Gale Brewer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gale Brewer
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| Member of the New York City Council from the 6th district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Helen Rosenthal |
| In office January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Ronnie Eldridge |
| Succeeded by | Helen Rosenthal |
| 27th Borough President of Manhattan | |
| In office January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Scott Stringer |
| Succeeded by | Mark Levine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 6, 1951 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Cal Snyder |
| Education | Bennington College (BA) Harvard University (MPA) Columbia University (BA) |
Gale Arnot Brewer (born September 6, 1951) is an American politician from the Democratic Party. She has served on the New York City Council representing the 6th district since January 2022. She also held this position from 2002 to 2013. From January 2014 to December 2021, she was the 27th Borough President of Manhattan, a large area within New York City.
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Gale Brewer's Education Journey
Gale Brewer finished high school at the Winsor School in Boston in 1969. She then earned a bachelor's degree from Bennington College in 1973. Later, in 1990, she received a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. She continued her studies and earned another bachelor's degree from Columbia University School of General Studies in 1997.
Early Career in Government
Gale Brewer started her career in government in 1975. She worked for Mary Anne Krupsak, who was the Lieutenant Governor of New York at the time, until 1978. From 1978 to 1990, she was the chief of staff for New York City Council member Ruth Messinger.
After that, from 1990 to 1994, Brewer directed the New York City Office of Federal Relations. This office helped New York City work with the federal government. From 1994 to 1998, she was the Deputy Public Advocate for Intergovernmental Affairs under Mark Green.
Before becoming a City Council member, Brewer also managed a project for NYC Nonprofits. She worked with a company called Telesis Corporation that builds affordable homes. She was also a member of Manhattan Community Board 7, which helps local communities.
Gale Brewer's Political Career
Serving on the New York City Council (2002–2013)
Gale Brewer first joined the New York City Council in 2002. She represented the 6th district. Voters re-elected her three times, and she received more than 80% of the votes each time.
During her time on the Council, Brewer helped create important laws. For example, she supported laws that protect people who work in homes. She also helped set up a committee to improve internet access in New York City. Another law she helped pass made city publications available online. She also worked on bills to reduce graffiti.
In 2010, Brewer introduced a bill for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). This voting system lets people rank candidates in order of their preference. New York City voters approved RCV in November 2019, and it was first used in a city election in February 2021.
Brewer also led the Select Committee on Technology in Government from 2002 to 2009. This committee worked to improve how technology was used in government. In 2004, they published a study about expanding digital opportunities in New York City public schools.
Manhattan Borough President (2014–2021)
Because of term limits, Gale Brewer could not run for the City Council again in 2013. So, she decided to run for Manhattan Borough president. A Borough President is like a mayor for one of New York City's five boroughs. They advocate for their borough and help manage local services.
In September 2013, Brewer won the Democratic primary election. She then won the general election in November 2013 and started her new role in January 2014.
Brewer was re-elected as Manhattan Borough President in 2017. She served two terms, but due to term limits, she could not run for re-election in 2021.
Return to the New York City Council (2022–Present)
In December 2020, Gale Brewer announced she would run for her old City Council seat again. In November 2021, she won the election against Nancy Sliwa with over 82% of the votes.
Currently, Brewer leads the City Council's Committee on Oversight and Investigations. She is also a member of several other important committees, including those for Consumer and Worker Protection, Finance, and Higher Education. She is part of the Women's Caucus and helps with the city's budget negotiations.
As of 2023, Brewer is running for the City Council's new 6th district. She is also a member of the Vote Blue Coalition, a group that supports Democratic politicians in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Honors and Awards
In 2018, the Metropolitan College of New York gave Gale Brewer an honorary doctorate degree. They recognized her long career and work on important issues in New York City. These issues included affordable housing, land use, health care, and workers' rights.
Personal Life
Gale Brewer is married to Cal Snyder. Their son, Mo Sumbundu, works for the Empire State Development Corporation. In 2023, the Governor of New York appointed Mo Sumbundu to the Buffalo State University Council. Gale Brewer has also been a foster parent to several children.
