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Dear Friends and Supporters:
During the past few months I have traveled to every corner of
our great city, talking withindividuals and organizations of all
stripes, as well as my family, staff and those close to me,
about the future of New York City and my own political future as
I explored the possibility ofrunning for Public Advocate in
2013.
The future of New York City is no inconsequential topic, and the
significant issues that face ourfive boroughs--from the economy and
job creation, to crime and policing, to education and oursocial
services--were at the forefront of these substantive, thought
provoking discussions.
In these conversations, I was touched by so many expressions of
support for our work in thisborough, and by so many kind words
encouraging me to pursue Citywide elected office. I washeartened,
and humbled, to learn that the work we are doing in the Bronx is
resonating across theCity. And that work has been considerable.
We have encouraged companies to move to the Bronx, not only from
other boroughs but fromother states and countries, while
strengthening the economy for businesses that are already here.Weve
fundamentally transformed the way our City does business with our
taxpayer dollarsthrough the passage of the Fair Wages for New
Yorkers Act, which ensures that projects thattake heavily from
taxpayer funding pay their employees a living wage.
We have outlined a strong case for reforming our public schools,
and for restoring the promise ofour specialized high schools for
all students, all while providing tens of millions of dollars
infunding to our schools for equipment upgrades and new technology.
We have leveraged $60million in capital funding into more than $600
million in new housing development, creatingthousands of new
housing units--and jobs--in the process.
We have helped usher in major developments--and new jobs with
them--in every corner of theBronx, and have stood with Mayor
Bloomberg and his administration to bring responsibledevelopment to
the Kingsbridge Armory. We have outlined a plan, together with the
MTA, tobring Metro-North service to the east Bronx, and we have
realized the promise of a major hotelchain making its home in our
borough. We do all of this with a focus on green
development,ensuring a healthier environment while also preparing
our borough for the economy oftomorrow.
There are many issues that still face our borough, and many
amazing projects that are in theworks. My administration has, since
first taking office in 2009, focused on new job creation,education,
business development and transportation, among other issues, as we
seek to transformthe Bronx into an even greater place to live, work
and raise a family.
The needs of the people of the Bronx are foremost on my mind and
in my heart. Therefore, Ihave decided to run for reelection as
Bronx Borough President in 2013.
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We have seen tremendous success in the Bronx in recent years.
But there is still more work to bedone. I wish to see these
projects and others to completion, and I will work with our
electedofficials, government agencies, business and non-profit
communities, as well as the residents ofthe Bronx as a whole, to
make that happen.
During the coming months I look forward to meeting with the
candidates for mayor, comptrollerand public advocate. I intend to
outline my vision for the future of the Bronx and the entire
City,and I will listen to and carefully consider their ideas as I
make my decisions regarding who willbest represent the people of
this City.
I am extremely appreciative of the encouragement Ive received,
and I hope that support willtransfer to my quest for reelection. I
am proud to serve as your borough president, and I lookforward to
four more years in borough hall.
I hope that you and your family have a happy and healthy
Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
Ruben Diaz Jr.
