Tony Avella for Mayor

Today, New York City’s trans fat ban goes into effect, citywide. Yesterday, Tony characterized New York City’s trans fat ban as nothing more than nanny government.

Avella, the only Council Member to vote against the trans fat ban stated, “I am sure that the Mayor is extremely pleased with the trans fat ban that goes into effect tomorrow. However, this is just another example of Mayor Bloomberg’s nanny government. Just how far is the City going to go in dictating how we conduct our everyday lives? The trans fat issue should be one of personal responsibility and not legislation.”

What’s your opinion on this issue? Leave a comment, below, or email Tony at tonyavella2009@gmail.com.

Photo via Wikipedia.

Tony took his campaign to the streets of Brooklyn this past weekend, spreading the word at the Smith Street Festival. Many Brooklynites stopped to chat with Tony about his campaign and to express their concerns about the city’s rampant overdevelopment.

There are a few more photos available on Tony’s Flickr page.

By now, you may be aware that Tony is a strong advocate for our city’s animals.

Recently, he was pleased to be part of an important documentary film called Blinders, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the hidden abuses of the Horse and Carriage industry in New York City.

If you are interested in the film, the screening schedule is available here. The Trailer is available here

Last week, in an attempt to silence Tony Avella for his outspoken independence, members of the City Council nearly voted to deny a proposed housing project in his District. “Clearly certain members of the Council, with the support of the Council Speaker, tried to punish me for speaking out against the unethical behavior of Council Members and the political intrigue which influences almost every vote,” stated Avella.

“I suppose my recent call for abolition of the pork/slush funds, which waste millions of dollars of taxpayer monies, irked some members. I suppose my past opposition to Council pay increases and my refusal to accept the anti-good government ‘lulu’ has annoyed some members over time as well. That’s just too bad!” said Avella.

“They should have their heads examined if they think that this childish opposition vote will somehow silence me. If anything, their actions only vindicate my comments about the lack of integrity and lack of concern for the people of this City by members of the City Council.”

“Denying this housing application would have punished the applicant, who spent several years working with the local community to develop this project and it would have prevented the community from obtaining a terrific park improvement which the applicant agreed to build at no cost to the City. Once again, the City Council leadership has shown itself to be more interested in politics and juvenile vengeance than in serving the needs of the people of this City.”

On June 5th, Tony’s interview with the Village Voice was posted in their Runnin’ Scared blog. You can read it here.

Speaking of press, Tony’s campaign has been getting a lot of attention lately. You can check out all of the web links to Tony’s campaign on his Del.icio.us page.