Sanders was blessed to be unanimously voted the first African-American Chair of the Economic Development Committee in over 300 years of NYC s existence. As Chair, Sanders is in charge of a disparity study that is the basis upon which NYC can reinstate affirmative action. Chair Sanders has oversight of the Economic Development Corporation, and the Department of Small Business Services. Sanders is a member of the Land Use, Consumer Affairs, Technology in Government, Transportation, and the Fire and Criminal Justice Services committees.

His legislation includes:

• authoring (and passing) the toughest anti-predatory lending law in the country to protect homeowners
• He also passed a living wage law for New York City that will help tens of thousands of working families
• He authored the "Bullet Bill", which restricts sales of ammunition to minors
• He is also a prime sponsor of the new "audible noise" standards in response to noise pollution
• Sanders will be introducing legislation to address the high rate of unemployment in New York City, especially among black males. This new legislation will call on companies that do business with New York City, to be held accountable for employing of New York City residents, especially low-income residents.
• Sponsored a resolution to ensure a fair playing field for businesses owned by women and people of color

Although priding himself as a friend of the Mayor, Sanders challenged the administration on its lease agreement with the Port Authority over NYC s airports. Like many in Queens, he felt that the borough poorly benefited from the agreement, and along with one other Council member, he insisted on a hearing regarding this matter. This Land Use hearing not only clarified numerous logistical questions, but it doubled the amount that Queens received (from $50 million to $100 million). Sanders was elected unanimously to Chair the Community Advisory Board (the committee that will advise the Mayor on spending decisions for this money).

While a recent study detailing the extent of the City s unemployment problem led many to wring their wrists, Sanders acted. He submitted to the Council an initiative to target severely dislocated/discouraged workers for career training and job placement assistance (as of 1 Jan 05, this $10 million initiative will premier).

During the Sanders years, an astounding $110 million was allocated by the Economic Development Corporation to build a sewer system to address a 40-year-old community flooding problem. Working with local business community and fellow elected officials, here are a few of the funds that Sanders brought home:

• $400,000 from Pathmark stores
• $300,000 from Florida Power and Light
• $250,000 from the International Airport Centers

These funds are being used for business development, and to fund worthy community groups.

Using councilmanic funds, Sanders has acquired an incredible amount of funds to aid his constituents. Among these funds are:

• $2.7 million to fix Brookville and Idlewile parks
• $1.9 million to ensure affordable housing in the District
• $1 million to fix Bayswater park
• $750,000 to redo the park at P.S. 104
• More than $800,000 in direct aid to various district public schools

Responding to the outcry from community residents regarding the West Nile virus that affected his district, Sanders ensured that in 2004, his entire district was sprayed.

A divorced father of two children, Sanders is engaged and expects to be married as of July 2005. A veteran of the United States Marine Corp, Sanders is an honorably discharged, disabled veteran.

An avid reader with a fondness for history, military studies and strategy, this Brooklyn College graduate enjoys running and bicycling as exercise.