Editor’s Note: Abraham Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Exercise your rights by voting on November 7. All polling stations in Forest Hills are open from 6 am to 9 pm. Polling sites are posted at the end of this article.
Comptroller Candidate Michel J. Faulkner
Motivated by a desire to serve his community, Michel J. Faulkner has determined that he can best do so as the next Comptroller of NYC. Upon the announcement of his candidacy, he was endorsed by the Republican, Conservative, Independence, and Reform parties. This former New York Jets player (1981-82) demonstrates his heart for others through service. Over the past 30 years, he has helped the homeless through running a soup kitchen, ministered to those in prison, worked with youth, and served on a Police task force to improve community relations. Currently, Mr. Faulkner pastors New Horizon Church in Harlem. This author, media commenter, marathon runner, and family man demonstrates commitment to NYC.
Forest Hills Today sent some questions to Mr. Faulkner, and here are his responses:
1. Which past president do you admire the most and why?
Abraham Lincoln… because he had to make a number of extremely difficult choices to preserve the Union. Additionally, he was a wonderful writer, so his reflective moments provide an archive of his moral and ethical decisions.
2. What would be the first thing you would do if you were elected the Comptroller of New York City?
When I’m elected Comptroller, first thing I will do is issue a detailed, audited report on all the Mayor’s activities as they relate to donor preferential treatment.
3. What is the most challenging financial project you’ve worked on?
After 9/11, our church was a conduit through which relief monies were channeled to victims’ families. The challenge was ensuring that interviews were done properly and that those who needed help received it, considering our limited resources.
4. How would you describe an ideal neighborhood in NYC?
I would say the ideal neighborhood is the Upper West Side in Manhattan. It is ideal because all socio-economic groups have lived, worked, and interacted together regardless of race or socio-economic class for generations. That idyllic community began with a stable, affordable housing platform.
5. Please tell us more about your experience running a soup kitchen in NYC.
The soup kitchen was attached to a church which provided the spiritual foundation. In addition to providing meals, breakfast and lunch, we also provided social service assistance to the entire community by linking them to the social service delivery system in NY. We served as a respected partner with city resources and were appreciated and affirmed in our role without receiving any city dollars. It was a very effective ministry and I’m still in touch with several people who came through our program and are better for it.
6. What’s your favorite restaurant in NYC and why?
There is a little French restaurant down on 44th Street and 9th Avenue. The reason it’s a favorite is because it’s a family owned restaurant. The food is great, the quality is high, and the prices are moderate… a dying restaurant breed in NYC.
7. What are your favorite NYC sports teams?
All NYC teams are my favorite but I am particularly a Yankees fan; I have been all my life. I love to watch the Jets win, but unfortunately, I have not gotten to enjoy that very much… lol.
Additional information about Michel J. Faulkner can be found at: FaunlknerforNewYork.com .
Here are a few Forest Hills Poll sites:
- Forest Hills High School 67-01, 110 Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- P.S. 101 – School in the Gardens, 2 Russell Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- JHS 190-Russell Sage, 68-17 Austin Street, Forst Hills, NY 11375
- PS 303-Academy for Excellence, 108-55 69 Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- PS 144-Col. Jeromus Remsen, 93-02 69 Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375
If you don’t know your poll site, go to https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search, type in your house number, street address, and zip code.
Disclaimer: Forest Hills Today is dedicated to informing, promoting and serving local businesses and residents of the Forest Hills community. With this thought in mind, efforts are being made to introduce Forest Hills residents to people who impact our community. As candidates and officials respond to inquiries, their responses will be posted without bias.
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