Name: Michael Cohen
Age: 60
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Area Serving: District 29
Occupation: Cohen is dedicating himself full-time to his campaign, but he previous served as a licensed insurance agent for Emblem Health Services and served six-plus years in the State Assembly from 1998 through March of 2005.
Money raised thus far: Private $43,887 and Public $59,650
Why did you decide to run for City Council? Cohen said that an emergency family situation caused him to leave the Assembly in 2005, but he enjoys public service work so the opening in the 29th District gave him an opportunity to get back involved in government. “I get an immense satisfaction in helping people,” Cohen said.
What are the biggest issues affecting the campaign? Cohen said that one of the issues that none of his opponents are talking about is bringing back the stock transfer tax, which was repealed in 1981. He said that by bringing back the tax of 5 cents a share on traded stocks, the city could potentially raise more than $10 billion. In addition, Cohen believes that they should implement speed cameras along Woodhaven Boulevard and Queens Boulevard and give tickets to drivers who are going a certain amount over the speed limit. Cohen also said he would try to clean up areas around businesses in his district to make them more attractive to customers.
What would be the first thing you would do if elected? Cohen said if he was elected he would have legislation ready to go on day one that would provide for iron-clad term limits that could only be reversed by a public referendum. “The public has really been wounded by this action by the City Council,” said Cohen referring to the vote to extend term limits. “We have to do something.”
