Al Kanu, District 27 Council Candidate - June 22nd

Being a Southeast Queens native, admittedly, I wasn't much for politics until of adult age.  Then as a parent and business owner, what was going on in the Community was of the upmost concern.  The advantage of being very active in your own Community is that you have the opportunity to learn about the candidates long before they run for office.

Typically, you can find them working in the offices of Politicians as Volunteers, staff or consultants.  Then you see them at any number of events.  What happens is you're seeing them in action, learning about their focus areas, strengths, ability to communicate, follow-up and all matter of personal and professional traits, skills and habits before they reach the ballot. 

One day you hear that so-and-so is running for office and your brain goes into overdrive pulling up recollections of every detail from the past few years or even decades. For the most part, our brains make quick decisions, which may be swayed, but often, not. 

If you've already made your decision, your job is done until election day.  If you're interested in specific issues or you haven't yet decided, you're paying close attention. 

Sometimes you may find yourself conflicted between one or two candidates and then you check in occassionally looking for information to help you make the best choice or you resign that you're happy with either. 

When we first met Al, we didn't know who he was and this gave us the opportunity to get to know him as a person. Al Kanu reminds me of that friend that will fight and advocate for you at anytime, that brother who will defend you, that neighbor whose always watching out for you and will pick up the mail if your away or remind the gardeners to get that spot behind the big bush.  

Al is that co-worker who will keep you informed and that Community Resident who attends every meeting and event and fills you in later.  He's that friend that adopts you as family and enthusiastically cheers you on and shows up at your events no matter how crazy they are.  

He's a great listener, analytical and strategic problem solver who knows all the people, organizations, systems and processes.  

Having moved to the US as a child, he is well rooted in the Southeast Queens Community from school to college to having worked on many Community Organizations and in many of our local Political Offices. As other Communities, there are a lot of concerns and challenges to manage in Distrit 27th. South Jamaica / Southeast Queens, is in fact the most historic area in NYC. How many greats lived here? The list is endless.  How many Greats live here now and are up and coming or long standing professionals? That list goes on as well.  

There are many long standing minority owned business and real estate, new entrepreneurs, brick-and-mortar businesses, small mobile and online only businesses - all important to the economic development of the community and individual families. 

Other qualities that are important to most of us are: follow-up and keeping us abreast of new information, legislation, funding, grants and events.  Not all public servants are equal here. However, South Jamaica is still very fortunate in having wonderful and caring leadership. The incoming Leaders should reflect the same.  We most certainly need stronger Leadership and Dedication than ever before. 

In addition to the general needs of our Community, we're also concerned about real support for the Arts and Small Businesses, along with the development of the legislation and business opportunities concerning Cannibis. Underserved Communities are being promised equity; what will that look like and will crime and education; after-school/Saturday program factor into decisions and funding? There are a lot of questions and this is our opportunity to ask them - before the Election and not after. 

On June 22nd, there will be approximately 12 candidates to choose from and we're also wondering why so many are running at the same time? But the real question is - how will each of us decide as each Candidate has their strengths and positive attributes. For far too long, independent Creative Entrepreneurs, home-based, online and mobile businesses have been largely left out, save a few events here and there. There are also a lot of Social Justice/Social Change type Organizations in our District. We're looking for more expansive and permanent resources; a standing and active Committee to meet the needs of these individuals and groups along with ongoing Workshops for Business Management and Grant Writing.

Regardless of who you vote for on June 22nd, we hope that you will consider which Candidate is best able to meet the majority of Community Concerns in a timely and helpful manner. Embedded in our "new normal" cannot be "politics as usuall". We encourage everyone to do their own research (ask Alexa, Google and your neighbors), call their offices, go to their events, sit in on their Meetings and Debates and decide based on the concerns and needs of all residents.

Al is also being endorsed by Senator Leroy Comrie, 14th Senate District, Queens, NY and sitting Council Member, I. Daneek Miller. 

Learn more about Al Kanu:  Al Kanu for Council
Follow on Facebook: Al Kanu on Facebook