On Wednesday, Jan. 13, former New York State Attorney General [the 61st], former Bronx City Councilman, and former State Assemblyman, Oliver Koppell, announced his endorsement of Jessica Haller, City Council candidate in the 11th District race for which a special election will be held on March 23.

“Jessica Haller has the independence, experience, and commitment to policies that will improve our local communities and the whole city,” said Koppell. “She shares my commitment to open government, progressive public policies, protecting and improving the environment, and vigorously supporting public education. She is a grassroots community activist and a welcome change from the boss-controlled, local Democratic political leadership.”

In a written statement, Haller’s campaign wrote that Koppell served New Yorkers and the local community for 35 years, including on the City Council [in the 11th District] from 2002 to 2013 where he authored legislation and voted for funding for schools, libraries, parks, and other key projects in the local district.

The statement went on to say that during Koppell’s time in Albany, as an assemblyman [in the 84th district, and later in the 80th district, and most recently in the 81st district, until he was succeeded by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz], he was a lead sponsor of 280 state laws, including the so-called “Bottle Bill,” or the Returnable Container Act which, since its passage, has reduced roadside container litter by 70 percent, and in 2016 helped to recycle 5.1 billion plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers totaling more than 246,000 tons; at no cost to local governments.

Other laws sponsored by Koppell included protections for the disabled, and the Child Support Guidelines law.

Reacting to the endorsement, Haller said having the confidence of “a giant of public service like Oliver Koppell” means a lot to her. “Our City has many challenges to overcome in the next City Council,” she said. “We need new, innovative solutions to take them on. I look forward to being able to turn to leaders like Oliver for guidance on how best to ensure that we truly create a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable Bronx for generations to come.”

As reported by Norwood News, Haller previously earned the endorsements of former Manhattan borough president and former City Council member, Ruth Messinger, 21 in ‘21, Vote Mama, Open NY, The Jewish Climate Action Network, North Bronx Racial Justice, Bronx Climate Justice North, and Women for the Win.