THANKS FOR THE NEWS, COUNCILWOMAN GALE BREWER

(Article published in HWW December 2008)

We found this item in the web newsletter of Gale Brewer, who represents residents of West Side of Manhattan on the New York City Council:

Pre-K seats! We know that there is a need for Pre-K in many communities, but if we don't fill the vacant seats, we may lose them forever! Currently, there are about 6,000 half-day and full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) seats available for children who turn four years of age by December 31, 2008, in public schools, child care centers contracted by ACS and community-based organizations contracted by the DOE. Families can call 311 and ask for “UPK programs in my neighborhood”, call a toll free number (888) 469-5999, or log on to the City's website, www.nyc.gov, to search the City Map for UPK programs and link to the DOE's website, where a list of programs can be downloaded.

GOT A QUESTION?

GO ASK YOUR CITY COUNCIL REP

Every four years, you elect a man or woman from the district where you live to represent you on the City Council. They make the laws and oversee the government agencies that serve you. They know your district, its problems and its strengths. So the office of your City Council representative is a good place to go if you need help finding services and resources you need. You can find the name and office of your Council representative, by calling 311 or going on the City Council’s internet website. Or here’s another way to do it.

The following five City Council members – one in each borough – have generously volunteered to help our readers by directing you to the office of your representative on the Council.

If you live in Manhattan, call Gale Brewer at (212) 873-0282

If you live in Brooklyn, call Bill DeBlasio at (718) 854-9791

If you live in Queens, call Leroy Comrie at (718) 776-3700

If you live in the Bronx, call Oliver Koppell at (718) 549-7300

If you live in Staten Island, call James Oddo at (718) 980-1017