City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito this afternoon was elected unanimously to become the next speaker after fellow Democrat Dan Garodnick conceded ahead of the nomination and formal vote.
Mark-Viverito, a Democrat who represents East Harlem, is the first Latina to hold the position.
“I hope that as young Latinas and Latinos are witnessing this moment, they are able to dream that much bigger and are inspired to work that much harder because we have broken through one more barrier,” Mark-Viverito said.
While addressing her fellow members, Mark-Viverito said the council must work together and “be unified in our common cause – delivering for New Yorkers.”
Mark-Viverito’s bid had been under pressure after recent revelations that she failed to disclose years of rental income.
She says it was a mistake and is working to fix the problem.
She also says she eventually will release her tax returns.
Garodnick had received support from council members aligned with the Queens Democratic organization.
In a statement, Garodnick said, in part, “I look forward to working with Speaker Mark-Viverito and to helping her to ensure that we can deliver a sound and responsible government for all New Yorkers.”
Mark-Viverito replaces Christine Quinn, who served as Council Speaker for eight years.
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