Learn more about Steve Levin, our 28-year-old candidate apparent for David Yassky's City Council seat in the 33rd district. According to the Brooklyn Bugle, there's an interview with him in City Hall's "40 Under 40: The Next Political Leaders of New York."
Levin is running against Republican Elizabeth Tretter in what is a largely Democratic district.
competitive Council race to fill David Yassky’s Council seat, Steve
Levin gives one answer.
“My friend and mentor Vito Lopez,” he says. “I would not have been elected if it were not for him.”
Indeed,
the former chief-of-staff for the Assembly Housing chair and Brooklyn
Democratic leader says that his old boss has given him lots of advice
over the years, but that he led more by example.
“He is a
tireless worker and he always does everything he can for the people he
represents,” Levin said. “It comes from the heart.”
But when the
Brown University graduate was deciding whether or not to make a run for
the Council, he did not only get heart-to-hearts from local political
big wigs. His father’s first cousins, Michigan Senator Carl Levin and
his brother, Rep. Sandy Levin, weighed in as well.
“They both
encouraged me to go for it,” he said. “They said work hard, be true to
yourself, and always try to do the right thing.”
But, he added, the real motivation came from within.
“I’ve always wanted to serve people and to make people’s lives better,” he said. “That’s been the goal all along.”
How
did your past jobs get you to where you are today? My past jobs were as
a community organizer and chief of staff to Vito Lopez, and there has
always been a commitment to serving people and serving their needs.
If you were not working in politics, what would you be doing: Public interest law
Five years from now, what will it say on your business card: Councilmember for the 33rd district
Who would play you in the movie? Harry Connick, Jr.