Vanessa Simon is looking to shatter the glass ceiling of Democratic politics in Queens, New York. She is running for New York City Council in District 31, southeast Queens. She enthusiastically identifies herself as a member of the Republican Party, but she separates herself from other candidates in that she also runs on the Conservative Party line and, perhaps most importantly, that of the Save Our City Party.
She is looking to unseat Democrat Selvena Brooks-Powers.
“There is no better time than now to be a compassionate leader and strong public servant,” Simon told me. “Laws continue to be passed by career politicians as fiscal budgets reach historical heights while the quality of life declines for the working class. I heard the outcry and frustration of residents in my district. I will stop the mismanagement of money and vital resources when I’m elected to office.”
Simon’s campaign bio effectively reveals why she is the perfect choice to help Queens in a COVID-19 world.
“Vanessa’s work experience provides her with a unique perspective on empowering people with the vital skills to meet today’s job market demands. She dedicates her time to help active job seekers with resume writing, interviewing techniques, networking strategies, and workforce development for upward mobility,” her bio reads.
She also has a firm grasp on the issues that are affecting her community.
“The main issues of residents in my county are deeply rooted in the fundamentals of empowerment and human security — namely, a quality education, policing coupled with public safety, and affordable housing,” Simon told me. “When I’m elected, my first commitment is to have my office focus on accessibility and ensure timely responses to residents’ needs. Also, my experience as a human resources professional affords me a unique insight into addressing the skills gap to prepare the workforce for gainful employment.”
Simon also wants to make sure people from all walks of life have the opportunity to succeed and live the American dream.
“My community comes from diverse backgrounds with unique paths in life,” she said. “Hence, college is not for everyone, and some people prefer alternatives like vocational training. I will make all options available to empower people to work in meaningful jobs at prevailing wages while also providing small-business opportunities to entrepreneurs.”
Simon’s vision aligns with the wants of many Queens residents, especially business owners who have suffered during the pandemic.
Ana Poueriet is a small-business owner from Queens who runs a credit restoration and financial services company. She told me that policies implemented during the pandemic devastated small businesses. She wants to make sure any politician in Queens that is running for office has the interests of small-business owners in mind.
“As a female and minority-owned small-business owner, I want to make City Council members that will be small-business friendly,” Poueriet said. “I run a small business that is important in helping people repair their credit. It’s an important business that can literally change people’s lives.”
“Any politician from Queens running for office should be able to help guide us in pursuing grants to grow our business and empower us for success and sustainability,” Poueriet said.
Simon’s candidacy has caught the eye of Kimberly Klacik, former congressional candidate and founder of Red Renaissance. Simon has been an integral part of Klacik’s organization in trying to put Republicans into office at all levels throughout the country.
“Vanessa is one of our strongest candidates,” Klacik said. “From the way she can flawlessly articulate the conservative message to her support for small business, I believe District 31 would flourish under her leadership.”
Republicans are sometimes criticized for a lack of diversity. As a candidate — especially if she wins her election — Simon can change that perspective and bring conservative ideas to a place where they are seldom articulated. As a black woman, Simon can also shatter many political stereotypes and glass ceilings that Democrats wrongly impose upon black people.
“I was raised by humble immigrant parents who cherished freedom, family values, a strong sense of community, and hard work to realize the American dream,” Simon said. “Yes, I’m a registered Republican, and like many Americans, I want the same essential things to pursue happiness. Hence, I want to be a public servant to help people achieve the most in life.”
