DISTRICT OFFICE 1041 CASTLE HILL AVENUE BRONX, NY 10472 (718) 792-1140 FAX: (718) 931-0235 CITY HALL

OFFICE 250 BROADWAY, ROOM 1781 NEW YORK, NY 10007 (212) 788-6853 FAX: (212) 788-1656 apalma@council.nyc.com

CHAIR
GENERAL WELFARE

COMMITTEES
LAND USE

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

STANDARD & ETHICS YOUTH SERVICES

ANNABEL PALMA
COUNCIL MEMBER, 18TH DISTRICT

SUBCOMMITTEES
LANDMARKS, PUBLIC SITING & MARITIME USES

June 20, 2013

Steve Paulus NY1 News 75 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10011 Dear Mr. Paulus: Last nights Democratic mayoral debate hosted by NY1 Noticias and the Latino Leadership Institute should have been an opportunity for voters to learn about where the candidates stand on important issues. But for me and other members of the Latino community, the debate turned from substance to farce with the lightning round of questions on Goya products, cuchifritos and the like. The Latino community faces enormous challenges. Latinos suffer high rates of asthma, diabetes, and obesity, and nearly one fourth of the population is uninsured. Latinos, particularly those who are English Language Learners, lag behind in high school graduation rates, but compose a significant percentage of incarcerated youth. On top of it all is a City government that does not truly reflect and understand this population. These challenges are serious but not unmanageable. I hope that future debates hosted by NY1 will produce more substantive dialogue so that Latinos can go to the polls knowing that their choice for mayor will help the community thrive. Sincerely,

Annabel Palma Council Member District 18, Bronx