Today’s woman knows what she wants, continues to move forward and is ready to seize the moment. This is what District Leader in New York for the last 3 years did when she saw an opportunity and went for it. Since then, she has recently been reelected for another 2 years and continues to make an impact in diverse communities throughout the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Up, Close and Personal With Daisy Paez

(Excerpt from article published in Summer 2019 issue of The Ladies Club Magazine)

At what point in your life did you realize that you have a gift and a purpose to work as an advocate for the people?

I first felt the strength within me when I was going through a separation and divorce process and I had to find a way to be compensated for the years that I served a man and so I began advocating for myself. That’s when I realized that I can do this for others and eventually I became the President of the Association at The Grand Street Guild and started advocating for the tenants and families. From then, I continued to find ways of helping people and letting them know that they have a choice and that they have certain rights.

How and when did you see the position of Democratic District Leader as an opportunity for you to fulfill expectations and goals?

I saw that opportunity when I was reaching out to my current district leader at the time and I did not get a response and so I took that opportunity to run for the position so that I can be there for the people when they do call.

Would you share some accomplishments and major milestones that you have been able to experience as a result of your position of an elected official?

One of my biggest accomplishments after a month when I first became elected 2 years ago was when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. Everywhere in the country, people were looking for ways to help the island of Puerto Rico and I also felt that I wanted to do something. However I felt that I had only served a month in the position as District Leader and I was searching for things that I can do and things that I cannot do. District Leaders cannot change policies, however it allowed me to open up communications with the other departments in the city such as the Department of Parks and I was able to do a fundraiser with others of course. I was the Coordinator for the fundraiser and I helped raise $11,000 for Puerto Rico and to me that was a big accomplishment for someone serving as District Leader for only one month.

Another accomplishment as a District Leader in my first term in relation to some of the fundings for the team program at the Educational Alliance was not available from the City Council and I gathered some signatures and I helped to get back $75,000 in funding to the Educational Alliance for team programs. That was a big accomplishment.

Also, I recently helped to spearhead the Save the Bus Stop Rally on Grand Street which were going to eliminate certain bus stops on the Avenue A line which is also known as the granny line for seniors who frequently use this bus line. If you eliminate those bus stops, our seniors will be held hostage in their homes because they cannot walk those 2 or 3 extra stops in the cold and hot weather.

The bus stop rally was able to stop the elimination of these designated bus stops in this community which was amazing because we really needed those bus stops in place for our seniors.

In serving as the President of the Grand Street Guild, I and the Vice President were able to negotiate with Time Warner Cable at that time so that approximately 600 residents of the Grand Street Guild would not pay more than $99.00 for full service for a period of 5 years. I would also like to mention that Sandra Strothers worked closely alongside me to accomplish this project.

What are some of the perks and accolades extended within the capacity of your position?

Some of the perks that I have had a privilege and honor is to meet with elected officials on city, state and federal levels and to work with Assembly members, Senator and Congresswoman.

Serving as a District Leader is a volunteer, unpaid position. What do you have to say to someone that wants to know why would you want to serve another term and why do you want to work so hard at it?

Being compensated monetarily is no comparison to the compensation one receives when you and your constituents are fighting together and they are supporting you. There is no compensation that can compare to living in your true purpose and to advocate for your community. When I can speak at the City Council for Parks and Recreation and tell them why they cannot close these parks and I fight for families to be able to have access to city parks. There is nothing that can compare to that. Yes, there are a great deal of sacrifices however, I really want to make sure that I can help my community live the best possible quality of life. I worked hard with the Parks Department for communities not to close down parks.

As District Leader, what are some of the things that concerns you the most?

Concerning major property developers, the proposal of the building of Four Mega Towers are under the impression that it is okay to come and begin developing but we must be considerate of the consequences of the overcrowding in our community. Also, the replacement of Fine Fare supermarkets to a more expensive gourmet brand store. I just want to make sure that these developers are aware of all of the dynamics of our community.

That is another factor that I want to address and that the NYCHA residents will be able to live with all of the necessities in place to live a good quality life.

What’s in store for the future?

I just won the reelections and so it is too premature to say what I would be doing for the next 2 years. I plan on getting to know my community and be more of a voice and know how to allocate my strengths. I hope I can do a lot more in the additional 2 years ahead. I would also like to stay on top of meetings and overdevelopment projects. I am hoping to be able to collaborate with other community leaders to work on these concerns as well.