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Primary Winner Mark Levine Eyes Bigger Prize: City Council Speaker

By Gustavo Solis | September 13, 2017 4:33pm
 Mark Levine won Tuesday's Democratic primary for city council of Manhattan's 7th district.
Mark Levine won Tuesday's Democratic primary for city council of Manhattan's 7th district.
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Mark Levine

HAMILTON HEIGHTS — After easily winning Tuesday’s Democratic primary, City Councilman Mark Levine is setting his sights on the Speaker race.

“We have a general election in November, I do have a Green Party opponent, I take nothing for granted but I’ve also made it clear that I’m seeking leadership of the council the next term so that effort really kicks into high gear now,” Levine said.

With 97 percent of the scanners reported as of midnight, Levine holds 74 percent of the 11,900 votes counted so far, according to the Board of Elections.

Levine has represented the 7th District, which covers the west part of Manhattan from 96th street to 165th Street, since 2014 and is currently the Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. He is also running to replace Melissa Mark-Viverito as speaker of the City Council.

He sees himself as a unifying leader who can bring the City Council together.

“We’re facing a challenging four years ahead in the era of Donald Trump and we as a body are going to need to come together as a strong united, independent body that can deliver for the people of the city,” Levine said.

In his district, Levine said he plans to continue fighting for affordable housing, preserving the character of the neighborhood, supporting small businesses and improving public transportation, he said.

Levine faces Green Party candidate Florindo Troncelliti in November’s general election for city council.