Category:New York City Council members: Difference between revisions

Marlon Hodges (1933-1936) Marlon Hodges was murdered on January 7th 1936 by his ex wife Joana Silvers. Although Joana claimed self defense her daughter testified in court that Joana had been plotting the murder for months.

Johnathon Burch (1947-1949) Johnathon Burch was highly admired when he first began working for the new york council. Noted as being hardworking and intelligent Johnathon was also a humanitarian whom devoted his spare time to helping poor families in New York and all around the country. Burch gained notoriety when he announced his engagement to a Native American woman. He was attacked one day while walking to a local restaurant. The attack left him blind in one eye but once released from the hospital he resumed work. Sadly on a trip to South Africa in 1949 the plane carrying Burch and his fiance crashed killing all passengers instantly.

William Peterson (1951-1954) William Peterson was rumored to have paid Governor Thomas E.Dewey to help him get into the council. William's councilship was filled with controversy. In 1951 just two months after elected Peterson was accused of raping a 16 year old girl. Although he was never convicted many people believed him to be guilty. In 1954 Peterson was accused of embezzlement to which he repeatedly denied. Peterson resigned on March 5th 1954, he then fled the country. It was later revealed that Peterson was in debt to a rumored mob boss. Thomas's E.Dewey stated" I know nothing of Mr.Peterson's criminal activity but if found guilty he shall be brought to justice." Peterson was found guilty however the feds were unable to locate him and he was never heard from again.

Paul Ward (1960-1965) Paul Ward born to billionaires was the wealthiest councilman in all twenty cities he served in. He was a close friend of President's Harry S.Truman and John F.Kennedy. Paul was a lifelong civil rights activist and even adopted four minority children. In 1932 he met Harry S.Truman at a mutual friends dinner the two instantly became friends and in 1935 Paul worked on Truman's senate campaign.In 1939 Paul was nearly arrested when he caused an argument in a restaurant by taking his adopted African-American son into a "White men only" restroom. In 1950 Paul's San Francisco Law agency drew controversy as many white citizens complained it consisted of a "colored's only staff". In 1956 Paul met and befriended Robert F.Kennedy whilst working on Adlai Stevenson's campaign. Ward said that Kennedy was fascinated with his friendship with President Harry S.Truman and would often question him about the president . In 1959 at the request of Robert F.Kennedy he became one of many people to help John F.Kennedy prepare for his upcoming presidential campaign. In 1961 Ward's grandson was killed whilst participating in the freedom rides it was Robert F.Kennedy who called to let him know the tragic news.Ward said the Kennedy's felt so much guilt for all those attacked and even sent over twenty roses to his grandsons funeral.

Mary Pinkett (1974-2001) Mary Pinkett was the first black New York City council woman and served for 28 years until she was term limitted out. As a young woman in brooklyn Pinkett worked for a labor union. She was interested in politics and travelled to miami in 1972 for the Democratic National Convention. Archie Spigner a council member from queens who would later serve alongside Pinkett recalled noticing the articulate young Pinkett. "She was a real presence" he said. " Most definitely a force to be reckoned with". A year after the convention Pinkett ran for city council in new york and won. she took office in 1974 and remained on the council until 2001. During her tenure she applied her.skill as a speaker and debater to fight for social equality for the working class, women and African-American rights.Mrs.Pinkett served the people of Brooklyn with compassion, dedication and a fiery sense of purpose for nearly thirty years her friend mayor Michael R.Bloomberg said. Pinkett was a skilled and sometimes intimidating debater. In hearings it was not uncommon forher to engage in spirited discussions with administration officials often cutting them off in midsentence. Even among her colleagues in the council there were many who admitted they would not want to be challenged by her.Pinkett who's maiden name was glover lived her entire life in brooklyn.She spent her childhood in crown heights attended brooklyn college and later moved to Clinton hill. Her knowledge of brooklyn was profound and she was able to reveal little-known corners of the borough even to veteran new yorkers.