Vincent Ignizio

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Vincent M. Ignizio
New York City Council Member 51st District
Incumbent
Assumed office  March 8, 2007
Preceded by	Andrew Lanza
Born	December 19, 1974 (1974-12-19) (age 33) Brooklyn, New York
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Letizia Ignizio
Alma mater	Rider University
Profession	Politician
Religion	Roman Catholic

Vincent M. Ignizio is a member of the New York City Council representing Staten Island's 51st District. Before being elected to the City Council, he was a member of the New York State Assembly . His City Council District consists of neighborhoods found on the South Shore of Staten Island.

Prior to his election to the New York State Assembly in 2004, Ignizio served as the Chief of Staff to former Staten Island City Councilmember Stephen J. Fiala, and then as the Chief of Staff of City Councilmember Andrew J. Lanza.

In 2004, he launched a successful campaign to unseat Assemblymember Robert Straniere, who had held this seat since 1981. Even though he had not earned the support of the Conservative Party of New York State, which usually cross-endorses Republican nominees, he won the general election, defeating both Straniere, who was running on a third party line, the Conservative endorsee, and his main Democratic Party opponent.

During his two years as an assemblyman, Ignizio served at various times as Ranking Minority Member of the Social Services Committee, Ranking Minority Member of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee and Ranking Minority Member of the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee. During his tenure as the chief Republican on the Corporations Committee, the committee held a series of highly public hearings on public authorities in the state, along with issues surrounding electricity delivery in the city. These investigations and hearings were initiated by the committee's chairman, Richard Brodsky of Westchester. In addition to his committee appointments, Ignizio served as Chairman of the Assembly Republican Review Committee.

In January 2007, he announced his candidacy in a special election for New York City Council member for the 51st City Council District. The special election was held to fill the Council vacancy of Andrew Lanza, who resigned his seat when he was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2006.

On February 20, 2007, Ignizio was elected with 72 percent of the vote against Democrat Emmanuele Innamorato. As a councilman, Ignizio serves on the Education Committee, the Environmental Protection Committee, the Land Use Committee, the Standards and Ethics Committee and the Transportation Committee. In addition to serving on the Planning Subcommittee, he is a member of the Budget Negotiation Team for the Council.

Ignizio holds a B.A. in Communications and Journalism from Rider University.

[edit] External links

• New York City Council Member Website
• State Assembly District 62 - Staten Island (South Shore)
• New York Times - January 4, 2007 - Elections for 2 Council Seats Will Be on Feb. 20
• New York Sun - February 21, 2007 - Republicans Hold On To Staten Island Council Seat

Preceded by Robert Straniere	New York State Assembly, 62nd District 2005–2007	Succeeded by Louis Tobacco
Preceded by Andrew Lanza	New York City Council, 51st District 2007 – present	Incumbent