Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions …

WHO IS MICHAEL DUNCAN ?
I am a long time resident of S.E. Queens. I am a grassroots activist, who believes in leadership from the ground up. I am a proven leader, who has invested 15 years of my life improving these communities. I am married to my wife Sophia and we have four wonderful children.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SEAT ?
I am running to bring strong leadership to these communities; leadership with vision and abilities, Leadership that is honest, most importantly, leadership from the ranks of you and I. I am running because I love my people and want to help bring out the greatness in us, I am running to help stop the escalating prison population and help us build our educational, social and economic institution, which is needed for existence. I am running to help build self reliance and a strong sense of pride and love among the residents of these communities.

WHAT QUALIFIES YOU TO BE COUNCILMAN ?
My fifteen years of organizing and managing the Rosedale Soccer program, the fifteen years I spent advocating for students and parents in our school system, my unwavering commitment to the quality Of life issues, for example, leading the fight against the federal prison, the suspension center, and The “hot sheet” motel in our community, and the two years as chief of staff of the 31st, where I managed the entire council district. My experiences as chief of staff have prepared me to handle any unforeseen problem that may arise, once you elect me councilman, moreover, I am flexible, adaptable, and I have very good work habits.

WHAT UNIQE CHARACTERISTICS WILL YOU BRING ?
I will bring a program that involves the whole community. I will unite the residents and businesses around the “Each One support One” concept, where we buy our products and engage the services of the businesses that are committed to investing within the district, each time a $ is spent, we will ensure that a certain percentage goes back to community development. This is necessary because the city funding will not adequate to facilitate our needs.

DO YOU SUPPORT THE EXTENSION OF TERM LIMITS ?
No, I do not, the people have spoken, not once, but twice, and elected officials should not be allowed to overrule the will of the people.

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP OUR SCHOOLS ?
I will continue to do what I have been doing for the last 15 years, which is to continue my role as a parent leader in volunteering and organizing parents. As chief of staff, I advocated for funding of every school in my council district, I will build on that by creating more funds to facilitate more computers, 21st century libraries, science labs and effective afterschool programs.

DO YOU SUPPORT MAYORAL CONTROL OF SCHOOLS ?
No, I do not. Mayoral control has totally eradicated parental involvement in schools; children will not flourish without proper parental involvement. In addition, this system paints the entire million-plus students in this city with the same brush, not taking into account the pace at which children learn, their way of life and their customs and culture. I sincerely hope that the sun will set on mayoral control of our schools in June.

HOW WILL YOU HELP WITH THE FORCLOSURE CRISIS ?
As chief of staff, I organized workshops to educate our homeowners, I organized seminars where counselors, lawyers and banks came in to assist on various levels. When you elect me councilman, these services will continue, I will have a counselor on staff on an everyday basis to assist my constituents.

HOW DO YOU VIEW OUR SENIOR CENTERS IN THE FUTURE ?
All senior services must not only continue, but must be improved. Again, as chief of staff, I was able to help stop the closure of a senior center in my district. I brought the Department for the Aging (DFTA), the Comptroller and other elected officials together to discuss keeping the center open. I will provide for our seniors, I will advocate for them, I will find and create ways of improving services.

Home|News|Contacts |FAQ|Links