Change is in the air at City Hall, where the new City Council is expected to elect Corey Johnson as the next council speaker tomorrow. Locally, Carlina Rivera is now on the job as Council member in District 2, which includes sections of the Lower East Side (her inauguration takes place later this month).
But before we become completely embroiled in the politics of 2018, let’s acknowledge the service of Rosie Mendez.
She just finished up a 12-year tour of duty in District 2 (Mendez faced term limits this past election cycle). In this neighborhood, Mendez was seen during her three terms as a strong advocate for public housing tenants and for affordable housing in a rapidly gentrifying community. Mendez was chair of the public housing committee during the first part of her City Council career. She also spoke up frequently on civil rights issues. Before leaving the Council last month, Mendez noted that the chamber would be without a lesbian representative after her term ended.
During the past several weeks, Mendez’s colleagues, constituents and political allies paid tribute to her in different ways. Rivera, a former staff member in Mendez’s office, will celebrate her inauguration Sunday, Jan. 21, 3 p.m. at Middle Collegiate Church, 112 Second Avenue.
Spent #NYE Weekend successfully getting @NYCHRA 1shot deal4a constituent&workingw/ @NYCHA 2give Heat&HotWater2 @NYCHA_Tenants. Now spending1stMorning of my1stDayin @NYCCouncil: Enjoying breakfast while I read the papers&search4jobs on my @Apple iPhone. Got iPad or MacBook? pic.twitter.com/OWEWY0BG4B
— Rosie Mendez (@RosieMendez) January 2, 2018
Mendez Out!! #TermLimits 2day was my last workday after 12 yrs. Thx to all the @NYCCouncil staff on the 14th, 15th, 16th & 30th floors and 2 #TeamRosie I❤️MyStaff @EvillPunki @Fadonna @shyviviana @IrakCehonski @jasmine_nicolea @mattviggnyc @CarlinaRivera @MSchweinsburg @YelizaJ pic.twitter.com/z2aTWDpCaR
— Rosie Mendez (@RosieMendez) December 30, 2017
