Council District 48, A Home to Constituent Services

Merging two senior centers because they’re a couple of blocks apart makes sense, but if one has reached its capacity then it doesn’t. Mayor Bloomberg advocated for such a fusing in the Council District 48, the district with the most senior citizens.

Councilman Michael Nelson fought and successfully kept this from happening. Since 1999 Nelson has not comprised over his constituents comfort.

Which can be somewhat difficult when dealing with the Mayor.

Bloomberg “looks at the bottom line,” explains Nelson’s Chief of Staff, Charles Kahn. Another instance, is the proposal of a central location for food preparation from where food could be distributed to various senior centers.

“It's cost effective, but not people orientated," explains Kahn. Nelson understood the importance of specific, quality ethnic food and fought for the benefit of the people.

Nelson is known for emphasizing the importance of constituents services. He has worked for three other elected officials, including Director of Community Relations for Congressman, Charles Schumer (now U.S senator). Schumer can be attributed to setting a tradition of active participation in forming good relations with constituents.

Kahn could not say enough of about Schumer. The senator went to every graduation in the district and went to weekly events with a passion. One of Nelson's tasks was to drive Schumer from event to event.

Not only is Schumer a role model for Nelson, but every elected official in this area. Schumer set a standard for elected officials to be prideful and involved with the citizens of Council District 48.

Nelson is currently advocating to reinstate the commuter tax. "Seems only fair," Khan says, "Small contributions...would've helped considerably." ("500 million dollars lost"). When people are in the city they enjoy and receive city services, for instance the protection of the NYPD.

The Councilman is also pushing for a bill that will give amnesty to drivers with parking violations penalties. A forgiveness program that would encourage drivers to pay their original fines. Otherwise New Yorkers tend to let them slide.