NEW YORK—With current Borough President Scott Stringer seeking the office of the comptroller, the Borough of Manhattan will be looking for a new president during the 2013 election.
The office of the borough president (BP) has direct control over a portion of the city’s capital and expense budget. The BP also has the mayor’s ear in land use, such as zoning and planning. The BP must take quality of life issues, such as parking, park maintenance, and street repairs into consideration. The BP is in close communication with the community boards to guide them in decision making.
The four democratic Manhattan borough president candidates met with the Stonewall Democrats Wednesday evening to introduce themselves.
Gale Brewer
Has raised: $0 (has only just registered with the Campaign Finance Board
Current City Council Member, District 6, Manhattan
Began advocacy in the woman’s movement.
“I have always been a fighter.”
Land Use
Has been a part of multiple ULURP processes for current developments.
Believes the development process needs to be turned upside down.
Wants to see communities get more when their areas are developed.
Against the “Mall-ization” of Manhattan
Wants to see more local business.
“Please, no more chains from Iowa.”
Wants to see more funding go to community boards so they can do more.
Believes in Transparency of Government
Supports new measures by the city that put all financials online.
Wants to see all agency hearings, not just City Council, broadcast on the Web.
Sandy Recovery
Wants to make sure the money is spent wisely.
“We have to watch the money.”
Robert Jackson
Has raised: $282,32
City Council Member since 2002, District 7, Manhattan
Native New Yorker
Worked as a union rep. for 10 years.
“My employment has been as an advocate for 22 years.”
Education Advocate
“Education is the foundation of the city.”
Wants to Raise the Minimum Wage
“Working class people are the backbone of our society.”
Anti-Discrimination Advocate
Has spoken out against the practice of Stop, Question, and Frisk.
Will not tolerate discrimination in hiring
“I know what it is like to be discriminated against.”
Jessica Lappin
Has raised: $683,74
City Council Member since 2006, District 5, Manhattan
Born and raised New Yorker.
Safety
On NYC being the safest large city in America, “It can’t come at the expense of someone’s civil rights.”
Opponent of Stop, Question, and Frisk
Church in Schools
Does not believe city tax dollars should pay for church in schools—wants to keep separation of church and state.
Land Use
Is on the Landmarks Committee in City Council and has protected many buildings.
Believes in sensible development.
“There is an important balance to strike in order to grow.”
When asked about campaign contributions by developers she said she has given a voice to everyone, no matter the donation size, and will continue to do so.
Julie Menin
Has raised: $1,015,042 (is the only candidate to have officially declared)
Former Community Board One Chair
Longest serving chair of a CB in New York.
“As a seven-year chair [of CB1], I have proven I can bring people together.”
Former Lawyer, Turned Small-business Owner
Owned Vine Restaurant near Wall Street in 2000
Following 9/11, after seeing the effects of the event on her community, she chose to get into public service.
“I am not a politician.”
Supported the Islamic Mosque Near the WTC Site
“To see the intolerance and bigotry was unacceptable.”
“City government should never be in the business of telling people how, when, and where they can worship.”
Stood up for Occupy Wall Street movement when they were threatened with being kicked out of lower Manhattan.
Huge Supporter of the Arts
Helped get the Performing Arts Center in Lower Manhattan approved
Disasters
Helped get NYC Notify system in place after 9/11.
Believes there should be a volunteer corps to ensure the elderly or homebound are cared for during disasters.
Land Use
Outspoken critic of Chelsea Market expansion; believes major reform is needed.
“It is totally wrong when the giveback from land-use is next to nothing.”
Believes there should be more affordable housing or other community incentives in land-use deals.
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