Bronx NYC Council Members

Maria del Carmen Arroyo
District 17 - Council Member – Democrat
Committees: Aging; General Welfare; Health (Chair); Juvenile Justice; Land Use (Landmarks, Public Siting & Maritime Uses); Sanitation & Solid Waste Management

District Office Address            
384 E. 149th St., 3rd Ave.          
Suite 300
Bronx, NY 10455
718-402-6130 (phone)
718-402-0539 (fax)

Legislative Office Address          
250 Broadway                
New York, NY 10007
212-788-7384 (phone)
212-788-8920 (fax)
arroyo@council.nyc.ny.us

Maria is the third of seven children born to Pablo and Carmen Arroyo. She was born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, and lived in Puerto Rico until the age of seven years old. Between 1964 and 1965, her family moved to the Bronx. Maria attended elementary school at P.S. 154 in the South Bronx, Junior High School in Harlem and two years of high school at Washington Irving High School in Manhattan. Maria dropped out of high school in her sophomore year and went to work on a full-time basis to assist with her family's financial responsibilities. In 1978 at the age of twenty she obtained her GED. In 1979, Maria married Ricardo Antonio Aguirre. Ricardo is a partner in the law firm Codelia, Aguirre and Socorro. They have two children, Omi Davina and Ricardo, Jr. Omi has recently completed a four-year tour of duty as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Ricardo Jr. received his Bachelors degree in Political Science in December 2005 from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA.

While working as a receptionist at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Maria realized that without a college education, she would not be able to make a difference in the service delivery system she worked in. Her passion to help people guided her to pursue higher education goals. Maria graduated from Hostos Community College with an Associate in Arts in January 1989 and immediately enrolled at Lehman College to pursue a bachelor's degree. She graduated from Lehman, CUM LAUDE, with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Service Administration in January 1991. Immediately thereafter, Maria enrolled at the New York University Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, where she obtained a Master of Public Administration in 1994.

Maria is an experienced administrator with nearly twenty five years of progressive managerial and administrative experience. She served as the Executive Director at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Diagnostic and Treatment Center, where she began as a receptionist, Senior Director of Operations for the Narco Freedom, Inc., Division of Health Care Services and as volunteer Executive Director of the South Bronx Community Corporation. The three organizations provide much needed services to residents of the South Bronx community where Maria was raised. Service with a passion is Maria's motto. "Our people deserve no less".

Maria del Carmen Arroyo was elected to represent the 17th Council District in the City Council on February 15, 2005. Since the time of her election, she has reached out and connected with community residents, organizations and leaders to build the partnerships and collaborations needed to bring positive changes to the community she represents.

Councilmember Arroyo is currently the Chair of the Committee on Aging and a member of the Education, Health, Juvenile Justice, Land Use, and the subcommittee for Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses. Most recently, she was elected Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus of the City Council.

Entered City Council: 03/21/2005
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Fernando Cabrera
District 14 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: Fordham, Kingsbridge, Morris Heights, West Bronx
Committees: Education; Finance; Higher Education; Lower Manhattan Redevelopment; Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse & Disability Services (Chair); Veterans; Youth Services

District Office Address       
107 East Burnside Ave    
Bronx, NY 10453
347-590-2874 (phone)
347-590-2878 (fax)

Legislative Office Address 
250 Broadway, Suite 1725
New York, NY 10007
212-788-7074 (phone)
212-788-8849 (fax)
fcabrera@council.nyc.gov
 
Born in the Bronx on April 16, 1964, to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, Dr. Fernando Cabrera learned early in life the value of standing up for his community and working families. While pursuing his graduate studies in Virginia, Dr. Cabrera directed one of the most successful rehabilitation programs in the nation called New Life for Youth.

In 1988 Dr. Cabrera continued his work as a Substance Abuse Intervention/ Prevention counselor servicing most of the Bronx high schools and later became a bilingual school counselor at Walton High School, eventually creating the first Mental Health Counseling graduate program in New York State, at Mercy College.  Working in the public school system has given him inside knowledge on how many public schools are failing our children. Dr. Cabrera received his Doctorate in Counseling from Argosy University and in the year 2000 became the program director for the graduate Counseling program at Mercy College which has tripled in size under his leadership.

A tireless community activist, Dr. Cabrera has worked in leadership positions since his early twenties. For the last four years, he has co-chaired the Hispanic-Jewish Relations Task Force for the Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion bringing communities together by working together; with projects such as “It is My Park” clean up day at St. James Park.  Dr. Cabrera has also served as an active and effective member of Community Board 7. In recent years, Dr. Cabrera has lobbied the State Legislature to halt the reduction of funding for senior citizens, rehabilitation programs, and schools.  Since 2007 he has worked to secure local jobs for local community members at the Kingsbridge Amory and led the largest March for Youth in the Bronx, advocating for the old Fordham Library to be turned over to the community as a Youth Dream Center.  As a passionate worker for youth, Dr. Cabrera has partnered with DARE to launch the successful concert series at St. James Park, providing free first-class entertainment and a positive message for youth and adults in the area. When he sees something that needs to be done, he doesn’t wait for someone else to do it, he simply galvanizes people and resources to get the job done.

A man of faith, following his return to New York in 1988, Dr. Cabrera and his wife Elvia started a church called New Life Outreach International, a congregation which has grown to nearly 400 members. As a pastor, he has led his congregation toward community action against violence, implemented youth leadership programs, and offered free drug rehabilitation services and support groups, all without receiving a salary. He loves the Bronx and believes that the future is promising, but he also knows that we need strong leaders to guide and shape that future. He believes that if you put your work and passion where your faith is the results will come and his track record of accomplishments and vision for the future is testament to that.

A true friend of the environment, Dr. Cabrera is currently working on an innovative joint venture to create 80 apartments and community space, in a housing development project that will create one of the newest green buildings in the area. Dr. Cabrera is committed to working for every measure that brings better air quality to the Bronx, and brings relief to a full third of Bronx children suffering from asthma, while helping the overall environment.

A family man, Dr. Cabrera has been married to Elvia Cabrera, for 23 years. They have two wonderful children, Lissette Feliciano (28), who is married to youth leader Carlos Feliciano, and Joshua (19) who has worked with him to bring positive change to the Bronx and is currently studying at Columbia University.  Councilmen Cabrera recently welcomed his first grandchild Zechariah Feliciano. For his excellence in public service, Fernando Cabrera has received numerous recognitions from organizations and government officials, including a Citation of Merit from both Bronx Borough Presidents Adolfo Carrion, and Fernando Ferrer, as well as the Latin and African American Chaplain Organization,

Councilmen Cabrera often states that the major source of joy in his life is derived from his family and his community.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2010
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Helen D. Foster
District 16 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: West Bronx, Morrisania, South Bronx, Highbridge, Melrose
Committees: Aging; Community Development; Education; Finance; General Welfare; Health; Public Safety; State & Federal Legislation (Chair)

District Office Address         
1377 Jerome Ave          
Bronx, New York 10452
718-588-7500 (phone)
718-588-7790 (fax)

Legislative Office Address     
250 Broadway          
17th Floor
New York, NY 10007
212-788-6856 (phone)
foster@council.nyc.ny.us

Council Member Helen Diane Foster was born and raised in the Bronx. Her parents are former Council Member Rev. Wendell Foster and Mrs. Helen Foster, a retired principal. She is the younger sister of Ms. Rebekah Foster, President & CEO of Ujima Sound Productions.

Foster attended Hyde School in Bath, Maine, Howard University in Washington, D.C. and City University of New York School of Law (CUNY-Law School). While attending law school, she participated in an international exchange program at the University of Havana. She also served as a summer associate at the Atlanta Legal Aid Offices. Upon graduating from CUNY-Law School, Foster worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. She later moved into the private sector as an Assistant Vice President for Legal Affairs at St. Barnabas Hospital.

Foster was the first African American woman elected to a New York City Office from Bronx County in November of 2001. She was elected Co-Chair of the Council's Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.

Foster serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Christ Church and is also a member of the nation's oldest Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Omega Chapter, Harlem, New York. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a social service organization involved in civic community and political affairs throughout the country and the world.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2002
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

G. Oliver Koppell
District 11 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Woodlawn, Norwood; parts of Bedford Park, Wakefield, Bronx Park East
Committees: Community Development; Consumer Affairs; Education; Environmental Protection; Finance; Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse & Disability Services (Chair); Technology; Transportation

District Office Address            
3636 Waldo Avenue             
Bronx, New York 10463
718-549-7300 (phone)
718-549-9945 (fax)

Legislative Office Address        
250 Broadway                     
18th Floor 
New York, NY 10007
212-788-7078 (phone)
koppell@council.nyc.ny.us

Koppell is a product of  Bronx public schools, including the Bronx High School of Science. After high school, he went on to Harvard College, and then Harvard Law School, graduating with both degrees Cum Laude. After law school, Koppell received a post-graduate fellowship from the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University to study in India.

Koppell was elected to the State Assembly in 1970 where he served as representative of the Northwest Bronx for 23 years. While serving in the New York State Assembly, he wrote and sponsored 280 laws including the Utility Consumers Bill of Rights, the Returnable Bottle Law and the Automobile "Lemon Law." Environmental Advocates twice voted Koppell as the "Environmental Legislator of the Year." He served as the Chairman of the Environmental Protection, Corporations, and Judiciary Committees of the Assembly. Koppell initiated several important programs that continue to serve the community: the Kingsbridge-Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation, the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives, and the Citizens' Court Monitoring Project.

As State Attorney General, Koppell actively prosecuted consumer fraud, discrimination on the basis of race, family status and disability, environmental pollution and business crime. He acted as special prosecutor in a number of criminal proceedings and personally argued on behalf of the State of New York in the Supreme Court of the United States. Elected in 1999 as the School Board President for District 10, Koppell fought the Board of Education bureaucracy for more resources, repairs and new equipment. The Chancellor singled out District 10 as one of the three most improved districts in the city. Koppell was elected to the City Council in 2001. He has various organizational affiliations, including Volunteer Arbitrator of Civil Court of the City of New York, Board Member of the Lawyer's Committee Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai B'rith and the Fund for Modern Courts.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2002
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Annabel Palma
District 18 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: Parkchester, Soundview, Castle Hill, Classon Point, Harding Park
Committees: General Welfare (Chair); Land Use; Landmarks, Public Siting & Maritime Uses (Sub-committee); Standards & Ethics; Youth Services

District Office Address              
1041 Castle Hill Avenue               
Bronx, New York 10472
718-792-1140 (phone)
718-931-0235 (fax)

Legislative Office Address          
250 Broadway                
17th Floor
New York, NY 10007
212-788-6853 (phone)
212-788-1656 (fax)
palma@council.nyc.ny.us

Council Member Annabel Palma has dedicated herself to fighting for the causes of workers' rights and social justice and is committed to fighting for improvement and change in the community she's lived in her entire life. She was elected in the fall of 2003 to represent the people of the 18th Council District. In 1991, as a single mother struggling to provide the best for her son, she received her CNA certification from Bronx Community College. At St. Vincent De Paul Senior Residence, she became a practicing CNA, and because of her leadership skills was elected union representative in 1994. She later earned a degree in Business Administration from Monroe College. In 1999 she was asked to join the staff at 1199SEIU as a full time organizer, where she trained thousands of union members on health and safety issues.

Palma's one and only promise throughout her campaign was that of organizing her community, and in just two years she has successfully applied her organizing experience to a unique method of empowering people on a wide range of issues. Since 2003, she has succeeded in providing the people of her district with the voice they need to fight for quality education, safer schools, better jobs, affordable housing, a cleaner environment, and increased access to health care. Whether it's empowering tenants with the tools to organize tenant associations, or organizing coalitions of parent associations to speak out against systemic problems related to school safety, her vision and drive for uniting people to stand up for what they believe in has brought about significant improvement to the lives of people in her district. In the Council, Palma has fought to ensure that our senior centers and after school programs continue to grow while providing resources to improve our libraries, community centers, and schools. Palma serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Drug Abuse and is proud to be a member of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2004
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Joel Rivera
District 15 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: Bathgate, Belmont, Crotona, Fordham, East Tremont, West Farms
Committees: Finance; Health; Housing & Buildings; Land Use (Zoning & Franchises); Rules, Privileges & Elections (Chair); Standards & Ethics; State & Federal Legislation

District Office Address         
1901 Southern Blvd          
Bronx, New York 10460
718-842-8100 (phone)
718-842-6280 (fax)

Legislative Office Address      
250 Broadway            
18th Floor
New York, NY 10007 
212-788-6966 (phone) 
212-788-8977 (fax)
rivera@council.nyc.ny.us

Majority Leader Joel Rivera has already made his mark in history by becoming the youngest New York City elected official at the age of 22. At the age of 23, he was unanimously selected by his colleagues to become the Council's youngest ever Majority Leader. Rivera is the Chairman of both the State & Federal Legislation and the Charter Revision committees. Elected in 2001 in a special election, Rivera wasted no time in building relationships with his constituents. He meets with students to discuss issues including high tuition, smaller classes and the need for qualified teachers. He has taken tours with the Borough Parks Commissioner to advance beautification projects, lobbied for increased personnel, and has secured funding for projects at Poe Park, Crotona Park and local community gardens. Rivera takes a special interest in seniors and regularly joins them at senior centers for lunch.

He has constantly been involved in community activities, such as The People's Convention for Housing, the first "Not in My Neighborhood You Don't" Anti-drug Campaign, of which he is still a member, the "March Against Apartheid" with Rev. Jesse Jackson, and voter registration drives. At age fifteen, Rivera traveled to Israel where he visited day care centers and orphanages. He was active in the struggle to remove the Navy from Vieques and has participated in toy drives to benefit the less fortunate in both the Bronx and in Puerto Rico.

Re-elected in November 2001 and November 2003, Rivera continues to work hard to insure that the 15th Council District continues on a progressive path.

Rivera is the son of State Assemblyman, and Bronx Democratic Committee Chairman, Jose Rivera.

Entered City Council: 02/20/2001
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Larry B. Seabrook
District 12 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: Edenwald, Co-Op City, Wakefield, Williamsbridge, Baychester
Committees: Civil Rights (Chair); Civil Service & Labor; Higher Education; Land Use (Zoning & Franchises); State & Federal Legislation

District Office Address      
3687-A White Plains Road     
Bronx, New York 10467
718-994-9900 (phone)
718-652-0703 (fax)

Legislative Office Address      
250 Broadway         
17th Floor
New York, NY 10007
212-788-6873 (phone)
212-788-8954 (fax) 
seabrook@council.nyc.ny.us

In 2001, New York City Councilman Larry B. Seabrook made history as the first African American to hold office in three legislative branches: New York State Assembly (first minority candidate to be elected from the 83rd Assembly District), New York State Senate, and in his current position as a member of the New York City Council. Seabrook continues to build on his pro-taxpayer, community service, public safety, education, job training, economic development, workplace equality, youth services, increased senior benefits record.

An outspoken advocate for equal opportunity during his tenure with the New York State Assembly, Seabrook launched an investigation into hiring practices by employment agencies that resulted in significant legislation barring employment discrimination and increasing penalties for civil rights violations. He created the Drug Trader Arrests and Conviction Program (DTAC) that led to over a thousand drug-related arrests and liberated Bronx neighborhoods from the scourge of drugs and drug-related crimes and violence. This model program won strong bi-partisan support and recognition and earned editorial praise from the Daily News, which declared, "If ever there was a gold medal in the war against drugs, Assemblyman Larry Seabrook should be considered." As a New York State Senator, Seabrook served on a number of committees: Housing; Construction and Community Development; Cities; Veterans and Military Affairs; Civil Service and Pension; Codes; Social Services; and Higher Education. He was the Ranking Minority Member of the Judiciary Committee (1988-89) and the Assistant Minority Whip for the Democratic Conference.

Seabrook is currently an Adjunct Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and holds a B.A. Degree in History and Urban Studies from John Jay College, an M.A. Degree in Political Science and International Affairs from Long Island University and a J.D. Degree from CUNY Law School in Queens.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2002
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

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James Vacca
District 13 - Council Member – Democrat
Represents: Pelham Parkway North and South, Pelham Bay, Country Club, City Island, Throggs Neck, Allerton, Morris Park
Committees: Aging; Education; Higher Education; Land Use (Zoning & Franchises); Parks & Recreation; Rules, Privileges & Elections; Transportation (Chair)

District Office Address             
3040 East Tremont Ave.             
Room 104
Bronx, New York 10461
718-931-1721 (phone)
718-931-1605 (fax)

Legislative Office Address             
250 Broadway          
New York, NY 10007
212-788-7375 (phone)
212-442-2724 (fax)
vacca@council.nyc.ny.us

A life-long resident of the Bronx, Jimmy Vacca was born here in 1955, and raised in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. Jimmy was educated in the New York City public school system, where he attended P.S. 71, J.H.S. 101, and then Christopher Columbus High School. He then earned his bachelors degree from the State University of New York, and a Masters degree in Urban Studies from CUNY Queens College. Jimmy Vacca's career in public service really began at the early age of 13 when he organized his fellow JHS students to rally for better bus service from the MTA. Before long, Jimmy was fighting for stop signs, traffic lights, the fixing of potholes, and other local issues that affected his community. In his senior year at Columbus HS, Jimmy was elected President of the Columbus High School Student Association because of his reputation for being active in local civic issues and his leadership ability.

In 1974, the city announced plans to move the Northeast Bronx Senior Citizens' Center out of St. Benedicts Church. The senior citizens from the center were staunchly opposed to the move, and knew that they would need a strong voice to coordinate the effort to stop the city's proposal. The seniors asked Jimmy Vacca to lead their fight to keep the center at St. Benedicts, and so in 1975, at the age of 20, Jimmy became the President of the Northeast Bronx Senior Citizens' Center. He was successful in keeping it at St. Benedicts, and served for 30 years as President of the center, which is now the largest senior citizens' center in the Bronx.

In 1980, at the age of 25, Jimmy became the District Manager of Community Board #10, where he served until he took office as Councilmember of the 13th District in January of 2006. For 26 years as District Manager, he fought for one of the most diverse districts in the borough. At Community Board #10, Jimmy Vacca was constantly in the vanguard on issues facing the residents of his district. Since he started fighting against graffiti and other types of "quality of life" crimes in the 1980s, his former community board district benefited from his proactive stance by being rated both the safest and cleanest in the Bronx for many years. Over the past several years, he has been the voice of the community in its efforts against rampant overdevelopment, and through his leadership, City Island, Throggs Neck, and Ferry Point were recently rezoned to stop the rapid growth in these neighborhoods.

Jimmy's energy has also benefited numerous other organizations in the area. In addition to serving as President of the Northeast Bronx Senior Citizens' Center, Jimmy has served on the Advisory Council to Middletown Plaza Senior Center, Vice President of the Pelham Bay Taxpayers and Civic Association, Secretary to the 45th Precinct Community Council, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. After receiving his Masters Degree, he began teaching weekend and evening classes at Queens College and Monroe College on political science, public policy and sociology. In his capacity as an Adjunct Professor at CUNY Queens College, Jimmy became a member of AFT Local 2334.

On November 8, 2005, James Vacca was overwhelmingly elected to the New York City Council to represent the 13th District, which includes the communities of Throggs Neck, Country Club, City Island, Pelham Bay, Morris Park, and Pelham Parkway.

Jimmy lives in Throgs Neck with his wife, Shirley, and his daughter, Elizabeth.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2006
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013

Source: New York City Council website