A new political star is rising in southwest Brooklyn with the candidacy of Susan Zhuang for City Council.
Zhuang, who began her career in public service as a volunteer in the office of Assemblymember William Colton, and who works behind the scenes in the area as Colton’s chief of staff, announced her candidacy for the post in the newly drawn 43rd Council District late last month.
“I am running as a commonsense Democrat who intends to seek commonsense solutions to critical and challenging issues that impact our daily lives,” she told the crowd gathered to hear her announcement.
“Your issues are my issues. I will be that strong voice for you.”
For some eight years, she has prepared for this moment. A Bensonhurst resident, Zhuang has been a consistent presence, with a steady focus on improving the quality of life for those who live in the district, anchoring events as diverse as turkey giveaways and protests over the city’s plans to establish homeless shelters on Bath Avenue and Kings Highway.
Zhuang describes herself as “a proud South Brooklyn resident, a passionate community activist and an Asian-American working mother of two young children,” and, citing her years of service to the neighborhood and its residents, said, “I believe my love for the community, courage to address challenging issues, experience in public service and unique cultural heritage have prepared me for this candidacy.”Zhuang’s goal, she said, is to advocate for all residents of the district, continuing her work enhancing public safety and education access, as well as in support of the small businesses that are the backbone of the community.
“Respect for all the age groups, all the languages spoken, and all the cultural traditions make us the strongest community in New York,” she contends. “We need more spaces to feel safe, included, seen and heard. We need to come together to make unity in the community.”
The newly created district stretches from Bensonhurst through Dyker Heights to Sunset Park.
Zhuang, who came to this country from China in 2007, has so far been endorsed by Colton, former Council Member Mark Treyger and longtime Democratic District Leader Charles Ragusa, among others.“Susan Zhuang has been connected with the real heartbeat of our neighborhood,” said Colton. “As a mother of two public school children, a strong Asian woman and an active, caring community leader, Susan has been involved in many community issues and causes, fighting for the needs and concerns of all our families. Our community needs more elected officials with a caring heart and a strong voice to speak up for all in the community. Susan is such a person, who will make a great New York City council member.”Susan Zhuang is available for interviews.
