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Former Councilmember Still A Community LeaderBy Tonia N. Cimino and Melissa Hendricks

“Never give up.” This is the mantra of former City Councilmember and Forest Hills attorney Morton Povman.
Born in Brooklyn, Povman learned early the value of a good education. Inspired by an eighth grade teacher, he went on to excel academically, graduating Bernard Baruch College and later Magna Cum Laude from Brooklyn Law School.
His law career was a result of hard work, dedication, and a little inspiration from Judge J. Vincent Keogh, who took Povman on as a law intern and instilled in him the confidence needed to succeed in the field.
“I love the law,” said Povman. “I especially love winning a case you thought you’d lose. I never gave up, though, no matter how bad it looked, I never gave up.”
Serving the 24th Council District from 1971 to 2001, Povman was the chair of the city’s Health Committee and a member of the Rules, Privileges and Elections Committee.
“As a Councilman, I learned of people’s problems,” Povman told The Queens Courier. “I also developed contacts with city agencies and helped to get problems dealt with swiftly.”
Aside from his political and professional affiliations, Povman is on the Board of Trustees of the Central Queens YM & YWHA, a Democratic District Leader for the JFK Regular Democratic Club, and a member of the Queens County Bar Association, among many others.
Since his retirement, Povman, who is still active in his law practice, has maintained his affinity for helping people.
“I get great satisfaction out of helping people,” said Povman. “I always keep my door open because people who need you can’t wait. No matter where I go I am constantly confronted by people I help.”
For his distinguished years of service, Povman has been honored by numerous organizations, including the Scheuer House of Bayside, Jamaica Estates Volunteer Ambulance Corps, UJA-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, The Israel Bonds Group, Queens Jewish Community Council, The Jewish National Fund, and The Black American Heritage Foundation.
Now, at age 74, Povman has no intentions of slowing down.
“I still do everything I used to,” said Povman. “I’m not complaining because I’m in good health.”