On May 14th, 2024, Jason Murillo, a resident and advocate for the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan, held a rally in front of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital to keep the hospital open. As of July 10, 2024, the closure of the hospital has been postponed indefinitely.
The rally Murillo held on May 14th is one of many he has organized since the announcement of the hospital’s closure in September 2023. The hospital initially announced its intention to close the 16th Street campus due to financial losses and underutilization. However, a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order by other proponents have delayed the closure.
Residents have criticized the closure of the hospital, arguing that it would cause significant issues with healthcare in the LES, including a general healthcare shortage and increased ambulance response times. If the hospital were to close, New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital would be the only full-service hospital in the area.
Murillo, who has deep personal ties to the hospital, stated, “This hospital has been an integral part of my community and my family. My mother received lifesaving care here. When I heard about the closure, I began mobilizing the community, distributing flyers, organizing rallies, and investing significant time and money in a media campaign.”
Murillo credits the collective efforts of community leaders and residents, including support from the New York County Conservative Party and the Bronx County Conservative Party, for keeping pressure on Mount Sinai Health Corporation to keep Beth Israel open. His advocacy has not only helped keep the hospital operational but has also propelled him into the political arena. Encouraged by community members, he decided to run for office in New York City Council District 2, which is currently held by Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, for the 2025 elections. Keeping the hospital open has been a central platform for Murillo’s candidacy.
Murillo, also known by his media personality name DJ Loudmouth, runs JM Empire Media and is a music producer, radio host, and manager of various other media platforms. He has recently added the role of politician to his repertoire.
Murillo’s campaign focuses on many platforms, but his three key platforms are healthcare, crime, and public housing. “I am the only candidate in my district, and perhaps one of the few city council candidates, who emphasizes law and order, real bail reform, and keeping violent offenders behind bars. With the rising violence and shootings in our city and neighborhood, it’s time to get tough on crime again.”
In addition to his healthcare and crime policies, Murillo is committed to preserving and protecting public housing. “Public housing is in crisis. NYCHA has been neglected for decades, and organizations are now trying to privatize it. I don’t fully support privatization without thorough review. We need to ensure that public housing remains accessible and properly maintained.”
Murillo also highlighted his recent switch from the Democratic Party to the Conservative Party. “I felt the Democratic Party no longer represented our city’s and nation’s values. Joining the Conservative Party was a common-sense choice. I am putting New Yorkers and America first. This is the movement I am leading in Manhattan, in New York County, and working with my counterparts in Brooklyn and the Bronx for the 2025 elections.”
Jason Murillo’s dedication to the community over the years, and now with this victory on one of his main platforms, has ignited his motivation to continue his efforts. With the current 2024 election underway, it will be interesting to see what he has in store leading up to the 2025 election.
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