Editor’s Note: Every Friday, we will be posting a brief rundown of new developments in the primary races for citywide office.
Mayoral Race
Endorsements
On Feb. 17, Eric Adams received an endorsement from Councilmember Alan Maisel (D-Brooklyn).
“I’m proud to have Councilmember Maisel’s support for mayor!” Adams said in a tweet. “We’re building a broad, diverse coalition that represents all NYers — and we’ve gained the broadest financial support from working families across the five boroughs! Together, we’ll unite this city & recover stronger.”
On the same day, Scott Stringer received an endorsement from the New York chapter of the Labors International Union of North America (LIUNA NY).
Announcements
On Feb. 16, Mayoral candidate Art Chang announced a comprehensive plan to revitalize New York’s arts and entertainment sector.
Chang’s plan would streamline the process to request and obtain permits for artistic programs in city parks, and also institute a tax benefit program to incentivize landlords to rent out their spaces for artistic purposes. The full plan is available here.
On Feb. 17, Andrew Yang announced his plan to create a “People’s Bank” in New York City. If elected, the People’s Bank would be responsible for dispensing Universal Basic Income (UBI) to New Yorkers. It would also expand access to bank accounts in underserved communities.
“I wake up and I feel privileged that I may have a positive impact on the lives of other people,” said Yang. “I wake up pumped up about what I can do to help our city get back on our feet. If that’s not motivating I don’t know what is.”
On the same day, Isaac Wright, Jr. released his official policy to reform NYCHA to give residents a path to home ownership. The policy would allow NYCHA residents to buy their own units, either via mortgage or through a “rent to buy” system.
“Some estimates put the number of residents living within NYCHA at over 600,000; that’s more than Pittsburgh, Miami, or New Orleans — an entire city’s-worth of people where nobody owns their own homes,” said Wright. “My plan provides a path to homeownership for all NYCHA residents, regardless of income. It’s time we focus on policies that will benefit our working residents, not just the wealthiest among us.”
Events
- Shaun for NYC Fundraiser: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Registration link here)
- Managing NYC’s Financial Crisis: A CBC Mayoral Forum: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m. (Registration link here)
Comptroller Race
Endorsements
On Feb. 15, David Weprin announced a slew of new endorsements, most notably from the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association. Among the other endorsers he announced were from the Tilden Democratic Club, the Village Reform Democratic Club, and former New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch.
On Feb. 16, Weprin received another endorsement, this one from Councilmember Peter Koo (D-Queens).
“David Weprin has a plan to help small businesses on Day 1 and has already done so much to assist local, independent restaurants, giving them a much-needed lifeline when we reopened partial indoor dining. David Weprin will always fight for us,” said Koo.
On the same day, Brad Lander received an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-Bronx, Westchester).
“Brad is a proven progressive — he understands the challenges facing New Yorkers and how we can uplift all people through policy,” said Bowman. “In the Council he’s fought to help workers win fair pay and dignity, partnered with communities on legislation to demand police accountability, and organized in his own district for equity and better resources for schools. It’s my honor to endorse Brad so he can hold NYC government accountable and secure a just economic recovery as the city’s next Comptroller.”
On Feb. 17, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D) endorsed Brian Benjamin.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of [Espaillat],” Benjamin said in a tweet. “Today at Plaza de las Americas, we discussed my plan to stand up for small businesses as your next city Comptroller. I will use the powers of the office to ensure that every small business in New York is given a fair shot.”
Announcements
On Feb. 16, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) told the New York Times that he is contemplating a run for Comptroller.
The Speaker had previously been in the running for Mayor, but dropped out due to personal issues.
“I think the next comptroller needs to be someone who will ensure that our recovery is one where we are making sure that all the money we’re spending is spent appropriately,” said Johnson.
A day later, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera laid out her plan for a more equitable COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Caruso-Cabrera’s plan would, among other things:
- Convert more public and private spaces into vaccine sites;
- Increase operator capacity at 311 to make scheduling vaccinations easier;
- And increase the availability of non-English materials to educate New Yorkers about the details of the vaccine.
“The city has an obligation to take decisive action to make the vaccine process easier for ALL New Yorkers,” she said. “We cannot just accept these painful disparities as an inconvenient truth. There are concrete actions the city can and must take to close the vaccination gap.”
This story was originally published on our sister site, New York County Politics.
