He is a non-traditional politician. Democrat Michael McMahon was elected last November in the very conservative 13th Congressional District that was represented by Republicans in the last 28 years. He received 61% of votes in Staten Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and parts of Bensonhurst.
People voted for him because Councilman McMahon was not a liberal ideologue, but was a pragmatic fighter for some important bread-and-butter local issues like free ferry service, garbage clean-up, Internet connection and air conditioners in schools, free children clinic and so on...
So, it was not a surprise that he was endorsed by Independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Democratic Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, Conservative Borough President James Molinaro and all unions of law-enforcement professionals, including police officers and firefighters.
Unlike his disgraced predecessor Vito Fossella, Congressman Michael McMahon is not planning to create a "Family Values" caucus in the House of Representatives. He sincerely loves his great wife Judy and their two fabulous children, he cares about them, no matter how busy his schedule is.
When we campaigned together on Staten Island last year, Mike proved to be an honest, humorous, appreciative and decent person who always kept his word and knew how to tak to ordinary folks. He never promised something he could not deliver (he preferred to say "I will never let you down"). He paid huge attention to the Russian-speaking community, appearing at Davidzon Radio, campaigning in Staten Island neighborhoods like Captain's Quarter, Midland Beach and South Beach, meeting with Russian seniors at 9000 Shore Road (Fort Hamilton). I was very surprised to receive from McMahon the hand-written "thank you" note after his Victory Day.
On February 4, 2008 I was hired as his Assistant for Community Affairs and started to work part-time in his Brooklyn office (in Bay Ridge). I am very grateful to Congressman Michael McMahon for giving me a chance to work with him for the benefit of Russian-speaking immigrants. I am excited and proud to represent him at community events.
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