Endorsements for Williams and Hackshaw, and Answers, in City Council Races

A bit of City Council news in the two neighborhood races, with decisive Democratic primaries coming up September 15:

The New York Times endorsed Jumaane Williams in the district that covers the southeast, Brooklyn College section of the 'hood, calling him "a compelling advocate for affordable housing and immigrant rights," and said he was less likely to get taxpayer money stolen than the incumbent.

The Times didn't deign to endorse in the district that covers most of Ditmas Park, but two key local papers, Flatbush Life and Caribbean Life, both did, and both endorsed Rock Hackshaw.

Flatbush Life cited Hackshaw's "strong intellect and a fresh perspective on community concerns, from health care to education," as well as his "refreshing candor."

I also emailed Williams and the three candidates running in this district, Hackshaw, Eugene, and Tulloch (whom I tried to contact through his website), with questions suggested the other day by blog readers -- about trucks on Caton and traffic on Cortelyou and garbage on Foster, and about term limits.

Hackshaw was the only one to respond so far. I'd asked "What will you do about...," and here's what he wrote:

I am hopeful that from now on the questioners use "we" instead of "me." It should be:"What can WE do about the traffic problems at Parkside and Ocean and also at Caton and Ocean Aves". You see we are all in this together. If I were to be your councilman I will help facilitate solutions not impose them.

-I have encountered many citizens of this district who seem concerned with the traffic iussues on both of these intersections. I would probably suggest that we eleiminate left turns for starters, and then let the DOT study this problem and recommend solutions. Then we can all get together in a Town-Hall style meeting and try to get to an agreement.

-Foster Avenue is another issue that WE all have to come together on. All I can do as councilman is make suggestions and recommendations from which (hopefully) the experts can come in to examine the feasibility. I have many solid people around me as advisers and I know we can tackle any issue that comes up the turnpike.

-I am supporting BILL THOMPSON. I have written extensively against what Bloomberg did to term limits. I will NOT support him for re-election. I AM TOTALLY AGAINST TERM LIMITS EXTENSION AS PASSED LAST YEAR.