Name: Melinda Katz
Age: 43
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Area Serving: New York City
Occupation: City Councilmember since 2001.
Money raised thus far: Private: $2,386,280, Public: $612,902
Why did you decide to run for Comptroller? Melinda Katz, who has represented the 29th District of the City Council for the past eight years and served as the Chair of the Council’s Land Use Committee, previously held positions in the Queens Borough President’s Office and State Assembly. She believes that her experience is a big reason she be elected as the City Comptroller. “Now, in times of economic turmoil, I am the best suited bring assistance to New Yorkers,” Katz said.
What are two major issues in the campaign? Katz said that some of the biggest issues in the campaign are centered on the investment of the city’s pension fund and the economy. Katz talked about the first responsibility of the investment in the pension fund being to get a return on the investment, but she also said there were other things that should occur. “I also believe that you can not only get a return on the money, but we should invest in businesses that invest in New York.” During the difficult economic times, Katz said the Comptroller’s Office is even more important. She also said she would make sure the office took a closer look at the Department of Education’s budget.
What would you focus on first if elected? Katz said she would make the pension funds her first order of business, looking at where the money is and making sure the office makes the right choices. “What might be a good investment today might not be a good investment six months from now,” Katz said.
