The New Mark McGrath

RELEASE: Troy City Council Taps Debra Garrett to fill Vacant District 2 Council Seat

— For Immediate Release —

Media Contact: Anasha Cummings (518) 406-8636
anasha.cummings@troyny.gov

TROY CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF DEBRA GARRETT AS DISTRICT 2 COUNCILMEMBER

Troy, N.Y. (4/1/19) – Troy City Council members today announced the appointment of Debra Garrett to fill the vacancy in District 2.

Debra Garrett, a mother of 4 who moved to Troy with her husband in 2009 to be close to her grandmother and start a family here, is currently serving as a Community Health Project Coordinator at the Commission on Economic Opportunity.

"I am honored to be chosen to serve as a member of the Troy City Council. My aim is to represent my community by promoting self-advocacy, homeownership, community awareness and developing a collective mission for what we need in District 2," Garrett said.

Debra Garrett is co-founder of Community Leaders United, which brings together a more productive community of leaders in the North Central and Hillside North neighborhoods to bridge the gap between the community and its organizations.

"I have already started this work, such as when I played a major role in bringing together National Night Out in the 7th Avenue Park last summer," said Garrett. "I also sat at the table with the One Troy steering committee and was able to speak on behalf of North Central Troy making them aware of the needs of residents and families living in District 2."

Following the unprecedented resignation of former councilmember Mark McGrath after the disclosure of a voicemail message recording of him using racial slurs, the City Council majority put out a public call for candidates to represent the district for the remainder of his term. After interviewing all qualified candidates, Council President Pro-Tempore, Anasha Cummings confirmed the council will move forward with the appointment of Debra Garrett to the vacant District 2 City Council seat.

"The vacancy created with former Councilmember Mcgrath's resignation created a unique opportunity to support the growth of new leadership in the often forgotten North Central Neighborhood," Cummings stated, “We are incredibly pleased to have found someone as focused, driven, and well connected as Debra to serve with us on the City Council. After a rigorous search and many discussions with community leaders throughout the district, it is clear that she is well respected, and has the energy needed to make the most of her term on the council to help her neighborhood and larger community grow.”

Garrett will officially join the council after a vote during the 7:00pm Regular Council Meeting on Thursday, April 4th.

"During the interview process, it was clear that Debra is an incredibly talented individual who cares deeply about our city," said David Bissember, City Council District 5 representative. “Debra’s deep knowledge of the needs of District 2 and her clear vision for pragmatic steps to improve city services, enhance parks, and build community cohesion made her an obvious choice and I look forward to working closely with her on these projects in the coming months.”

“Given the makeup of this district, and the harm caused by Councilman McGrath’s statements, I felt it incredibly important to have a woman of color represent this district for the unexpired term,” said Coleen Paratore, City Council District 3 representative. “Debra brings unique life experiences that will make our entire council stronger and more able to represent the diverse neighborhoods of our city”

“This was a tough decision, with many impressive candidates, all of whom we look forward to working with. However, Debra stood out with her passion, energy, and positivity,” stated T.J. Kennedy, District 6 Council member.

SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY

Many residents and community stakeholders who live and work in District 2 expressed their support for Debra’s nomination and are looking forward to working with her in her new position.

Queen Daniels, a teacher in the neighborhood and co-founder of Community Leaders United said: "Working with Debra has been such an amazing experience. It's so wonderful to work with someone who shares the same passion for the community as myself."

Kevin Pryor, a neighborhood leader and founder of the Speak Out bullying prevention boxing program, said "My experience working with Debra Garrett has been awesome. She's always looking to give a helping hand, always willing to assist you in any project. She's a great advocate for the Speak Out program that her children participated in. She also helped with informing me in my organization in applying for grants to support the mission of our program. We can always count on Debra pointing us in the right direction for what our program needs; she is a blessing to have as well as to work with."

Christine Nealon, Executive Director of TRIP, who has worked closely with Garrett in the North Central and Hillside Neighborhoods said, "I have had the privilege of working alongside Debra over the last few years.  She is passionate about resident leadership and equitable Community Development.  Debra leads by example engaging change through her employment, her volunteerism, and the family activities she chooses."

Contact: Anasha Cummings (518) 406-8636 anasha.cummings@troyny.gov
Debra Garrett (518) 992-0880 debgarrett35@gmail.com (available after 4pm)

Photo attached and available to download here: https://cl.ly/9ea3cf4955fa

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