MARIA PASSANNANTE DERR
Candidate for New York City Council, 3rd District,
Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen/Clinton, Hudson Square, West Village,
and a portion of the Flatiron District and Murray Hill

I was born and raised in Greenwich Village, and I am proud to still be living on the same street where I grew up. I have spent 25 years practicing law, as a small business owner, and six years serving on Community Board #2, where I was elected Chair for two terms. I am honored to continue that advocacy as a candidate in the September 2009 election for New York City Council, 3rd District.

For three generations my family has been very active in the community, running a small business and engaging in philanthropy. My Uncle, the Honorable William F. Passannante, represented Greenwich Village and Chelsea in the New York State Assembly for 36 years, and is credited with sponsoring our Nation’s first Statewide Gay Rights Bill in 1971. My Aunt, Marie Passannante, who, at an early age, was physically challenged by polio, was one of only two women who graduated Fordham Law School in 1938. She has been an inspiration to me on women’s rights issues all my life.

I have continued my family’s tradition of public service as a member of Community Board #2. During my tenure as Chair, I led the Board in organizing opposition to the City’s proposal to build a sanitation garage on Spring Street and fought to prevent the closing of Medicare and Veteran’s Administration facilities serving our community. I worked hard to facilitate the restoration of Washington Square Park, and established a committee to oversee permits for street fairs and other public outdoor events. I strongly supported the request for additional funding for the completion of the AIDS Memorial in the Hudson River Park.

Maintaining my law practice in the community has given me invaluable perspective on the importance of small businesses and restaurants in providing jobs, income and neighborhood character. My support of neighborhood businesses was recognized by the Greenwich Village- Chelsea Chamber of Commerce when the Chamber named me as its 2007 Member of the Year. I hope that you will join me on my campaign to move New York City forward with intelligent change and make our community a better place for all of us.