Simcha Felder

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Simcha Felder is a member of the New York City Council from Brooklyn. A Democrat, he represents the 44th Council District, which encompasses parts of Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst.

One of the Council's 2 Orthodox Jews, Felder has gained popularity among his conservative Jewish constituents for advocating strongly on their behalf, including in matters relating to Israel.[1] Although personally opposed to homosexuality as being against Judaism, he backed Christine Quinn for City Council Speaker in what was seen as a political move to gain allies.[2] He has also backed city funding for Catholic and Jewish schools, while maintaining that he is against displays of religion in public schools.[3] Felder has also gained attention by calling for better labeling of caffeine content in foods and beverages,[4] as well as a ban on the distribution of unsolicited fliers.[5] Felder called for a pigeon feeding ban in New York City in November, 2007.[6]

Felder is Chair of the Council's Committee on Governmental Operations, a position that he has held since January 2006. As Chair of the committee, Felder has supported Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to curb Pay to Play contracting practices.[7] Most notably, the committee has provided oversight of the City Board of Elections' implementation of the Help America Vote Act. As a member of the Council's Land Use Committee, Felder is part of a group of New York state legislators that has consistently blocked plans to renovate United Nations headquarters, calling the UN anti-American and anti-Israel.[8] In spite of such calls, the UN recently announced that it will undergo a $1 billion makeover.[9]

Prior to becoming a City Council member, Felder was chief of staff to New York State Assembly member Dov Hikind. Simcha Felder is running for state senate against Kevin Parker in the 21st District.[10]

[edit] Controversies

In April of 2006, Felder accused the highest ranking uniformed member of the NYPD, Chief Joseph Esposito, of using inappropriate language when Esposito attempted to quell individuals who entered a police station house during a riot in Borough Park. Fedler indicated that he personally heard Chief Esposito say, "Get the fucking Jews out of here." [11] However, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which investigates police misconduct, later found the accusation against Esposito unsubstantiated, but did reprimand Chief Esposito for using profanity.[12] When subsequently asked to comment about the Review Board's finding, Felder's office stated that that Simcha Felder had "no comment" about the incident and that he "wants to put the matter behind him."[13]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Council's Felder Sides With Mayor, New York Sun, Apr. 14, 2005
  2. ^ Boro Park Pol Favors Gay Speaker Hopeful, The Jewish Week, Dec. 30, 2005
  3. ^ City Adds Funds For Catholic, Jewish Schools, New York Sun, Jul. 10, 2006; Simcha Felder Against Allowing Religious Symbols In Schools, New York Sun via Vos Iz Neias, Jun. 19, 2007
  4. ^ NYC Councilman Wants Caffeine Labeling, Associated Press, Feb. 20, 2007
  5. ^ Law would destroy my livelihood!, The Brooklyn Paper, May 5, 2007
  6. ^ Pigeon Feeding Ban MyFoxNY.com, Nov. 12, 2007
  7. ^ The Last Days of Pay to Play, New York Magazine's Intelligencer, Feb. 26, 2007
  8. ^ UN Takes A Beating, The Jewish Week, Dec. 17, 2004
  9. ^ U.N. signs contract with Skanska for HQ renovation, Reuters, Jul. 27, 2007
  10. ^ Citing Bloomberg, Felder Makes Senate Run Official, Ny Daily News, June 4,2008
  11. ^ http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-ccrb0804,0,3405338.story
  12. ^ http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-ccrb0804,0,3405338.story
  13. ^ http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-ccrb0804,0,3405338.story

[edit] External links

Preceded by
Noach Dear		 New York City Council, 44th District
2002 – present		 Incumbent
Members of New York City Council

Speaker: Christine C. Quinn

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