Narcisse champions equity, community development in re-election campaign

As she seeks re-election on Nov. 7, Haitian-born City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse has been highlighting a “distinguished track record” deeply rooted in district equity, enhanced safety and strong community development.

Narcisse, who represents the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that her accomplishments reflect “an unwavering commitment to ensuring all residents have access to vital services and premier public amenities.

“Investing in our community is not just about allocating funds but understanding the needs of our residents,” she said. “From safety to green spaces, our approach has always been holistic, aiming to uplift the quality of life for everyone.”

Nacisse said her achievements during her tenure encompass Dedicated Community Office: Manifesting her dedication to the people she serves, her community office manages one of the highest volumes of constituent cases in the entire city.

“No concern is too small, and every voice is heard,” she emphasized.

A testament to her commitment to community safety, Narcisse said her collaborative initiatives with the 69th Police Precinct have led to a marked reduction in gun violence victims by nearly 50 percent.

Through full funding for “cure violence” groups, she said she has ensured their effective collaboration with the precinct.

On Green Spaces and Playgrounds, Nacisse said she has been instrumental in securing extensive funding for the renovation and revitalization of major parks in the district.

This includes a $6 million renovation of Canarsie Park, $3.2 million for Bildersee Playground, and continuous supervision of Marine Park’s oval and playground reconstruction.

Reinforcing her commitment to education, Councilwoman Narcisse has allocated millions for the renovations of key libraries, specifically the Canarsie and Jamaica Bay branches.

“Libraries stand as beacons of education and growth in our community,” she said. “Their refurbishment guarantees that learning remains accessible and engaging for all.”

Narcisse said she isn’t just a leader, she is an “unyielding advocate for our community.”

Moreover, she said has pioneered the introduction of over 20 pieces of legislation addressing diverse inequities, from punitive parking violation fees to resources for sickle cell and advanced NYPD training on Autism spectrum disorders.

“Our journey has been remarkable, but it’s not complete,” she said. “I am resolute in my commitment to furthering our progress, ensuring every district resident benefits from our shared vision and collective efforts.

“I’m running for re-election because our work is far from over,” he added. “Together, in just under two years, we’ve made tremendous strides in enhancing the quality of life in our district, but there’s more to be done.

“My heart belongs to this community, and I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every dream is within reach,” Narcisse continued. “Our shared vision for a brighter, more equitable future drives me every day, and I am eager to continue this journey alongside the wonderful residents of our district.”

Democrat Narcisse is a registered nurse in training. Her 46th Council District covers the neighborhoods of Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Sheepshead Bay.

She is chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Hospitals and serves on the Committees on Health, Education, Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Infrastructure, Criminal Justice and the Subcommittee on COVID Recovery and Resiliency.

Narcisse is challenged in the Nov. 7 General Elections by Michael Moran (Small Party/Independent).

Here’s a list of other districts and candidates in the elections: District 43 (Southern Brooklyn, including Sunset Park, Bensonhurst and Gravesend); Candidates: Susan Zhuang (Democratic), Ying Tan (Republican), Vito LaBella (Conservative).

District 47: (Southern Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Coney Island and Sea Gate); Candidates: Incumbent Justin Brannan (Democratic), Incumbent Ari Kagan (Republican, Conservative/Parent).

District 48: (Southern Brooklyn, including Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay); Candidates: Incumbent Inna Vernikov (Republican, Conservative), Amber Adler (Democratic, We the People), Igor Kazatsker (Team Trump).

District 33: (Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Fulton Ferry, Vinegar Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard); Candidates: Incumbent Lincoln Rester (Democratic), Martha Rowen (Republican/Conservative).

District 34: Queens/Brooklyn crossover (Williamsburg and Bushwick in Brooklyn and Ridgewood in Queens); Candidates: Incumbent Jennifer Gutiérrez (Democratic/WFP), Marguerite Chandler (Minor Party, Medical Freedom).

District 37: (Bushwick and parts of Cypress Hills, East New York and Brownsville); Candidates: Incumbent Sandy Nurse (Democratic), Isaiah Vega (Republican).

District 38: (Includes Sunset Park and sections of Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst; Candidates: Incumbent Alexa Avilés (Democratic), Paul Rodriguez (Republican).

District 39: (Includes Kensington, Borough Park, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and the Columbia Waterfront); Candidates: Incumbent Shahana Hanif (Democratic), Arek Tomaszewski (Republican).

“Every single vote matters during the consequential November General Elections, especially with several tight City Council races in Southern Brooklyn,” Brooklyn Democratic Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn told Caribbean Life.

“The Brooklyn Democratic Party urges you to make sure your vote is counted and voice is heard to improve your community and keep Brooklyn Blue,” added the Haitian-American assemblywoman, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.