By David Cruz

The waitress at Symphony Diner quickly recognized Michael Blake. He ordered his usual—a western omelet with a side of orange juice. For the past few months, the man who’s gone from White House aide for President Barack Obama to the newest Assemblyman of the 79^th District has been on fact-finding excursion, becoming a familiar face within the district he’s poised to represent.

“We can’t wait to start,” said Mr. Blake.

On Dec. 15, Mr. Blake will finally ascend to the 79^th Assembly District one year after Blake’s predecessor, Eric Stevenson, stepped down following a bribery scandal. With Gov. Andrew Cuomo denying a special election, the seat remained vacant for nearly a year, leaving one of the poorest Assembly districts unmanned. The Assembly has yet to catch up on Blake’s rise to Assembly—the district’s official webpage shows no one representing it.

The months have been busy for Mr. Blake, whose personal cell phone rang several times during his interview. He’s attended community boards, spoken to stakeholders and raised the key question: “How do we create the environment of success?”

Mr. Blake, born in the Bronx and living in Bedford Park in his early years, won the September Primary in a considerably crowded race, garnering 37.4 percent of registered voters. He won despite a challenge over his residency and no backing from the Bronx Democratic Party, which endorsed Marsha Michaels, a law clerk, instead.

Mr. Blake is tasked, under oath, to best represent the 79^th Assembly District, which covers Tremont, Crotona Park, Morrisania and Melrose. He’s got his work cut out for him—with the seat vacant for nearly a year problems have compounded if not remained stagnant.

The largely minority community still retains median incomes below $30,000, holds some of the most homeless shelters in the Bronx, and has little to no tourist destinations. Mr. Blake agreed that the setback largely derailed progress in the community. “Now we don’t have to worry about that,” said Mr. Blake. “Now we can get to making it work.”

His overall goal is part of a broader agenda that intends to put a dent on the district’s challenges. Mr. Blake offered no clear-cut solutions though his intuition tells him that spurring economic development that’s currently dormant, promoting career-oriented education, building the housing stock, and renewing ”trust and respect” of public officials are certain routes to take.

As far as he’s concerned, politicos that have once represented his district have eroded the public’s trust. That and recent high-profile police shootings involving unarmed civilians. A conversation needs to begin, according to Mr. Blake. For now, Mr. Blake has taken part in several police reform demonstrations, including the recent Million March NYC rally on Dec. 13.

He’s also sat in community boards, hearing stakeholders voice nagging issues that have hindered progress. He’s also chitchatted with small business owners, and absorbing the district’s problems through walking tours.

Who he’s spoken to, though hasn’t received much advice from, have been his colleagues in the Albany Legislature. During the interview, Mr. Blake had asked to move on to another question when asked whether he received any type of advice from his colleagues.

But notwithstanding this, Mr. Blake’s focus is largely on the 79^th Assembly District.

“I recognize the incredible honor that I’ve been given,” said Mr. Blake. “Now it’s on me. Now it’s on me.”

Mr. Blake’s temporary office can be found at 1149 Boston Road, by 167th Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their office number is (718) 842-2019.