New York University Graduate Student and Lifelong Brooklyn Resident Mike DiSanto has announced his intent to run for New York State Senate District 22. This office is currently held by Senator Marty Golden, who is currently seeking re-election. DiSanto announced his intent to run for the public office at Community Board 11's meeting on Thursday, January 14th.
Like many New York State Senate districts, the 22nd is extremely gerrymandered, stretching along the south shore of Brooklyn and cutting through several neighborhoods, including Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay and Marine Park.
DiSanto is keen to prove that he is the right candidate for District 22. "I have a voice and will talk to everyone about my plans to fix politics in Albany and discuss my new ideas to strengthen our community’s issues.” He vows to fight for affordable housing, implement better education, and endorse transportation and unemployment issues within the community and beyond.
“A lot of the people I grew up with could not afford to continue living here and have moved to other areas,” says DiSanto. “We need affordable housing programs for first time home buyers and assistance for families struggling to pay their mortgages. I want families to stay in New York and to ensure our kids can find good jobs. We need to cut waste in Albany and invest in New York's greatest resource, our children. Through increased funding for schools, the creation of after-school programs and the modernization of libraries, we can ensure that our kids are able to successfully compete in today's dynamic economic environment.”
DiSanto grew up in the community and faced these issues every day. He is deeply rooted in the district, having attended Public School 97, Mark Twain Junior High School and Midwood High School. A graduate of CUNY Baruch College, DiSanto returned to school last year to study at New York University's specialized integrated marketing graduate program. DiSanto is also the President of New York University's Integrated Marketing Association, a division of the American Marketing Association. He has previously worked at the Big Apple Circus, a non-profit organization that serves children undergoing treatment in pediatric facilities, with Odwalla Inc., and with various marketing agencies in the NYC area. Mr. DiSanto has also been an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society and has supported Alzheimer charities. Caring for seniors is another key issue he wants to bring to the state Senate.
“People may criticize me for my youth and for a lack of formal experience in politics. Youth is not a weakness. We have politicians in Albany with years of experience but they have not helped the people of New York. Instead, they have created the most dysfunctional legislature in the nation. I honestly care about people and my community and have been trained to work on corporate strategy, so I know that I have the skills to represent the interests of my district successfully. I will be an effective leader in Albany and help to bring about the change we desperately need.”
DiSanto's father, Mario DiSanto, was a local school teacher. His mother, Josephine DiSanto, continues to work for the Board of Education. Mario DiSanto was very active in the Italian American immigrant community and ran for School Board before he died of bone cancer in 1994.
"He loved this community and instilled that love into me. For that, I am eternally grateful."
