Rapper-Turned-Councilman In Newark Passes His First Law

NEWARK, NJ — There have been “community boards” in New York City for more than 50 years. And according to Newark Councilman Dupré Kelly, it’s time that voters in the Brick City get the same voice as their neighbors in NYC.

Earlier this month, Kelly – the rap icon who was elected after a runoff election in June – recorded his inaugural legislative victory when city council approved his first local law. It took place on the 90th day since he took office.

Watch a video of the city council meeting below.

According to Kelly, the West Ward Community Area Board will give residents and business owners a way to offer city officials input about the overall well-being of the Fairmount, Ivy Hill, Roseville, Vailsburg and Westside neighborhoods.

The goal? To make planning and development more “equitable” to the people who live in the West Ward, he said.

Kelly said board members will meet with developers and make recommendations to the mayor and municipal council about neighborhood development … before the city planning and zoning boards make their decision.

People who want to serve on the board must be a resident or business owner in the West Ward, and must be at least 18-years-old. Kelly said that he plans to submit 10 nominees to Mayor Ras Baraka, who will also nominate a board member.

Kelly – a Newark native and a founding member of the Lords of the Underground – became the “first platinum-selling hip-hop artist to win elected office in the United States” when he captured a seat on the Newark City Council, according to his campaign team.

Ironically, Kelly said he was never interested in becoming a politician when he grew up. But now, the 51-year-old is one of them. And according to the man known as “DoItAll,” things are very different from when he was a kid.

• See related article: From 'The Underground' To City Council; Iconic Rapper Gets Political

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