her building isn’t protected, that a lack of security cameras allow criminals to gather. The elevator is dirty, she said. More importantly, it doesn’t always run.

She told me how the local community center closed down, leaving youth with few options but the street corner. She sent two of her own children to live with family in North Carolina, where they were certain of a safe playground and community support.

The struggles Sharon faces everyday are not hers alone. So many residents have told me that they are fearful, that they are alone, that their leaders aren’t listening.

I gave Sharon my cell phone number. I told her to call if she needs anything. And I told her this: if I am elected to City Council, everyone in district 9 will be served. Not just the landowners, not just the developers. I will put the people, the renters, the single-parent families and the children who deserve so much more FIRST.

Nick

Nick, June 5th 2009 | Tags: , ,
Posted in On The Campaign Trail

All Our Residents Deserve a Voice

This past week, I’ve been meeting with residents in the Rangel and Polo Grounds Houses. Teachers, seniors, single mothers and small business owners have been telling me their stories, their hopes and about their struggles.

These residents are worried about the safety of their children. That rising rents and high medical bills are leaving them with few options and deeper debt.

What I keep hearing is that our elected leaders aren’t listening…that our elected leaders have forgotten that this community is made up of real people with real needs. City Hall has been too busy serving the developers and favoring the speculators instead of working to support the backbone of this district.

It is time to give our residents their voice back. It is time for government to serve the people, and not themselves. That is what the residents of Rangel and Polo Grounds are telling me they need. That is what the residents of our district deserve.

Nick

Nick, June 1st 2009 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in On The Campaign Trail

Democrat Nick Simpson Adds Fresh Face to Harlem Race

Affordable housing, development top ‘change’ agenda; demands new crop of leaders for City Council

Contact: Todd Bookman
Web: nickforharlem.com
Email: press@nickforharlem.com

Harlem — Nick Simpson today officially announced his candidacy for City Council, providing District 9 with an alternative to the political games and hurtful policies of the current leadership.

“Just as the country toils under the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, we here in the 9th District are also facing the prospect of rising housing costs, lost jobs and the continued decline in programs for our youth,” said Simpson. “We cannot afford four more years of the same policies that have set us back.”

As the city of New York faces unprecedented challenges, Simpson offers voters a new way forward. In the coming days, Simpson intends to roll out a broad agenda of action items he said meet the needs of all residents living in the 9th District.

“We need new leadership in Harlem to spur growth without displacing the backbone of this community,” said Simpson. “District 9 deserves representatives who are dedicated to solutions, not dedicated to advancing their own political careers.”

Simpson, Chairman of the Affordable Housing Committee for the Manhattan Young Democrats, points to the rezoning battle over Manhattanville and 125th Street as examples of poor leadership.

“I opposed and still do oppose the rezoning plans,” said Simpson. “I’m a renter, so I know how hard it is to keep a roof over your head when your income is limited. The zoning policies supported by the current Council do not bode well for the residents of Harlem.”

Simpson, a graduate of Hampton University, has an extensive record of public service, including his committee leadership role with the Manhattan Young Democrats and a position as Financial Controller with Out of the Box, a non-profit organization that teaches financial literacy to youth. Simpson has also held positions with the New York City Housing Authority and the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights. He attends The Riverside Church.

Brock, May 17th 2009 | Posted in Press Releases