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"Some men look at things as they are and say 'Why?'; I dream of things that never were and ask 'Why not?'".

— Robert F. Kennedy

Dear New Yorker,

This year will bring a historic change for our country.  In November, I believe that we Americans will elect Barack Obama as our President not only because he offers better policies, but because he promises to make a fundamental change in our approach to politics.

Here in New York, we've already started.  We have begun to forge a new and exciting brand of progressive urban government.  We have strived for a politics that elevates the common good over special interests, promotes innovation over bureaucracy, and values pragmatic results over partisan rhetoric.

I am running for Comptroller to bring this distinctive approach to the highest levels of New York City government. We cannot afford to go back to politics as usual.

On the City Council, I have fought to shine a light on government finances, save taxpayers money, create jobs and clean our environment.  I have implemented real solutions to long-standing problems in our City, reflecting my belief that if we tackle challenges thoughtfully and with open minds, we succeed.

I will apply this same independent-minded approach as New York City's Comptroller.  As the taxpayers' watchdog, I will make sure we get every penny's worth of value from our City agencies.  I will demand accountability from every official and from every program we fund.  I will force open the doors of government to make sure there are no backroom deals and no hidden spending.  And I make this promise to you: In my administration, just as under Comptroller Bill Thompson, every investment decision will be based only on the interests of the pension beneficiaries and the people of New York - there will be zero tolerance for any form of pay-to-play politics.

Most important, I will measure my success – just as I have in the City Council – not by headlines or elections, but by concrete results.

Thank you for visiting my website, and that you for choosing to get involved in the critical debate about our City's future.  Our city may have difficult economic times ahead, and we will certainly face unforeseen challenges.  Working together, embracing reform and holding our elected officials to higher standards of accountability, we can build a government that is every bit as creative, energetic and determined as New Yorkers are.

I ask you to join me in this effort.

David Yassky