Gabriella A. Romero is an Albany public defender recently elected to the Albany Common Council representing the 6th Ward. As the City of Albany battles unprecedented challenges in public health, schooling, housing, policing, and accessibility, combined with the collapse of so many small businesses, our city cannot afford timid steps or weak leadership. With a career dedicated to strong advocacy and strategic collaboration as an attorney in an adversarial system, Gabriella is well prepared and continues to stand up for progressive reforms.