Jorge Vasquez
Jorge Vasquez was a Democratic candidate for District 2 representative on the New York City Council in New York. He was defeated in the primary election on September 12, 2017.
Biography
Vasquez earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the State University of New York at Albany, an L.L.M. in trial and advocacy from Temple University, and a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law.[1]
Vasquez's professional experience includes work as a law clerk for a presiding judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, a housing attorney for Legal Services NYC, and an agency attorney for the New York City Commission on Human Rights.[1]
Elections
2017
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for the District 2 seat on the New York City Council.[2]
| New York City Council, District 2 Democratic Primary Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Carlina Rivera |
60.54% | 8,354 |
| Mary Silver | 16.54% | 2,282 |
| Ronnie Cho | 8.56% | 1,181 |
| Jorge Vasquez | 7.54% | 1,040 |
| Jasmin Sanchez | 4.62% | 638 |
| Erin Hussein | 1.93% | 267 |
| Write-in votes | 0.28% | 38 |
| Total Votes | 13,800 | |
| Source: New York City Board of Elections, "2017 Primary: Certified Results," accessed September 28, 2017 | ||
Campaign themes
2017
Vasquez's campaign website highlighted the following issues. Click "show" on the boxes below for more information about his positions.[3]
| HOUSING |
|---|
| "Whether you reside in Public Housing or not, Jorge believes that all New Yorkers have a fundamental right to quality and affordable housing. As an attorney whose primary focus has always been public service, Jorge is prepared to advocate on behalf of the residents of City Council District 2.
As a second generation New York Rican born and raised in the Lower East Side, he understands firsthand the battles that low-income tenants face in and out of housing court, which is why he is a supporter of the Right to Counsel (Intro-214-A), a legislation that guarantees that New Yorkers who need legal help and cannot afford it will now be guaranteed a lawyer to assist them in housing court. His prior experience as a housing attorney with Legal Services of New York City allowed Jorge to advocate on behalf of numerous tenants who lacked resources to afford a housing lawyer. While at Legal Services Jorge zealously represented seniors, single parents, the working poor, and young adults with housing issues, including issues relating to harassment, illegal evictions, and non-payment of rent. After leaving LSNYC, Jorge’s dedication to housing issues did not waver. As an Agency Attorney with the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Jorge investigated and prosecuted cases involving landlord misconduct within City Council District 2. He also routinely met with tenant leaders, organizations, and community based organization to train them on their rights under the NYC’s Human Rights law. Jorge also co-chaired the NYC Commission on Human Rights 4th Annual Housing Symposium and organized their first Tenant Resource Fair. Jorge’s expertise in housing was fundamental in developing this citywide effort to educate New Yorkers about their rights in housing, provide onsite legal assistance and connect people with community based organizations and other City agencies. Jorge understands that City entities also need to be held accountable to law abiding landlords, and he is equally prepared to advocate for what is right, fair and just at all levels. This is why as a City Council member for District 2, Jorge will fight for;
|
| DIVERSITY |
|---|
| "District 2 has always been a welcoming community of immigrants and migrants from all over. Whether you and/or your family immigrated or migrated in the 50’s, 60’s 70’s, 90’s or after, District 2 has always a place you could call home. It didn’t matter what language you spoke or your religious beliefs. District 2 has always led by example that no matter what your race, color, creed, or national origin is you can live among one another in unity, and equally be an active member of the community.
Diversity has always been important to Jorge, which is why after taking his final law school exam and before law school graduation, Jorge boarded on an Amtrak train down to Washington, D.C., and along with his fellow members of the Hispanic National Bar Association, he met with Members of both the House and Senate, and White House Staff to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, and discuss the importance and benefits of living in a diverse community. Diversity is a huge part of District 2’s bedrock, and Jorge is prepared to ensure that it continues to be a place where people from all walks of life are accepted, treated with respect, and are able live among one another in unity, and more importantly that District 2 continues to be a melting pot of the world’s best. This is why as a City Councilmember for District 2, Jorge will:
|
| SMALL BUSINESSES |
|---|
| "District 2 has always been an entrepreneur’s hub. From candy stores to a matzo factory, bodegas to supermarkets, beauty salons to barbershops, art galleries to tattoo parlors, fashion designers to musicians to producers, cuchifritos to restaurants, and many other small businesses have all shaped District 2 into what it is today.
Small businesses and small business owners make District 2 a vibrant and collective community. Whether you are the owner of a storefront, a food vendor chart or black car (taxi) your business is a staple to District 2, and Jorge is committed to ensuring your business is given the best opportunity to succeed. Because when small businesses flourish so does the community. For small businesses have traditionally been the top employer of our neighbors, and supporter of community based events and organizations. Small business owners hold a special place in Jorge’s heart. Both his maternal and fraternal family migrated to District 2 from Puerto Rico determined to be entrepreneurs and to provide their family with a better life. For example, Jorge’s grandfather and grandmother, migrated to the Lower East Side as newlyweds after his grandfather's return from the Korean War, and successfully opened Hilda's Grocery Store, a bodega on Pitt Street, and later Elsa's Candy Store on Ridge Street. Jorge’s great aunt also opened a candy store on 7th street between C & D with candies from Puerto Rico. As a child, Jorge played in the Felix Millan Little League baseball program and his team the Compare Lions were sponsored by a local business. Like many, Jorge’s first after school job was as a grocery bagger at the local supermarket. Jorge understand firsthand the importance small businesses play in the community. He also understands that entrepreneurs and small business need help too. This is why as a City Council member for District 2, Jorge will advocate:
|
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Jorge Vasquez New York City Council. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
| New York, New York | New York | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vote Jorge Vasquez, Democrat for City Council District 2, "About," accessed July 20, 2017
- ↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email correspondence with the New York City Board of Elections," July 14, 2017
- ↑ Vote Jorge Vasquez, Democrat for City Council District 2, "Issues," accessed July 20, 2017
 |
State of New York Albany (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
