On Thursday, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon announced her candidacy for Brooklyn Borough President outside U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's alma mater, James Madison High School.
Simon, who currently represents the 52nd Assembly District covering parts of Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope and other west Brooklyn neighborhoods, would be the first woman to be borough president if her bid is successful.
Simon, a community activist and civil rights lawyer, said she was looking forward to bringing the skills and experience of her grassroots activism and legislative leadership to the Brooklyn Borough Presidency.
"Women's issues are economic issues, they are health issues, they are education issues, they are social and economic and environmental justice issues, they are LGBTQ+ issues," she said.
"Being sidelined by the rubric "women's issues" won't change unless we change it. It's time for change."
Simon said she would work with the community to foster unity and progress and was honoring Justice Ginsburg, Shirley Chisholm and all the women who had forged a path ahead when there was none. Simon has been involved in passing major legislation on campaign finance reform, gender equity, gun violence prevention and education.
Former James Madison High School student Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo, Esq. said Simon possessed the authenticity, experience and passion needed unite Brooklyn.
"She has fought tirelessly for Brooklynites, advocating for quality public education, affordable housing, environmental justice, health care, small businesses and criminal justice reform," Goodwin-Oquendo said.
"She's the progressive Brooklyn deserves and she stands boldly and firmly against all forms of discrimination."
