Historic nod for Guyanese on NY’s Schenectady’s city council
History was made Monday when John Mootooveren became the first person of Guyanese descent to be appointed City Council president of Schenectady in New York according to the timesunion.com.
Mootooveren took the post after fellow council member Leesa Perazzo nominated City Councilwoman Marion Porterfield for the spot.
“I make this amendment because as her record demonstrates, Miss Porterfield meets very high standards and insights for the people of Schenectady and for us, we deserve no less,” Perazzo said.
In the end, Mootooveren won out with the four votes he needed to secure the presidency on the all-Democratic, seven-member panel. He will serve a two-year term.
Mootooveren’s selection comes amid years of growth in the city’s Guyanese population, the report said. People with ties to Guyana have been moving to the city for more than two decades with many leaving homes in Queens, New York for cheaper real estate in Schenectady and the promise of jobs that pay enough to allow them to live in their new homes. Democrats and Republicans have both made efforts to recruit the newcomers.
“Please know that I will be looking out for your best interest every day and I look forward to working with all of because my priority is to work side by side with the mayor and council to improve the lives of our people, our neighborhoods, and welcome new business,” Mootooveren said.
Councilman John Polimeni held onto his position as the council’s majority leader.
