Thanks for visiting my campaign website. On September 15 of this year the voters of our district will elect our Democratic candidate for City Council. We need someone with good business sense, traditional Democratic values and a real passion for public service. I am that man.

When I was 18 years old I joined the U.S. Army. I didn't do it for glory and I certainly didn't do it for the money. My first monthly check in basic training was for under $500. I joined the Army because I wanted to belong to something greater than myself, to make sure that whatever I was doing with my time was helpful to my country and to my community. Unfortunately, only one year joining I was paralyzed by a drunk driver while serving overseas. I was 19 years old.

Following the accident I spent 15 months rehabilitating in the Bronx VA Medical Center. But far from letting my paralysis ruin my life I've fought hard to once again become a contributing member to society. Since being injured I have:

• Earned my Bachelor's Degree

• Earned my Master's Degree

• Worked preparing high school students for the SAT

• Served on the board of the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association

• Been elected Vice-Chairman and now Chairman of the Board of the United Spinal Association (www.UnitedSpinal.org)

• Run for a seat in the New York State Legislature

• Become involved in the local political and civic community

• Managed Nora Marino's campaign for New York State Senate

With these developments I bring a combination of budgetary, military and political experience that puts me in an excellent position to return to public service -- to serve my city as I once served my country.

I will bring intelligence and integrity to the New York City Council. I will make sure we balance our budgets and make the right choices during this difficult economic time -- protecting essential services, eliminating non-essential ones. We cannot continue the current levels of funding for agencies like the Department of Design & Construction, which gives out millions of dollars to recognize architectural excellence, when we are underfunding law-enforcement, education, and the fire department. We have to have the right priorities in this difficult economic time. I hope you'll find that I do. Click around the website, contribute to help me secure ballot access and volunteer to help me bring my message to the people. With your help, we can bring integrity to government in the Democratic primary on September 15.

Thank you, I'll be grateful for your support,

Tom Cooke

Democrat for City Council