Jose M. Serrano
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jose M. Serrano is a member of the New York State Senate, representing the South Bronx, East Harlem, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island. He is the son of U.S. Congressman José Serrano.
A lifelong South Bronx resident, Serrano was elected to the New York State Senate in November of 2004. He beat out Republican Olga Mendez, a 26-year incumbent in the district. He is considered a reformer, and has largely remained outside of the Bronx political machine.
Serrano graduated from Manhattan College with a B.A. in government, and went on to work for the New York Shakespeare Festival. He also became active in community politics.
In 2001, Senator Serrano was elected to the New York City Council (District 17), representing Melrose, Mott Haven, and Hunt’s Point. He focused on issues relating to affordable housing, daycare for low-income children, and the environment. He also chaired the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations.
Serrano ran for the Senate in 2004. According to the New York Times, which endorsed him, Serrano promised "to pursue unfinished and ignored business in the capital, including legislating an end to the Rockefeller drug laws." He would garner more than 80% of the vote in his victory over Olga Mendez.
In Albany, Serrano has thusfar stuck to the core issues on his progressive agenda: environmental protection; affordable housing and healthcare; and promoting the arts as an economic engine. He was appointed Chair of The Senate Minority Task Force on the Arts and Cultural Affairs by Senate Minority Leader David Patterson.
As of October 2006, Serrano runs unopposed for a second two-year term in the State Senate. He was recently ranked the most environmentally conscious senator in Albany.
