FOLLOWING MONTHS of speculation, New York City Councilwoman Yvette Clarke has finally declared her candidacy for the Congressional seat in Brooklyn's 40th District. Clarke, a second generation Jamaican, is the daughter of former City Council member Una Clarke, who is now economic adviser to Governor George Pataki. Una Clarke created history as the first Caribbean-born member of the New York City Council. At a rally in Brooklyn Tuesday night, Yvette Clarke, surrounded by volunteers, strategic planners, supporters, including representatives from the Jewish community, said she was offering herself "as a vehicle to get into the doors of Congress to make sure that resources come to Brooklyn, for the maximum productivity for the people." Declaring herself as the eternal optimist, the younger Clarke said that her focus will be the building of institutions, and leadership at every level. "I am willing and able and believe in community ownership, and right now our community is stagnant," she said. SOURCE: JAMAICA-GLEANER.COM