This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the fact that former Councilman Andrew Cohen has stepped down from the City Council since Dec. 31, 2020, to take up a judgeship on the Supreme Court based in the Bronx, ahead of the end of his last term in the City Council, and that a special election to find his replacement will not be held until March 23, 2021. We asked readers in District 11 if they feel they will be properly represented until such time as a replacement is elected.

 

“The majority of people in government are driven by their own selfish needs. This action speaks for itself. Being also driven by their own political agenda taking sides or fighting with the other political party instead of thinking about the people and their needs. I hope his replacement thinks more of the people and this city, rather than their own personal achievement.”

Nancy Rogers,

Kingsbridge

“This community has changed tremendously. It’s not even recognizable – very negative. I’ve been here 50 years and I’ve seen the changes. Different people come in. It’s dirty, and nothing is updated. These officials we elect – we barely see them. You only see them when they want to run for something. That’s the only time you see them. I’m angry in a lot of ways. I’m thinking of moving out of New York. I went to his office, and I complained regarding the voter registration after they moved the polling site, so I said I’m not voting.”

Lourdes Maldonado,

Kingsbridge Heights

“Obviously, I feel negative towards this. I have two businesses over here in Riverdale, and we’ve been a part of the community for 25 years, and we have a Facebook community that gets together with any problems, and we need someone to pay attention to what we need in this community. No, I don’t see our elected officials out here. Absolutely – I think something should be done, and I think something could be done. You can’t just leave a neighborhood without representation when people’s voices need to be heard, especially during a pandemic.”

Hail Alhumaidi,

Riverdale

“I’m actually saddened as a community activist. Councilman Cohen provided funding for several of our projects because he believed in the outcome. He was in line with the work we were doing. We are nervous about the next selection of candidates and their environmental goals in the community, public health and safety. I’m happy for his judgeship, if that’s what he wants. Selfishly, I’m worried about the future and what the next council person will bring.”

Elizabeth Quaranta,

Norwood

“Councilman Cohen and the people in his office were amazing for the community. They returned calls, addressed concerns and helped us. In addition to almost daily emails to his constituents during the pandemic, his office helped me on two challenges during this time. I don’t want him to leave. I hope we can find a City Council member this good. The next two months, we’ve got to find ways to rely on 311 and the Mayor’s office. I like that our State Senator Jamaal Bailey is sending reports now. Sometimes the City Council members from other districts send me updates – we should work to get on a few of their e-lists until we get someone working for us.”

Anne Leighton,

Norwood