Mariya Markh brought the political calvary to her announcement yesterday that she is running to succeed term-limited City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) in the 48th Council District.
That after the announcement included endorsements from veteran Southern Brooklyn lawmakers including Assembly Members Steven Cymbrowitz and Helene Weinstein – and Council Member Alan Maisel.
Markh’s personal history is similar to that of many people in the 48th District. Born in the former Soviet Union, she and and her family moved to southern Brooklyn when she was a young child to escape anti-Jewish persecution and pursue the American Dream.
“Like many Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union, my family had to uproot our lives in search of freedom. It was through hard work and perseverance, traits my parents instilled in me, that we achieved the upward mobility to reach the middle class.” said Markh. “It is through public service that I give thanks for the opportunities we were given — and it is through public service that we ensure others have the same opportunities.”
A graduate of Brooklyn’s Edward R. Murrow High School, Markh holds a B.A. in political science and journalism from Brooklyn College and a Master’s in politics from Fordham University. She worked for the City Council for almost a decade, spent two years as a senior community liaison for the Mayor’s Office, and has been active in local politics for more than 15 years.
At City Hall, Markh served as the senior liaison to Brooklyn Community Boards 13 and 15 and the Russian-speaking community, bringing resources (including more than half a million masks) to the area. She worked to ensure that businesses, houses of worship, and community organizations had access to the critical information they needed during COVID and successfully brought testing sites to locations across the district.
“Mariya helped local residents get essential services back after Superstorm Sandy and organized food distributions during COVID. It is critical that our next Council Member is someone with crisis experience who can hit the ground running and lead our community through the recovery process,” said Cymbrowitz. “I’ve known Mariya for many years and I’m pleased to support her as Council Member for the 48th District.”
“Mariya has been a dedicated public servant for over a decade and I’m proud to call her a friend. She’s knowledgeable, capable and compassionate. I’m proud to endorse her as my choice for the 48th Council District,“ said Weinstein.
“Mariya was a valued member of my staff who treated everyone as a priority with the utmost professionalism and respect,” said Maisel. “Her deep knowledge of city government helped address the concerns of anyone who walked into my office, regardless of how complex their issues might have been. I’m proud to give her my endorsement as the next Council Member of the 48th District.”
Also in the race is Amber Adler, Boris Noble, Steven Saperstein and Inna Vemikov, according to the city’s Campaign Finance Board website.
The Democratic Primary is June 22.
