Calling himself a “bipartisan candidate,” Avraham said that he intended to use his public office to raise awareness among citizens regarding local issues. Once he has garnered public support on issues of community concern, he promises to try to fix any problems.
As a New York City Council candidate in 2010, Avraham took on the MTA’s plan to cut back on MetroCards for students. The MTA ultimately reversed those cuts. It is that message of fighting for his constituents’ wellbeing that he wishes to convey. He “will stand up for them and do whatever [he] has to in order to help them,” he said. Describing himself as a “bipartisan candidate,” Avraham said he will work with anyone – from whichever party – in his quest to fulfill his governmental goals. He also emphasized the need for young people to become more involved in the political process and in espousing the best interests of their communities.
For his part, Moshe Tischler is enrolled in Touro College’s pre-med program and works as an expeditor for the small business founded by his father, Heshy. The business helps other small businesses and residents navigate the regulatory process in their attempt to obtain the necessary permits to expand. He also represents homeowners and business owners who challenge city agencies’ overzealous violations and fines. On the more personal side, Moshe volunteers as a big brother for teens-at-risk, helping young adults deal with delicate issues like drug and alcohol addiction. He also volunteers his time and talents at Maimonides Medical Center and Masbia.
Moshe, Hikind’s opponent, shares similar views with his brother on educational issues, saying that, “If all private schools in Brooklyn were forced to close down, it would cost $2-3 billion annually for public schools to educate these additional students.” He advocates that private-school students should receive financial help from the government in the form of tax credits or school vouchers. Moshe criticized Hikind for not adequately addressing this issue, saying that, “he had 30 years of opportunity to bring relief to Yeshiva parents.” He vowed to strive to reallocate government funds, thereby eliminating fiscal redundancies within the system. He pointed out that, “By spending more efficiently, we can save a lot of money,” and put that money to better use.
He also pointed out that Hikind sponsored only seven pieces of legislation over the past two years, while the average legislator’s numbers are in the 30-40 range – proving to Moshe that “Hikind is not even trying anymore.” Moshe stressed that Hikind is completely inaccessible and unresponsive to his constituents’ needs, which he says happens when an elected official is in office for 30 years.
The younger Tischler focused on his objective to aid the unemployed, the underemployed and the struggling small businesses (that he knows much about directly due to his job). He pledged, if elected, to be more proactive than Hikind and improve constituent services to ensure greater effectiveness in providing assistance to those in need.