Simcha Felder

Simcha Felder is a former American politician who served as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 17th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Felder is recognized for his involvement in local governance and his advocacy for issues pertinent to his constituents, particularly within the Orthodox Jewish community. His political career has included significant roles in both the New York City Council and the New York State Senate, where he has been noted for his conservative stances on various legislative matters.

Early life and career

Simcha Felder was born on December 30, 1958. He grew up in a religious household, as the son of Rabbi Harry Felder, who served as the spiritual leader of the Beth Aaron Congregation located in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Felder is an Orthodox Jew and has two brothers who are also rabbis, Rabbi Shmuel Felder and Rabbi Chaim Moshe Felder. This religious upbringing has influenced his perspectives and priorities throughout his political career.

Felder pursued higher education in accounting, earning a bachelor's degree from Touro University. He furthered his education with a master's degree in business administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. His professional background includes work as a certified public accountant and as a tax auditor for the New York City Department of Finance. In the 1990s, he held a position in the New York City Comptroller's Office and later served as chief of staff to Democratic Assemblymember Dov Hikind. These roles provided him with a foundation in public service and governance, which would later inform his legislative work.

Legislative service

Felder's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the New York City Council, representing District 44, in 2001. He successfully secured re-election in 2005 and 2009, demonstrating his ability to connect with his constituents and address their concerns. During his time on the City Council, Felder became known for his advocacy on behalf of conservative Jewish constituents, particularly regarding issues related to education and community support.

In 2005, Felder notably crossed party lines to endorse Republican Mayor Mike Bloomberg in his re-election campaign, a decision that highlighted his willingness to prioritize his constituents' interests over strict party loyalty. He served as Chair of the Council's Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses during his first term and later became Chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations. In this capacity, he supported various initiatives, including measures to improve the oversight of city contracting practices and the implementation of the Help America Vote Act.

Felder's tenure in the City Council was marked by a variety of legislative initiatives. He advocated for city funding for religious schools while opposing displays of religion in public schools. He also gained attention for his calls to improve food labeling regulations and for proposing a ban on the feeding of pigeons in New York City. His legislative actions often reflected the interests and values of his constituents, particularly those within the Orthodox Jewish community.

In 2010, Felder resigned from his position on the City Council to take a role in the office of New York City Comptroller John Liu. He later transitioned to the New York State Senate, where he was elected to represent the 17th district in November 2012. This district had been reconfigured to cater to a significant Jewish population, and Felder's election was facilitated by the Republican-controlled chamber, which reportedly drew the district with him in mind.

Policy focus and district

Felder's approach to governance in the New York State Senate was characterized by his decision to caucus with the Republican Party, despite being elected as a Democrat. This choice was met with criticism from some within the Democratic Party, including Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairman Frank Seddio, who described Felder's actions as a betrayal of his constituents. Nevertheless, Felder maintained that his primary goal was to serve the interests of his district.

As a State Senator, Felder was known for his conservative positions on a range of issues. He was the only Democrat to oppose legislation aimed at raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and voted against the New York Dream Act, which sought to provide opportunities for undocumented immigrants. He also expressed opposition to the end of stop-and-frisk policing practices, supported legislation related to Iran divestment, and took a stance against the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Additionally, Felder opposed abortion rights, aligning with his conservative values.

Throughout his legislative career, Felder's actions reflected a commitment to the concerns of his constituents, particularly those within the Orthodox Jewish community. His advocacy for yeshivas and religious education, along with his willingness to engage in bipartisan collaboration, underscored his focus on addressing the needs of his district. Felder's political journey has been marked by a blend of local engagement and broader legislative initiatives, positioning him as a significant figure in New York politics, particularly within his community.

In summary, Simcha Felder's career has spanned various roles in public service, from the New York City Council to the New York State Senate. His legislative focus has been shaped by his background, community values, and a commitment to serving the interests of his constituents. His political decisions and affiliations have sparked discussions within the broader political landscape, reflecting the complexities of governance in a diverse state like New York.