Mark-Viverito’s election to council’s top post draws quick reaction
The election of Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverio to council speaker on Wednesday was quickly praised by her City Hall colleagues, business leaders, and women’s rights groups.
Within minutes of the election, Councilman Stephen Levin (D-Greenpoint-Williamsburg) issued a statement praising Mark-Viverito’s progressive credentials. “It is incredibly important that our city move forward in a progressive direction and that is why I was honored to vote for Melissa Mark-Viverito as the next speaker of the New York City Council. Melissa is a true progressive and a leader for New York City who will work to advance the causes of all New Yorkers, including those most in need,” Levin said. “I have been proud to work with Melissa as her colleague over the last four years and I look forward to continuing our work together on the important issues that face our city.”
The Puerto Rican born Mark-Viverito (D-East Harlem), who was elected to the post by her council colleagues Wednesday afternoon in a unanimous vote, is the first Latina to become council speaker in the city’s history. Her rival for the post, Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-Upper East Side) withdrew from the race.
Councilman David Greenfield (D-Borough Park-Midwood-Bensonhurst) said he was part of a “wide and diverse coalition” of council members who have been in her corner for the past month.