The Road to City Hall: City Council District 31

Marquez Claxton Profile

BY ERIC BARBERA

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 1:55 PM EDT

Name: Marquez Claxton

Age: 46

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Area Serving: District 31

Occupation: Retired NYPD. Detective

Money Raised Thus Far: Private $20,399

Why did you decide to run for City Council: “The 31st District does not receive adequate resources, services or respect,” Claxton said, adding that his district is “an afterthought at City Hall because our representative won't challenge 'politics as usual.'”

“My adult life has been spent defending the defenseless and giving voice to the voiceless. I have grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of service and the apathy of my elected councilmember. I want my local representative to fight tooth and nail to improve my community and have the common courtesy of establishing an open line of communication. We deserve an immediate response to our complaints and a councilmember who is truly committed to public service.”

What are two major issues affecting your community: The two major issues are the economy – employment – and housing – foreclosures, displacement and over-development.”

What's the first thing you would focus on if elected: Claxton said the first thing he would do is “Unite the district through a series of district-wide summits to identify and prioritize the needs of the constituency.” He added, “We must return power to the people and have elected representatives that will make constituent needs and desires a priority. We must commit to ensuring that our elected representatives vote in our best interest and based on our desires as opposed to engaging in politically- motivated, self-serving maneuvers as was the case with the current councilmember who, against the will of the constituents, voted to overturn the term limits restriction.”