Rafael Salamanca Jr, three-term City Councilman for the 17th District and chair of the City Council committee on land use, has endorsed district manager for Community Board 6, John Sanchez, in the District 15 City Council race set for March 23rd, it was announced on Friday, Jan. 15.

Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. said, “I am proud to endorse John Sanchez for New York City Council in the 15th District. For the past four years, John has served as District Manager for Community Board 6 where he has earned a reputation for going above and beyond for the community.”

Salamanca added, “He helped secure funding for local businesses, provided a free and safe space for our youth to play sports, and offered community workshops, among many other crucial programs. I am supporting John because I know that he will be ready on day one to represent the people of the 15th District as their next Council member.”

Reacting to the announcement, Sanchez, previously profiled by the Norwood News, said he was honored to receive Salamanca’s endorsement, saying he first met the councilman when Salamanca served as a district manager at Bronx Community Board 2.

“His accomplishments and reputation for serving the community led him to being elected to the City Council. It is no surprise that he has distinguished himself as a leader in the City Council. From introducing legislation that requires developers to ‘set aside’ a number of apartments in affordable housing projects for families experiencing homelessness, to investing millions of dollars for affordable housing in The Bronx, he has been a true advocate in the City Council.”

Sanchez added, “At a time when our city is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, it’s imperative that we have experienced and forward-looking leaders who are committed to helping our city recover and providing a home for all New Yorkers. I look forward to calling Council Member Salamanca my colleague and serving the great borough of The Bronx in the City Council.”