Povman served in the role from 1971-2001, representing what was initially New York’s 15th congressional district and later the 24th congressional district, which covers
In 1960, Povman first got involved in politics when he joined the 7th Assembly District Democratic Club in Richmond Hill. While he initially did so in an effort to find more clients, Povman soon became legal counsel to the club’s leader, former New York State Assembly Majority Leader Moses Weinstein. After Weinstein left the club in 1970 to assume a judgeship, Povman stepped in to take over as district leader.
While Povman received offers over the years for higher political offices, he turned them all down, as he was very comfortable serving as a council member. Among the opportunities he turned down were for congressman, Queens borough president and a judgeship in the Queens division of the Supreme Court. “I was never power-driven. I was never pressing for any office except City Council,” he said in a