STATEMENT: Borough President Candidate Khari Edwards Joins Unions & Activists In Denouncing Raids to MTA
BROOKLYN, NY — In response to a collection of 30 unions and activists sounding the alarm on Gov. Cuomo’s proposal to raid dedicated funding to the MTA by $160 million, Brooklyn Borough President candidate Khari Edwards released the following statement:
“These vital funds were set aside to help New York’s struggling subway and bus system and to see a raid proposed like this during a pandemic is very disappointing,” said Brooklyn Borough President Candidate Khari Edwards. “I have confidence that state legislators will not let funds for public transportation be stolen. As a lifelong Brooklynite, I know how vital the MTA is for our communities and believe that as the city reopens, we must focus on increasing accessibility to transportation deserts like southeast Brooklyn, not taking away service.”
April 1 is the deadline for the State budget to pass.
For more information or to get involved in the campaign, please visit KhariEdwards.com. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @KhariOEdwards.
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ABOUT: Khari Edwards is an experienced leader in healthcare and government, most recently serving for eight years as the Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. Khari made history as the hospital’s first Vice President of color. During his tenure, Khari crafted and executed a strategic plan to build community trust with the 1.3 million Brooklynites who live in neighborhoods serviced by the hospital. Khari is also credited with spearheading a new initiative to increase census engagement in Central and North Brooklyn; creating the “It Starts Here” program, which connected over 2200 students with victims of gun violence; and organizing 250 union members, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and community stakeholders to address health, housing and employment disparities in East Brooklyn.
Khari has worked for several elected officials, non-profit organizations, and city agencies where he focused on strengthening communities and connecting Brooklynites to vital social services. During his time with the State Legislature, Khari worked with every hospital in Brooklyn to address healthcare inequities and potential hospital closures. As the Brooklyn Council President for Make-A-Wish New York, Khari led a two-year campaign to enlist volunteers to enroll over 400 wish granters for children in Brooklyn.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Khari Edwards is the son of immigrant parents from Trinidad and Guyana. Khari married his wife Jahmila Edwards in 2018 and has 3 children; Ethan 17, Niah 16, and Myles 12.
