NY State Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that Roosevelt Island residents Marc Block and Melissa Wade were named to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors. They fill the vacant seats left by the resignation of former RIOC Director Ben Fhala and the departure of long time RIOC Director David Kraut who was appointed in 1994.
Stay tuned for more about the new RIOC Directors.
In the meantime, meet Marc Block and Melissa Wade.
I spoke with Mr Block in June 2022 when he was a NY Democratic Party State Committee candidate for the 76 Assembly District which includes Roosevelt Island.
I spoke with Ms Wade in November 23 about her efforts as a Roosevelt Island composting volunteer.
Congrats to Mr Block and Ms Wade for stepping up and trying to improve our community. I wonder if they know what they’re getting themselves into?
UPDATE 9:19 PM- I asked Mr Block and Ms Wade:
I understand you were officially approved as a RIOC Board Member.
Congrats, I think.
Do you wish to make any comment on your appointment to the RIOC Board? What do you hope to achieve and what are your priorities?
Ms Wade replied:
Thank you so much for your well-wishes. I was appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate this week. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my fellow Roosevelt Island neighbors in this capacity.
I look forward to learning more about the business of the board which is a necessity before I can commit to priorities, however, livability and affordability are extremely important to me, as is the proper day-to-day functioning of the Corporation.