With a re-vote for the City Council's 40th District seat behind voters, Brooklyn residents say it's time for the winner to get to work.
Councilman-elect Mathieu Eugene won 51 percent of the vote Tuesday with 2,197 ballots cast in his favor. The re-vote came after Eugene, who won the first election in February, failed to prove he lives in the Crown Heights/Flatbush area he was elected to represent.Community groups and residents are eager for Eugene to fill the job after they were left without representation for more than a month. The Flatbush Development Corporation says the gap could have long-term budget effects. Members argue that the vacant seat also left them without an advocate as they work to have the area rezoned.
The historic neighborhood of Fiske Terrace-Midwood Park is in the process of applying for landmark status. Residents want Eugene to speak on their behalf before the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The Board of Elections must certify Tuesday's results before Eugene is sworn in. The board expects to complete the process by the second week in May.
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