Fernando Ferrer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando Ferrer
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| Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority | |
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Acting
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| In office November 9, 2018 – March 31, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Joe Lhota |
| Succeeded by | Pat Foye |
| In office February 1, 2017 – June 20, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Prendergast |
| Succeeded by | Joe Lhota |
| In office January 1, 2013 – June 19, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Joe Lhota |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Prendergast |
| 11th Borough President of The Bronx | |
| In office April 15, 1987 – December 31, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Stanley Simon |
| Succeeded by | Adolfo Carrión |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Fernando James Ferrer
April 30, 1950 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | New York University (BA) Baruch College (MPA) |
Fernando James Ferrer, born on April 30, 1950, is an American politician. He was the Borough President of The Bronx from 1987 to 2001. Ferrer also ran for mayor of New York City several times. He was the Democratic Party candidate for mayor in 2005. Before that, he served on the New York City Council in the 1980s. He has also been a leader for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
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Early Life and Education
Fernando Ferrer grew up in the Longwood area of the South Bronx. He went to Catholic schools in the Bronx. He attended St. Anselm Elementary School and Cardinal Spellman High School.
Later, he earned his bachelor's degree from New York University. He also received a master's degree in Public Administration from Baruch College.
Political Career Highlights
Serving on the New York City Council
From 1982 to 1987, Ferrer represented a district in the Bronx on the New York City Council. While on the council, he helped create a law. This law made sure that interpreters were available in city emergency rooms.
He also led the Health Committee. He worked to pass laws against discrimination for gay and lesbian people. Ferrer also fought for a Civilian Complaint Review Board for the NYPD. This board helps review complaints against police officers.
Leading The Bronx as Borough President
Ferrer became the Bronx Borough President in 1987. He took over after the previous president resigned. He served for 14 years.
When he started, the Bronx was facing many challenges. It was known for urban decay and neglect. During his time as president, things began to change. New homes were built for about 66,000 families. Crime rates dropped a lot, especially in the South Bronx. The borough also saw more business and real estate investment.
Campaigns for Mayor of New York City
Running for Mayor in 1997
In 1997, Ferrer decided to run for Mayor of New York. However, he later decided to drop out of the race. He then supported another Democratic candidate.
Mayoral Campaign in 2001
Ferrer ran for mayor again in the 2001 election. He won the first round of voting. But he did not get enough votes to win the nomination right away. He then lost a second round of voting to another candidate. This happened after the September 11th attacks. Ferrer, who is of Puerto Rican descent, had strong support from Hispanic voters.
The 2005 Mayoral Race
Ferrer was the Democratic candidate for mayor in 2005. During his campaign, he made some comments about a past incident. These comments caused some controversy. His popularity dropped, especially among African-Americans.
He won the primary election on September 13, 2005. This meant he would go on to the general election. However, the current mayor, Michael Bloomberg, defeated Ferrer in the election. Bloomberg won with 58.4% of the votes, while Ferrer received 39.0%.
Chairman of the MTA
Fernando Ferrer has served as the interim Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) three times. The MTA is in charge of public transportation in New York.
Personal Life
As of 2005, Fernando Ferrer lived in the Riverdale area of the Bronx.
See also
- Timeline of the Bronx
- List of Puerto Ricans
