If you’ve been a close reader of this paper the past few months, you’ve probably figured out that we are big supporters of Layla Law-Gisiko. This has nothing at all to do with Derek and the Dominos, but rather her governing principles, especially in what is called land use.
For some time I’ve been reading her newsletter Four Corners and seeing a like-mindedness. Hearing her speak on the campaign trail only strengthened my respect for her priorities.
I’ve been covering local politics from my perch as publisher of a local newspaper for over 15 years. Unfortunately, this has maded me jaded rather than inspired by most of the politicians who represent us.
Too much time is spent worrying about their career and not enough at governing. Virtue signalling is often more important than actual working.Positions are taken, alliances formed and speeches made which are calculated more for personal advancement than for public service. I’ve told more than one politician that good work in office will get you re-elected, but that’s usually whistling in the dark.
It’s possible I’m naive but I have to think that FDR was right when he championed for “the little man.” And he had Eleanor to make sure he followed through. While it’s easier to cater to the wealthy who help fund campaigns, it’s the vulnerable who need government most.
One of the most important responsibilities of a city council representative is land use. There is always a tension between the best interests of a community and the best interests of the businesses who make a living replacing old housing with new housing.
Just like there’s more profit in building expensive and bulky SUVs then it is selling more environmentally friendly sedans, builders make more money selling luxury apartments, which are larger and house less people than more modest housing.
A big problem for real estate developers has been operating in what Jane Jacobs called the “livable city.” Zoning regulations that were at one time created to preserve our neighborhoods have been battered down by a coalition of young people led by groups like Open NY, who do the bidding of the real estate industry by claiming, in ways that echo Donald Trump, that we are in a “housing crisis.” As if it hasn’t always been difficult to get a reasonably priced apartment in the city. That’s why NYCHA had to be formed in the 1930s.
Layla Law-Gisko is president of the City Club of New York. This is how they describe their mission:
“The City Club of New York promotes good governance and transparency, as well as thoughtful urban land use policy that responds to the needs of all New Yorkers. We provide a forum for public discussion of environment, preservation and development issues affecting our city and advocate vigorously for solutions that best serve the greater good.”
The City Club helped shine a light on a local development plan that threatens the working waterfront in Brooklyn’s Red Hook. I came to see Layla as a strong advocate for community preservation, for giving a voice to the vulnerable against the powerful. The Club gave us a forum which included local experts who could make a case for the importance of our maritime future.
Layla is a strong voice for the residents of Chelsea’s public housing community who are currently threatened by the same interests that undermine Brooklyn’s waterfront communities. As written elsewhere in this paper, Chelsea residents cheer her, while they boo departed Councilman Bottcher.
Too often I have been disappointed by local politicians who make compromises that end up hurting the community. When I complain about this to my friends I am always told “that’s politics.” I will go out on a limb and guarantee that Layla will always put her principles and the needs of the neighborhood ahead of “politics.”
If you haven’t had a chance to meet her yourself, turn to our interview with her on page seven of this issue. I think you will find in there plenty of reasons to trust her with your neighborhood.
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