On the Candidates: Gerry Esposito

Walking into the Community Board 1 headquarters on Graham Avenue in Greenpoint/Williamsburg is like touring the community involvement hall of fame. Adorned with photographs and commemorative plaques, thank-you notes and proclamations, the CB1 hallway documents the staggering 30-year history of its District Manager Gerry Esposito, and stands as a testament to his many accomplishments in and around the neighborhood. And now, after 3 decades on the job, Esposito is ready to serve his community to an even fuller extent: He is running for city council, in the 34th district.
Considered by some to be the “progressive candidate,” Esposito is running for council in order to affect some serious changes in city government through policy and legislation, advocacy and attitude, and hopes to inspire a sea change in the way government and community relate to one another.
“In general, people are not happy with government,” Esposito said. “They mistrust the government. Right now, we need a councilmember who will bring trust back to the position and bring government back to the people.” And Esposito firmly believes he’s the man for the job.
“My campaign slogan is, a lifetime of achievement,” Esposito said. “I’ve been there, I’ve done that. If something happens I don’t have to go to the speaker or another elected official to ask, how do I do this, how do I do that. I believe I have the information in my head, and I can easily move to resolve some of these major problems.”
Esposito’s primarily role as district manager is that of an advocate, providing support and advice to those who need it the most. As district manager, Esposito has worked with just about every community-based organization, non-profit and elected official in the neighborhood, and has a solid understanding of—and a distinct sensitivity to—the delicate social and cultural dynamics of the 34th district. Esposito is responsible for allocating funds for capital projects , identifying and fixing specific problems in the community—for example, he secured funding to purchase 40 new computers for M.S. 126 after receiving a call for help—and serving as the overall eyes and ears of the neighborhood.
“I love this job. It rejuvenates my batteries,” Esposito said. “When you are able to see things through to fruition, it’s a way to rejuvenate your batteries.”
Born and raised in Italian Williamsburg, Gerry Esposito has been involved in local government for as long as he can remember. His very first job was at the Department of Consumer Affairs, where he helped open the first Brooklyn office; it was there that Esposito learned about the potential and impact of community organizing and advocacy, and began to understand the dire importance of protecting, preserving and supporting small businesses in communities across the five boroughs—which is one of Esposito’s biggest priorities. Esposito also spent two years working as a tenant organizer for St. Nick’s before joining the staff of CB1 as district manager, a position Esposito believes has primed and prepared him to hold higher office. Esposito believes that, apart from the ability to make law, district manager and city councilmember have very similar job descriptions. And even without holding office, Esposito has played a hand in crafting legislation—he helped Kings County administrative judge Abe Gerges write a piece of landmark legislation regarding ageism and tenants’ rights when Gerges was in the council.
Esposito also expressed his dedication and commitment to providing support for schools in the district, as well as preserving and fortifying essential pieces of infrastructure such as hospitals and public transportation—control over which he hopes will be transferred to the city in the very near future.
“The city is bringing additional people into this community on a daily basis, with all the construction going on. But where are the services necessary to support all those new people?” said Esposito. “Where are the grocery stores? The hospitals? We need to fix what’s broken.”
“I’d like to be known as the candidate that comes with no strings attached. I have no obligations, whether they be to the machine, or certainly to developers,” Esposito continued. “I’m an individual, and I believe I can make a difference.”