Maya Kornberg: "Pragmatic Progressive" NYC Council Candidate on Local Issues

"Pragmatic Progressive" Philosophy

• 💡 Kornberg defines herself as a "pragmatic progressive," emphasizing bringing home results to constituents over ideological purity.
• 🤝 She contrasts her approach with a "purity test" mentality, advocating for open doors and collaboration even amidst disagreements.
• 🚫 She states she would not have voted to defund the police, citing her work on political violence and the importance of communication with law enforcement for safety.

Local Issues vs. National/International Focus

• 🎯 Kornberg believes the City Council's focus should be on local crises like potholes and planting trees, not divisive international issues.
• 🕊️ While calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East and praying for peace, she argues it's not the primary role of a City Council member.
• 🗣️ She highlights her background working with the UN in the Middle East, speaking Arabic and Hebrew, and on Palestinian economic institution building as relevant experience.

Addressing Antisemitism and Crime

• ⚠️ Kornberg strongly condemned antisemitic vandalism at Miriams, calling it out explicitly, unlike her opponent.
• 🤝 She emphasizes the need to take rising antisemitism seriously and fight hate in all its forms.
• 📈 To address crime along Fifth Avenue, she supports local business improvement districts and coordination with local law enforcement through precinct meetings.
• 🧠 She also advocates for addressing the mental health crisis with crisis first responders for non-criminal situations.

Housing, Environment, and Community Engagement

• 🏘️ Kornberg is a strong supporter of building more housing and feels the housing crisis viscerally as a renter.
• 🤝 She supported the Aerrol Linen building project, noting the increase in affordable units due to community pressure, but stresses the need for true community engagement.
• 🗣️ She believes a missed opportunity was not adequately listening to and engaging with community members who disagreed.
• 🏭 Regarding environmental concerns in Gowanus, she emphasizes effective oversight by relevant agencies and the council's role in holding them accountable.

Campaign Philosophy and Vision

• 🗳️ Kornberg is optimistic about her campaign due to grassroots operations and direct conversations with constituents, viewing endorsements from outside the district as less impactful.
• 🇺🇸 She sees the City Council as a crucial line of defense against national threats, standing up for immigrants, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and seniors.
• 👶 Running as a mother of a young child, she advocates for affordable childcare and a fast-track permitting system for providers.
• 🧠 She teaches critical thinking by exposing students to diverse voices, emphasizing empathy, and showing them how people have changed things in the past.
• 💖 She describes herself as loyal, committed, empathic, bright, and optimistic.