Name: Stephen S. Jones
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Currently campaigning full time, used to work in security for the New York Mets
Area Serving: District 28
Money raised thus far: Private: $3,161
What made you decide to run for City Council: “I’ve been living in the district all my life,” said Jones, who points to 30 years of political experience but considers himself an activist and a community leader, not a politician. Jones worked for one of former Congressmember Floyd Flake’s campaigns and was a member of District 29’s school board.
The candidate said he decided to run for City Council in 2007 when he learned about “Camp Obama,” the then-presidential candidate’s grassroots training initiative. “I said, hold on, Barrack Obama brought people together… How come one person can’t do that in their district – to uplift and empower their district?” Jones recalled.
What are two issues affecting your community: “Foreclosure is rampant over here.” explained Jones. “We are bailing out banks, but nobody’s thinking about bailing out these folks that have been in these homes all these years.”
Another issue, Jones said, is that youth in his neighborhood “have nothing to do.”
“I personally knocked on over 2,500 doors. Everywhere I walked, what did I see? Day time, night time, young adults hanging out,” Jones explained. He went on, “When I get in office, what I want to do is create and start vocational training centers for our youth, to make our young adults marketable and employable.”
What is the first thing you would focus on if elected: Jones said he would first focus on getting kids off the street. He would create vocational training centers for young adults and seniors so that businesses open up and money is again recycled in the community.
