Fernando Mateo is a civic minded, successful entrepreneur and organizer, and proud New Yorker. He was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in NYCHA housing on the lower east side. At just 17, Fernando started his first business - a small carpet store that he has grown into a multi-million dollar contracting business.

Through sheer hard work and determination, Fernando has proven himself as one of the most accomplished and prominent Hispanic figures in the country. In 1989, on the heels of his business success, Fernando focused on giving back. He founded the Mateo Institute of Training at Rikers Island---a program centered on teaching first-time, nonviolent offenders a trade and assisting them in securing a job upon release. The program was so successful that he was invited onto the Oprah Winfrey Show, twice, to discuss his reformative work; as well as being awarded the “Points of Light” award by then President George HW Bush.

In 1993, Fernando and his son founded “Toys for Guns.” The program was eventually rolled out nationwide, and used to get guns off the streets in exchange for toys for children in need. Fernando later became President of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers. As President, Fernando secured a $5 million grant for the installation of bullet-proof partitions in taxis. Not only did this significantly contribute to a decline in the murder rate of taxi drivers, but has since become a mandatory staple in all New York City taxis. Fernando is the founder of Hispanics Across America; an umbrella organization encompassing the Northern Manhattan Restaurant & Lounge, NYS Federation of Taxi drivers, and the Bodega Association of America. He has also served as a director on the board of the Battery Park City Authority and the Board of Trustees of Mercy College.

Fernando is not a politician. However, he has always identified as an urban Republican. He believes in small business, public safety, and has dedicated his life to giving opportunities for advancement to others. Over the past eight years, Fernando has watched as New York City’s streets became less safe, businesses were forced to close, and accountability and responsibility have taken a back seat to politics as usual. City government needs a complete overhaul. When elected, Fernando has pledged that his transition team will identify the most qualified individuals from their fields to serve as Commissioners, deputies and advisors. Moreover, agency efficiency and accountability will be top priorities in tandem with transparency to our constituents throughout the process.

Fernando truly embodies the immigrant success story. He will carry that success and his experiences to City Hall. No other candidate has done more for New York City over the past 30 years. Whether it was taking illegal guns off the streets, shifting the prison culture towards a truly rehabilitative system or protecting the most vulnerable workers in our communities, Fernando has given back to the city that has given him everything.

It is now time: “Let’s Fix NYC!”