AGENCY TESTIMONY
Raj Rampershad's testimony for reappointment to City Planning Commission
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158 sec
Raj Rampershad, nominated for reappointment to the City Planning Commission, presented his background and qualifications to the NYC Council Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections. He emphasized his immigrant background, community ties, and commitment to independence in decision-making on the commission.
- Highlighted his experience in architecture, zoning, and community board service
- Stressed the importance of community input in land use decisions
- Pledged to continue approaching his role with respect, integrity, and independence
Oudeshram “Raj” Rampershad
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Thank you.
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Good afternoon, Chair Powers.
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I'm members of the committee on rules, privileges, and elections.
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Thank you for allowing me to testify today.
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My name is Otis Shrin Rampishad, known to many of you as Raj.
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Before I begin, I would like to thank Queensboro president Donovan Richards Junior for nominating me to serve another term as city planning commissioner.
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If I'm confirmed, I will continue to approach this position with respect, integrity, and independence.
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And it's truly an honor and privilege
Keith Powers
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to be a Can you just put the mic a little closer?
Oudeshram “Raj” Rampershad
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I'm sorry.
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Thanks.
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Will we start back?
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Or Still feel nervous even though
Keith Powers
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It's alright.
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It's your protest.
Oudeshram “Raj” Rampershad
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I like many in the world'sboro.
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I'm a son of immigrant parents who came to America from Guyana.
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Seeking the American dream.
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They were required to create the best life for my brother and me.
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I'm a long lie I'm a lifelong resident of Richmond Hill Queens.
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My dad worked at Libby Line Buses, and my and later served in the United States Air Force.
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My mom worked in Key Food Supermarkets for nearly 30 years and eventually opening her own grocery store in Queens, in which I worked, served as a cleaner, cashier, a delivery man, helped work the counters, for nearly 20 almost 23 years.
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It was there where I was able to develop a sense of community and learn the meaning of hard work and really appreciate the value of having money and not having money.
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My brother who also worked there served in the New York City Police Department before nearly before his passing.
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I was privileged to begin my architectural career at New York City Technical College where I received an associate degree in architectural technology, and then finished my bachelor's degree at a prior institute and graduated with honors.
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My architectural career led me to work for a firm of where which I was able to develop an expertise in both zoning and code analysis.
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I also had the honor of serving for 13 years as a member of Queen's Community Board 9 where I eventually was elected as chair.
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It was there, I first first hands, first sorry.
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It was there where I first hand saw the importance of community and having meaningful input into important land use decisions, and this principle has guided me.
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During my term so far as commissioner, this background has informed me in my decision making.
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The city planning commission is an independent body, and the commissioners should be independent.
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While my votes at times may not align with the majority, I know my independence forces public confidence in the planning process.
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Public service is at the core of who I am, and I will continue to consider each project before the commission on its own merits and vote in what I believe is in the best interest in New York is I'm happy to answer your questions.
0:09:03
Thank you.
