Meet Mark Foley, Republican Party Nominee To Represent Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side And East Harlem In NYC Council District 5 - Foley Discusses Roosevelt Island Constituent Services, Crime, Covid 19 Vaccine Mandates & More

Mark Foley is the Republican Party nominee to represent Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and East Harlem in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. 

According to the Mark Foley for City Council website:

Mark Foley is a problem-solver and a forward-thinking New Yorker. Not a career politician, Mark's neighborhood roots, vast and diverse business experience, administrative ability, management skills and financial and economic know-how are what set him apart from all of his potential opponents in every way that matters. Mark has long-standing and significant relationships in the community, he is running a grassroots campaign appealing to all District residents, and he has the support to challenge his tired and out-of-touch establishment opponent....

I spoke with Mr Foley last Saturday during the Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Festival outside of the Nisi restaurant.

Here's what he had to say. (Sorry about the background noise from people coming out of Good Shepherd at time of interview).

Mr Foley discussed a variety of local issues during this interview with Christopher Wright including crime, bail reform, re-funding the police, helping small businesses and Covid 19 vaccination mandates. I asked Mr Foley:

... My understanding from the interview is that you are against mandatory vaccinations, including for Police Officers, Health workers, Teachers and other city employees.

Also you appear to oppose Mayor deBlasio's policy of requiring proof of vaccination status for entry into NYC indoor restaurants, health clubs, and entertainment venues.

Is that an accurate representation of your position?

 

Also, is your opposition limited to government ordered mandatory vaccination or does it also include opposition to private employers mandating employees being vaccinated....

Mr Foley replied:

While I’m in favor of the vaccine (and proud passport holder), I do not believe in de facto forced vaccination for all. I personally know some people who have strong religious and medical issues that preclude them from getting vaccinated. Some people have already had Covid and have a stronger acquired immunity than one would receive from the vaccine. Others (young, healthy, pregnant, etc.) have their own personal reasons. I believe that it should be a personal choice between an individual and their health care provider, based on their personal condition(s). 

I also oppose mayor de Blasio’s passport mandate, required now for gyms, restaurants, theatres, movie houses, concerts, sporting events, etc. This was not based on medical indications or advice, but was his personal decision, and indeed puts us as one of only two cities in the country to do so (San Francisco the other). He stated publicly something to the effect that it was “time to remove the carrot and start using the stick,” which sounds deliberately punitive. I have also spoken to business and restaurant owners, many who feel terrible to be put in the position that they may have to turn away the very people who supported them at the height of the pandemic. As is, I understand the city is at roughly 80% who have had at least one jab and/or have acquired immunity via previous Covid infection. This puts us safely above the 75% herd-immunity figure that was originally proposed as a “return to normalcy” number. Medically, there is statistically near-zero risk to those who have been vaccinated, and even during Covid only 1.4% of infections were attributed to restaurants. 

Finally, despite the 80% figure for overall NYC, the minority population is only at roughly 30%. It will have an unusually lopsided impact on these communities and a punitive effect on their ability to participate in society.

Here's the full interview.

There are 134,893 registered voters in Council District 5.
I can't wait to serve as YOUR next City Councilman! Together, we'll RE-fund, RE-train, and REspect our Police, support our small businesses, and restore our quality of living! #NYC #NYPD #NYPD19pct #FoleyforCouncil pic.twitter.com/JAUmRxjctA

— Mark Foley (@MarkFoleyNYC) September 29, 2021

You wanna meet?
I'm out meeting voters in our neighborhood daily.
Here are some regular places that you might find me:@Gristedes there are 7 in our district. @AgataValentina
Fairway Market
Morton Williams
Stop by to say hello. I love to meeting new people. #NewYorkCity pic.twitter.com/vCVbCTxfYA

— Mark Foley (@MarkFoleyNYC) September 28, 2021

More info available at Mr Foley's website. 

Mr Foley's general election opponent to represent Roosevelt Island, the UES and East Harlem in NYC Council Distrct 5 is the Democratic Party nominee Julie Menin.
  

The General Election is Tuesday, November 2.

Roosevelt Island Affordable Housing, Community Space, Climate Change Storm Resiliency & Covid Recovery Among Issues Needing To Be Addressed Says Julie Menin, NYC Council District 5 Democratic Party Nominee At Farmers Market Yesterday - She Bought Some Peaches Too

Julie Menin is the Democratic Party nominee to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. 

Ms Menin was at the Roosevelt Island Saturday Farmers Market yesterday meeting and talking with residents about local issues including Roosevelt Island Seniors Association Vice President Andrea Jackson shown below.

Ms Menin also bought some peaches at the Farmers Market

I spoke with Menin about her experience and local issues facing the District. According to Ms Menin: 

  ... I've spent a tremendous amount of time on Roosevelt Island both during the primary and since the primary, speaking to voters about what is on their mind. 

Affordable housing is top of mind. We don't want a situation where people are being priced out of Roosevelt Island so that is one of the top concerns I hear .

Another concern I hear is a lack of community space. There's so many wonderful organizations here on Roosevelt Island . We want to make sure that they have the space to meet, to congregate, to do the important work that they're doing.

Climate change, storm resiliency is another issue. We saw it recently with what happens with Hurricane Ida. We want to make sure that Roosevelt Island is truly protected so those are some of the many issues that residents have been speaking to me about.

And certainly recovering from Covid and making sure that the city is fully vaccinated. We still have a ways to go. We're 80% city-wide but there's still room for improvement on that as well....

 

Visit Ms Menin's web site for more info.

Ms Menin's general election opponent torep resent Roosevelt Island, the UES and East Harlem in NYC Council Distrct 5 is the Republican Candidate Mark Foley. 

The General Election is Tuesday, November 2.

Democratic Party NYC Council Nominee To Represent Roosevelt Island Julie Menin Hosting Thank You District 5 Celebration Friday Evening July 23 At Good Shepherd Plaza, Refreshments Provided Too - General Election November 2 Versus Republican Candidate Mark Foley

Julie Menin won the Democratic Party Primary to represent Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and East Harlem in New York City Council District 5.

🚨 WE DID IT!🚨

The results released tonight and what we've seen of my lead on absentee ballots decisively confirm that I’ll be headed to the City Council to represent the 5th District! pic.twitter.com/BzoAJxQ2ZA

— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) July 3, 2021

Ms Menin is hosting a Thank You District 5 Meet the Candidate celebration 7 PM Friday, July 23 at Good Shepherd Plaza. You're invited.

While it was fantastic 2C every local elected that touches 5th District endorse @JulieMenin today, most moving was to see @Tricia4NYC @BillyFreelandNY @ChrisSosa + @MarcoATamayo1 joining in unity after a remarkable campaign 4 all. Great talking issues w Billy + Chris as usual. pic.twitter.com/zllVR6vFbp

— Andrew Fine (@AFineBlogger) July 19, 2021

Totally Supporting @JulieMenin for City Council District 5 who will support Roosvelt Island looking forward to working with you and my beloved community pic.twitter.com/KWNRPN2Kez

— Lynne Shinozaki (@LASHINOZAKI) July 19, 2021

I interviewed Ms Menin last January as she was campaigning at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market

and Ms Menin spoke with Roosevelt Island residents Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy for a Fireside Chat as well.

Ms Menin's general election opponent to succeed the current, term limited, NYC Council Member Ben Kallos to represent Roosevelt Island, the UES and East Harlem in NYC Council Distrct 5 is the Republican Candidate Mark Foley.
The General Election is Tuesday, November 2.

Julie Menin Top Vote Getter So Far In NYC Council District 5 Democratic Party Primary Election But Absentee And Ranked Choice Ballots Still To Be Counted - How Did Roosevelt Island Vote?

According to the NYC Board Of Elections, the unofficial election night results of the NYC Council District 5 Democratic Party Primary  to represent Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side and East Harlem are: 

We don't know yet who won the election. Julie Menin was the top vote getter with 6,982 votes (33.93%) followed by Tricia Shimamura with 4,810 votes (23.38%). The vote count does not include absentee ballots or ranked choice voting. The NYC Board Of Elections will begin tabulating Ranked Choice Voting on June 29.

How did Roosevelt Island (Election Districts 82-87) vote in the NYC Council Election? 

• Tricia Shimamura - 300
• Julie Menin - 197
• Billy Freeland - 153
  
• Rebecca Lamorte - 144
• Kim Moscaritolo - 112
• Chris Sosa - 63
  
• Marco Tamayo - 17

I am so humbled and gratified by the tremendous support from every corner of Council District 5!

We are up by over 2,000 votes and over 10 percent of the vote.

Now the BOE must tabulate rank choice and count absentee ballots so that every vote counts. pic.twitter.com/Qd2HcjyNaj

— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) June 23, 2021

I’m so proud of what we’ve built and am incredibly hopeful for what’s to come in the next few weeks. My full statement is below. pic.twitter.com/KQzF4Qfj1D

— Tricia Shimamura (@Tricia4NYC) June 23, 2021

🧵I am full of gratitude today as I reflect on our campaign. While we await absentee ballots & the RCV process, it is unlikely that we will prevail. I am so proud of the community we forged & ideas we championed, and thankful beyond words for our supporters. A few thoughts: (1/7) pic.twitter.com/paYtupqJVf

— Billy Freeland 🚴‍♂️🚠 (@BillyFreelandNY) June 23, 2021

🧵After 18 months of campaigning, the ballots have been cast. While we await the results I wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. This race has been the greatest challenge and most incredible experience of my life. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/LjDO0yCxuu

— Rebecca Lamorte 🛠🌃🍕 (@RebeccaLamorte) June 23, 2021

While last night didn't go as we had hoped, there were some bright spots. I'm thrilled to have a brand new co-District Leader, Alex Bores, who I know will be an incredible partner. His support throughout this race was unwavering, and I'm honored to call him a friend. (2/5)

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) June 23, 2021

Statement on primary election results with text version below. We won't win this one, but we're incredibly grateful and looking forward to the future! pic.twitter.com/Wvd66iWfKD

— Chris Sosa (@ChrisSosa) June 23, 2021

Sponsored Post - Elect Kim Moscaritolo To Represent Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side & East Harlem In NYC Council District 5 - Early Voting Thru June 20 At Sportspark, 250 Main Street, Primary Election Day June 22 At PS/IS 217

Kim Moscaritolo is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and East Harlem in NYC Council District 5.

As a journalist, my job is to get the truth to the people. And as an activist, I've stood up to powerful interests to demand accountability. I'm running for City Council because it's time that we had a government that truly works for the people.

Check out our FIRST campaign ad! pic.twitter.com/QiUDcoz3xM

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) May 10, 2021

When Kim became frustrated with the lack of political engagement in her neighborhood, she, along with some friends, founded the Four Freedoms Democratic Club. The following year she ran for Democratic District Leader on a platform of reform and transparency, and won against a longtime incumbent. Since being elected Kim has led a reform movement within the Manhattan Democratic Party, fighting for stronger ethics rules, and pushing for a ban on paid lobbyists in party leadership positions. She has also recruited dozens of people to run for County Committee, the most local elected office in New York.

Kim Moscaritolo spoke about the issues at last Saturday's Roosevelt Island Day

I had a wonderful time chatting with folks at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center today! pic.twitter.com/Esnt7PXxwd

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) June 16, 2021

NYC early voting runs thru June 20. Roosevelt Island early voting location is at the Sportspark facility, 250 Main Street. Primary Election Day is June 22. Roosevelt Island Primary Election Day Polling location is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street). 

This year, NYC has ranked choice voting. This is how it works.
Learn more about Kim Moscaritolo's campaign to represent Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and East Harlem in NYC Council District 5 at her website.

Watch Roosevelt Island Fireside Chat Interviews With Candidates Running For NYC Council District 5, Manhattan Borough President, District Attorney & Democratic Party District Leader - Early Voting Thru June 20 At Sportpark, Primary Election Day June 22 At PS/IS 217 & Learn About Ranked Choice Voting Too

 As previously reported:

Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy, two long-time Roosevelt Island activists, founded the Political Engagement Group (PEG) in order to revive Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concept of “Fireside Chats,” right here on Roosevelt Island. Their aim is to provide voters on the Upper Eastside and Roosevelt Island with a personal view of the people, their platforms, and their interests in our communities, in order to help their neighbors make enlightened decisions when they cast their votes on June 22nd. 

Click here to view the Roosevelt Island Fireside Chats on You Tube with:

• Kim Moscaritolo- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Julie Menin- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Rebecca Lamorte- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Billy Freeland- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Tricia Shimamura- Candidate for City Council Representative 
• Chris Sosa- Candidate for City Council Representative  
  
• Brad Hoylman- Candidate for Manhattan Borough President 
• Ben Kallos- Candidate for Manhattan Borough President
• Mark Levine- Candidate for Manhattan Borough President
• Tali Farhadian Weinstein- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Eliza Orlins- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Lucy Lang- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Liz Crotty- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Dan Quart- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney 
• Alvin Bragg- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Diana Florence- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Esther Yang- Candidate for Manhattan District Leader 

NYC early voting runs thru June 20. Roosevelt Island early voting location is at the Sportspark facility, 250 Main Street. Primary Election Day is June 22. Roosevelt Island Primary Election Day Polling location is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street). 

This year, NYC has ranked choice voting. This is how it works.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Political Engagement Group Virtual Zoom Fireside Chat With Manhattan Borough President Candidate Mark Levine Tonight, May 3 - Watch Prior Chats With NYC Council Candidates Billy Freeland,Julie Menin And Rebecca Lamorte

As previously reported:

Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy, two long-time Roosevelt Island activists, founded the Political Engagement Group (PEG) in order to revive Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concept of “Fireside Chats,” right here on Roosevelt Island. Their aim is to provide voters on the Upper Eastside and Roosevelt Island with a personal view of the people, their platforms, and their interests in our communities, in order to help their neighbors make enlightened decisions when they cast their votes on June 22nd.

“What better place to recreate FDR’s concept that began 88 years ago, almost to the very day we’ll begin; Monday, March 15th at 8:00 PM,” said Joyce Short. “We’ll be interviewing candidates each Monday and Wednesday evening, at either 7:30 or 8 PM, for Mayor, Borough President, District Attorney, City Council, and Democratic District Leader....

The next Roosevelt Island PEG Fireside Chat is tonight, May 3, with Mark Levine who is a candidate in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary for Manhattan Borough President.

Contact jm_short@ymail.com for Zoom link to the PEG Fireside Chat with Mark Levine and to send questions. 

According to Mr Levine's Manhattan Borough President campaign website:

City Councilmember Mark Levine is a leading voice in New York City for tenants rights, public health, and equity in our schools, transit, parks, and housing. 

Mark has twice been elected to represent the 7th Council district–one of the most diverse in New York City–covering West Harlem/Hamilton Heights, Morningside Heights, and parts of the Upper West Side and Washington Heights....

ICYMI: My conversation with @TweetBenMax on @MNN59 about my campaign for Borough President, and our plan for the come-back of Manhattan and NYC:https://t.co/WYcVEewf8N

— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) April 21, 2021

Learn more about Mr Levine's campaign for Manhattan Borough President at his website.

Mr Levin's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Manhattan Borough President Primary are: 

• Lindsey Boylan   
• Elizabeth Caputo   
• Ben Kallos   
• Brad Hoylman  
  
• Kimberly Watkins 
• Michael Lewyn 
  

You may ask what exactly does a Borough President do? According to The City:

... A borough president is an advocate for their borough in a number of ways. 

First, they have a sizable chunk of change at their disposal to fund local initiatives, groups and projects like buying technology for public schools, renovating local parks or spearheading community health outreach.

Borough presidents share about 5% of the city budget to fund things in their borough — about $4 billion among them, according to the city’s Campaign Finance Board.

Borough presidents can also introduce bills in the City Council, though they do not get a vote.
They weigh in on land use proposals — in other words, development projects that need public approval — with an advisory vote and written decision. Their input is not binding, but it can be quite influential if they are staunchly for or against a project and lobby Council members or the mayor. 

Working with local City Council members, Borough presidents also appoint all members of community boards, the local bodies that weigh in on everything from new bike lanes to liquor licenses for restaurants. With that power, the borough presidents can exert significant sway over neighborhood-level politics and projects....

Click here for more from The City on NYC Borough Presidents.

And the Gothamist has more on what the Borough President does.

Watch earlier Roosevelt Island Fireside Chats with NYC Council Democratic Party Primary Candidates to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side: 

Billy Freeland,


Julie Menin


and Rebecca Lamorte.

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Political Engagement Group Virtual Zoom Fireside Chat With NYC Council Candidate Billy Freeland Monday March 29 - Watch Prior Chats With Candidates Julie Menin And Rebecca Lamorte

As previously reported:

Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy, two long-time Roosevelt Island activists, founded the Political Engagement Group (PEG) in order to revive Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concept of “Fireside Chats,” right here on Roosevelt Island. Their aim is to provide voters on the Upper Eastside and Roosevelt Island with a personal view of the people, their platforms, and their interests in our communities, in order to help their neighbors make enlightened decisions when they cast their votes on June 22nd.

“What better place to recreate FDR’s concept that began 88 years ago, almost to the very day we’ll begin; Monday, March 15th at 8:00 PM,” said Joyce Short. “We’ll be interviewing candidates each Monday and Wednesday evening, at either 7:30 or 8 PM, for Mayor, Borough President, District Attorney, City Council, and Democratic District Leader....

The next PEG Fireside Chat is 8 PM Monday, March 29, with Billy Freeland, a Democratic Party candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the UES in NYC Council District 5.

Contact jm_short@ymail.com for Zoom link to the PEG Fireside Chat with Billy Freeland and to send questions.

I then volunteered with the Haki Compost Collective. Composting is a big part of our climate justice plan! Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions. And methane is 84x more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting is a green alternative!#GreenNewDeal 🌎 pic.twitter.com/cf2aJJlEol

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 6, 2021

I spoke with Mr Freeland at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

Here's PEG Fireside Chat with Roosevelt Island & UES NYC Council CandidatesJulie Menin

and Rebecca Lamorte.
>
Contact jm_short@ymail.com for Zoom link to the PEG Fireside Chat with Billy Freeland, to send questions and more info.

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Kim Moscaritolo Meets And Speaks To RI Residents At Farmers Market Last Saturday - Watch Video Interview Of What She Has To Say

Kim Moscaritolo is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Mr Kallos is running to succeed Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President.

Ms Moscaritolo was at the Farmers Market last Saturday. I spoke with Ms Moscaritolo about her campaign and issues of concern to Roosevelt Island residents. Here's what she had to say.

Learn more about Ms Moscaritolo at her campaign website.

I had a great time on Roosevelt Island this morning! I got to chat with dozens of residents, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk about my candidacy with @Rooseveltisland. https://t.co/S6SdqdyL5j

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) March 13, 2021

It was wonderful to hear from thoughtful #RooseveltIsland residents during our open roundtable this evening! We talked about COVID vaccines, transportation, accessibility, and more.

Want to host your own roundtable with me? Don't hesitate to reach out! #Kim2021 pic.twitter.com/nxMAZVqkEm

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) February 10, 2021

Ms Moscaritolo's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Julie Menin,
• Rebecca Lamorte,
• Billy Freeland,
  
• Tricia Shimamura and 
• Christopher Sosa

Roosevelt Island Activists Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy Revive FDR's Fireside Chats For Series Of Interviews With Political Candidates This Election Cycle Starting March 15 With Tricia Shimamura And March 17 With Julie Menin - Both Candidates Seeking To Represent Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side In NYC Council District 5

Roosevelt Island residents Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy report: 

Announcing PEG’s Fireside Chats with Candidates

Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy, two long-time Roosevelt Island activists, founded the Political Engagement Group (PEG) in order to revive Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concept of “Fireside Chats,” right here on Roosevelt Island. Their aim is to provide voters on the Upper Eastside and Roosevelt Island with a personal view of the people, their platforms, and their interests in our communities, in order to help their neighbors make enlightened decisions when they cast their votes on June 22nd.

“What better place to recreate FDR’s concept that began 88 years ago, almost to the very day we’ll begin; Monday, March 15th at 8:00 PM,” said Joyce Short. “We’ll be interviewing candidates each Monday and Wednesday evening, at either 7:30 or 8 PM, for Mayor, Borough President, District Attorney, City Council, and Democratic District Leader. Our first interview will be with Tricia Shimamura, candidate for City Council Representative. On Wednesday, 3/17, at 7:30 PM, our guest will be Julie Menin, also a City Council candidate.”

Each interview will be broadcast on Zoom and Facebook live. They will each be recorded and posted on the “PEG Fireside Chat” You Tube channel. To participate, simply request the Zoom link by emailing Joyce at jm_short@ymail.com. Participants will be able to ask questions on the Zoom chat, and in person if time permits. Sessions are estimated to last 40 minutes. 

Starting this week meet these candidates for City Council

TRICIA SHIMAMURA, Monday, March 15 at 8pm

JULIE MENIN, Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 pm

RSVP for the full schedule and zoom links: JM_Short@ymail.com

I recently spoke with both Ms Shimamura

and Ms Menin

while they were campaigning at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market.

Mark your calendar - upcoming PEG Fireside Chats include:

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Tricia Shimamura Is Weekly Volunteer At RIDA Senior Center Food Pantry - Meet Her And Watch Video Interview Of What She Has To Say

Tricia Shimamura is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Mr Kallos is running to succeed Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President.

Ms Shimamura volunteers at the weekly Friday Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) Senior Center Food Pantry. I spoke to Ms Shimamura today as she was preparing items that will be distributed to the Roosevelt Island community. Ms Shimamura spoke about reasons why she is running for the NYC Council and issues of concern to Roosevelt Island residents.

Here's what she had to say.

I’m a young working mother, a proud Japanese-Puerto Rican woman, a first-generation college graduate with student debt, a social worker, and a candidate for NYC Council on the UES. My mom lived in NYCHA and my family is the product of public schools. pic.twitter.com/LNZJEPh7Ki

— Tricia Shimamura (@Tricia4NYC) July 6, 2020

Today I'm releasing my #TakingCareOfFamiliesAgenda. From enacting #UniversalChildCare to reimagining how we treat our homeless families, it serves as a blueprint for creating a city that prioritizes the needs of working families like mine. Check it out at https://t.co/h06GAzsukJ

— Tricia Shimamura (@Tricia4NYC) February 22, 2021

Learn more about Ms Shimamura at her campaign website.

Ms Shimamura's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Julie Menin,
• Rebecca Lamorte,
• Kim Moscaritolo 
• Billy Freeland and 
• Christopher Sosa

Interviews with some of the other candidates here. Hope to interview all of the candidates and more in depth conversations too.

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Rebecca Lamorte Joins Friends Of Coler Valentine's Day Walk n Wave To Show Support And Love For Coler Rehab & Nursing Residents - Watch Video Interview Of What She Has To Say

Rebecca Lamorte is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Mr Kallos is running to succeed Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President.

Ms Lamorte joined Friends Of Coler today for a Valentine's Day Walk n Wave to show support and love for Coler Rehab & Nursing Residents. 

It was heartwarming to be able to put smiles on resident’s faces today as they came to the windows waving❤️ #ValentinesDay #WeLoveColer #FriendsofColer #RooseveltIsland https://t.co/eLQSLdSmgF

— Rebecca Lamorte (@RebeccaLamorte) February 15, 2021

I spoke with Ms Lamorte after the Coler Walk n Wave. Here's what she had to say.

Learn more about Ms Lamorte at her campaign website and Twitter page.

Ms Lamorte's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Julie Menin,
• Billy Freeland,(He attended today's Coler Wave n Walk too)
  
• Kim Moscaritolo 
• Tricia Shimamura and 
• Christopher Sosa

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Billy Freeland Meets And Speaks To RI Residents At Farmers Market Last Saturday - Watch Video Interview Of What He Has To Say

Billy Freeland is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Mr Kallos is running to succeed Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President.

Mr Freeland was at the Farmers Market last Saturday on a cold and windy day. I spoke with Mr Freeland about about his campaign and issues of concern to Roosevelt Island residents. Here's what he had to say.

I then volunteered with the Haki Compost Collective. Composting is a big part of our climate justice plan! Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions. And methane is 84x more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting is a green alternative!#GreenNewDeal 🌎 pic.twitter.com/cf2aJJlEol

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 6, 2021

Learn more about Mr Freeland at his campaign website.

Mr Freeland's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Julie Menin,
• Rebecca Lamorte,
• Kim Moscaritolo 
• Tricia Shimamura and 
• Christopher Sosa

The petition signature requirement to get on the ballot unnecessarily endangers candidates, volunteers, & New Yorkers.

Proud to join my fellow candidates for City Council District 5 in this joint pledge: we will *not* challenge each other’s petitions. #SafetyOverSignatures pic.twitter.com/GfA5iXJqiQ

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 6, 2021

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Kim Moscaritolo Hosting Roosevelt Island Residents Speak Out Virtual Zoom Meeting Tuesday February 9

Kim Moscaritolo is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Mr Kallos is running to succeed Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President.

Join us on Tuesday for a candid conversation about the issues facing #RooseveltIsland. You can register here: https://t.co/9U2FT2No04 @Rooseveltisland @wffny @bd_wetz pic.twitter.com/S192ywQ5zt

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) February 4, 2021

According to Ms Moscaritolo: 

Hello friends! 

Next Tuesday, February 9th, my campaign for City Council will be hosting a virtual round table titled "Roosevelt Island Residents Speak Out." This will be an opportunity for Roosevelt Island residents to share any ideas or concerns they may have with me and the campaign. Topics that we plan on discussing include COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution, transportation issues, affordable housing, help for small businesses, and much more.

This event will be fairly casual, and participation in no way implies any endorsement of the campaign.  

Please share widely with your networks! I'm attaching a flyer, and anyone who wants to RSVP can do so here

Roosevelt Island Residents Speak Out 

Tuesday, Feb. 9th 6pm-7pm Please note that Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright has her virtual swearing in on this same evening at 7pm. We have scheduled this event at 6pm so that people can attend both.

Learn more about Ms Moscaritolo at her campaign website.

Ms Moscaritolo's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Julie Menin,
• Rebecca Lamorte,
• Billy Freeland
  
• Tricia Shimamura and 
• Christopher Sosa

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Billy Freeland Helps Clean Up And Shovel Snow Blocking Bike Lane Next To Queensboro Bridge Across From Roosevelt Island Tram This Morning

Billy Freeland is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Mr Kallos is running to succeed Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President.

This morning, Mr Freeland was out shoveling snow in the Second Avenue bike lane by the Queensboro Bridge across from the Roosevelt Island Tram. According to the Twitterverse:

This morning a neighbor reported that the Second Avenue bike lane & “pork chop,” located at one of NYC’s most dangerous corridors (near the Queensboro Bridge) was completely obstructed with snow.@PatrickForNYC and I grabbed our shovels & did the work *our City* should be doing. pic.twitter.com/Dz65NB1N6r

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 3, 2021

It was extremely gratifying to see cyclists—many of whom deliver our meals—use the bike lane once we finished shoveling it. Thanks @pchowla for notifying me.

But: we must demand more of our City. We plow streets for cars. We must plow bike lanes & sidewalks for people. #bikeNYC pic.twitter.com/elEAGi6rpw

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 3, 2021

For those wondering, yes we *could* buy plows for bike lanes! But the City bureaucracy is so messed up that we can’t, even when @kallos and @KeithPowersNYC step up to offer to pay for it.

Read more here from @GershKuntzman @StreetsblogNYC: https://t.co/7bA5z3mBgn

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 3, 2021

Learn more about Mr Freeland at his campaign website.

Mr Freeland's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Julie Menin,
• Rebecca Lamorte,
• Kim Moscaritolo 
• Tricia Shimamura and 
• Christopher Sosa

UPDATE 8:10 PM:

Thanks — just to clarify, I did this as part of UES Mutual Aid. Patrick Bobilin and others got it off the ground, and it’s doing great work helping neighbors and keeping streets clean. I hope people will follow uesmutualaid on Instagram and get involved if they’d like!

— Billy Freeland (@BillyFreelandNY) February 4, 2021

Candidate To Represent Roosevelt Island And UES In NYC Council District 5 Julie Menin Meets And Speaks To RI Residents At Farmers Market Today - Watch Video Interview Of What She Has To Say

Julie Menin is a candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, seeking to succeed current City Council Member Ben Kallos who is term limited from running again. Ms Menin was at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market today meeting and talking with residents about local issues.

Great to speak to voters today on Roosevelt Island at the Farmers Market! pic.twitter.com/fgTLvtnLZj

— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) January 23, 2021

I spoke with Ms Menin today at the Farmers Market about a variety of local issues including the need for a vaccination site on Roosevelt Island, affordable housing, small business assistance as well as Ms Menin's experience and background. Here's what she had to say.


Learn more about Ms Menin at her campaign website.

Ms Menin's opponents in the June 22 Democratic Party Primary are: 

• Billy Freeland,
• Rebecca Lamorte,
• Kim Moscaritolo 
• Tricia Shimamura and 
• Christopher Sosa

Roosevelt Island Postcard Writing Event In Support Of Democratic Party Battleground State Candidates Sunday September 13 At Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables - Meet Postcard Organizer Kim Moscaritolo, 2021 NYC Council Candidate To Represent RI And UES

If you are interested in local and national politics, join the postcard writing group meeting Sunday  September 13 at the Roosevelt Island picnic tables in Good Shepherd Plaza behind the Chapel (543 Main Street).

Attn: Roosevelt Island residents! Join us on Sunday as we write postcards to Democrats and Independents in battleground states like Iowa and Florida. We'll be at the picnic tables behind the Good Shepherd chapel. Please sign up: https://t.co/qZk4qjyTBm

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) September 8, 2020

Kim Moscaritolo, a Democratic Party candidate to represent Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side in NYC Council District 5, is organizing the postcard writing event. According to Ms Moscaritolo:

So we're writing postcards to voters. Some will be going to voters in Iowa in support of Democratic candidate Theresa Greenfield for Senate. Others will be going to voters in Florida, encouraging them to request their vote by mail ballots. We had a similar event on the Upper East Side last Saturday and it was a big success...15 volunteers showed up during Labor Day weekend to help.

My goal here is to engage folks on Roosevelt Island who want to get involved in the election, but don't know where to begin. And if we can encourage folks to buy some food or drink at a local Roosevelt Island business, all the better!

Finally took a ride on the @NYCferry Astoria line from 90th Street to Roosevelt Island! Got to check out the relocated cat sanctuary. 😺 pic.twitter.com/Ipqgd76y3T

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) September 6, 2020

I should note, you do not have to live on Roosevelt Island to sign up! There is now a very convenient ferry that gets you from the UES to RI in under 15 minutes, and we will be right near Nisi Kitchen, which has some yummy drinks!

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) September 8, 2020

You can sign up here for the postcard writing event.

Hey friends, as you may have heard, I'm running for City Council! If you'd like to keep up with the campaign, sign up here: https://t.co/vBu5II7UyO

And if you'd like to contribute, you can do so here: https://t.co/WgKShOMuRQ#LetsDoThis

— Kim Moscaritolo (@kimmosc) October 6, 2019

Ms Moscaritolo is running to succeed current NYC Council Member Ben Kallos who cannot run for this seat again in 2021 due to  term limits. Mr Kallos is running for Manhattan Borough President.

Incumbent NYC Council District 5 Member Ben Kallos Wins Democratic Party Primary To Represent Roosevelt Island With 75% Of The Vote

NY 1 has the results below.

Don't know who will be the Republican candidate in the November General election.

Meet The Democratic Party Primary Candidates For NYC Council District 5 Representing Roosevelt Island - Incumbent Ben Kallos And Challengers Patrick Bobilin & Gwen Goodwin - Election Is Tuesday September 12

The New York City Council Democratic Party Primary election to represent District 5, which includes Roosevelt Island,  Upper East Side, Mid-town East and East Harlem is Tuesday, September 12.

 Image From MNN NYC Council District 5 Debate Via You Tube

The incumbent is Mr. Ben Kallos.



According to Mr: Kallos:

When I ran for City Council, one of my campaign promises was to always keep an open office in an effort to empower residents and active community members to get more done than they ever thought possible. I am proud to say that through “First Friday”, “Brainstorm with Ben” and “Ben in Your Building” my office has done just that and we've been able to get a lot of work done together.

In 2013 I promised to invest in education, including Universal Pre-K. Three and a half years later through partnerships with the Roosevelt Island Parents Network (RIPN) and Roosevelt Island Day Nursery RIDN, we have been able to do just that, greatly expand the number of Pre-K seats on Roosevelt Island.

Lastly, I ran on improving transportation. By joining the Roosevelt Island Community Coalition (RICC) and advocating to the Economic Development Corporation ( EDC) since 2014, this summer I was proud to launch the Roosevelt Island ferry which will improve commutes for residents and offer another transportation option for residents on the Island.

I have worked hard to keep my campaign promises and really make residents feel empowered to make our neighborhoods better. Although we have accomplished a lot, there is more work to do and I look forward to partnering with residents on Roosevelt Island to get more done.

Going forward my top priorities for Roosevelt Island remain Education, Transportation, Affordable Housing, Emergency Services, Cornell NYC Tech, Public Library, Senior and Youth Programs, and of course continuing my office’s open relationship and partnership with as many residents as possible.

In education, investing in STEM at P.S./I.S. 217 by getting the multi-million-dollar green roof built and supporting our teachers and students will continue to be a priority as well as making sure Cornell Tech not only fulfills but exceeds their commitments to the Island.

I will also continue to work with CitiBike and RIOC on bringing the bike share program to Roosevelt Island. My office will continue to do everything we can to support tenants in affordable housing on Roosevelt Island and ensure that Hudson Related builds the affordable housing for the Island that is years overdue.

Roosevelt Island NYC CM Ben @kallos Ranked 4th Best Says @cityandstateny The best New York City Council members https://t.co/7QHVXCdFdU

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) August 31, 2017

Mr. Kallos is opposed by Mr Patrick Bobilin and Ms. Gwen Goodwin.

Meet the upstarts trying to unseat #UES councilman Ben Kallos https://t.co/zm1rhYYSe2 pic.twitter.com/x9Rw0FWpKo

— Our Town (@OurTownNYC) August 29, 2017

According to Mr. Bobilin:

Under our current city council member, we've seen rampant luxury development, a lead crisis in our schools go untreated and one of our local public parks handed over to private developers at no cost. Last Wednesday, all candidates were invited to an hour long town hall debate on small business. The only candidate to miss the event was the incumbent, who spent the evening at a fundraiser, as a packed standing-room-only bar crowd lined up to ask questions about important local issues. We need to remind our elected officials that incumbency is not a mandate, constituents are more important than contributions and that we demand our elected officials justify their recent $40,000 raise by holding themselves responsible to our concerns.

I have been an activist and organizer since before I could vote. Elected officials and appointed authorities, with real estate contributions lining their pockets, wish to dissipate our belief in what is possible. In the wake of the energy created by Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and the historic win by the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party in the UK, we are reminded that a better world is possible. If we fail to nominate working class people, for whom poverty isn't an abstract concept but a lived experience, lower- and middle-income New Yorkers will continue to be overlooked when their interests are placed against the interests of wealthy donors and real estate developers.

Writing legislation to give yourself a $40,000 pay raise, while lobbyists continue to pour money into campaign coffers, isn't any kind of substantial reform. Telegraphing support from the same top cop who hid evidence that would have led to the conviction of Eric Garner's murderer is anything but progressive. Lacking the courage to attend a town hall where constituents could ask questions directly, without being reviewed by staff, isn't anything resembling Democratic. So what is our incentive to continue to cast votes for establishment Democrats who don't represent the interests of any but the wealthiest of their constituents? With a wealthy real estate developer as president, we can no longer afford to get behind elected officials who fail to represent the interests of millions of New Yorkers living paycheck-to-paycheck.

According to Ms. Goodwin:

I love Roosevelt Island. I love the spirit of the people who care so deeply about the community, and who show up. I share that spirit with the local residence. I admire the Islanders who come out to the meetings and participate and I appreciate the support that I have gotten so far. Let’s preserve the spirit of FDR, for whom this Island is named.

WHAT I WILL DO WHEN I AM ELECTED:

Let’s address the housing issues before they get any more out of hand. I will work towards enabling seniors to age in place, so that they do not lose their homes. I will work to create more affordable housing, and to preserve what is left and sustainable of affordable housing.

One City, One Fare! Don’t miss the boat, Give Gwen your vote.

I will work towards renegotiating a better deal with the Cornell that works both for the residents and the investors. Citibank, Google and Cornell certainly have the ability to fulfill their financial responsibilities. Let’s ALL be good neighbors.

Let’s get those escalators in the garage fixed and the bathrooms painted and renovated.

I want to see a percentage of the business profits charged as rent, instead of everyone paying a uniform $42 per square foot, which has left store fronts empty for forty years.

What I have done:

• I arranged free mini-vacations in Cape May for Fire Fighters and other first responders to 911
• I saved P.S. 109 schoolhouse, reversing a NY City School Construction Authority demolition in progress.
• I got the prestigious law firm Davis, Polk and Wardwell, pro bono, to sue the MTA for environmental racism.
• I got the gas power turned on at Lexington Houses in August 2013, after it had been off for two months!
• And much more: See my website gwengoodwin.com. I have done all this as a private citizen. Imagine what could be accomplished with Gwen as your City Council rep!

Please come out and vote for me, Gwen Goodwin, in the Sept. 12 Democratic Party Primary.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Government Relations Committee Chair Joyce Short moderated a debate between the Democratic Party candidates of NYC Council District 5. Here's the debate.



Voting location for Roosevelt Island residents is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) except for residents of the Octagon Building who vote at Coler Hospital (900 Main Street)

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos Talks District Issues With CB 8 Speaks But No Specific Questions On Roosevelt Island Asked - Kallos Hears Panel Of Open Data Experts Explaining Ways To Improve Functioning Of NYC Council Today

 Image Of Ben Kallos From CB 8 Speaks

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member (5th District Manhattan) Ben Kallos appeared on Community Board 8 CB8 Speaks program.

Mr. Kallos addressed issues on the

• East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station, 
• Second Avenue Subway, 
• Chairmanship of NYC Council Committee On Government Operations,  
• Affordable Housing,
• Seniors Citizens,
• East River Esplanade,
• Women's issues (He's only man on Women's Committee),
• Pre Kindergarten education and more.

Unfortunately, no questions were asked about specific Roosevelt Island issues.

Here's the CB 8 Speaks interview with Mr. Kallos



Today, Mr. Kallos organized a panel on the use of technology to improve the functioning of the NYC Council. His office issued the following Press Release:

Today, technology experts and open data leaders Andrew Rasiej, Noel Hidalgo, John Kaehny and David Moore testified before members of the City Council on innovative technology reforms that will improve the transparency, openness and accountability of the legislative body. The reforms focused on improving legislative transparency, constituent services and the discretionary funding process using technology.

Proposals included:

• Improving constituent service with interactive tools that empower Council Members and residents to have more open communication;
• Transparency for the legislative process so that it is more publicly accessible, with all information centralized and easy to find.
• Opening the City Council Legislative website’s API (the code that allows programmers to share information and build new applications) so anyone can access the information however they wish, using software that the Council is free to improve upon and redistribute;
• Supporting Participatory Budgeting with a standard technology and communications infrastructure to encourage more residents to vote on how capital funding is spent in their neighborhoods; and
• Transparency for the application and distribution of discretionary member item grants to community organizations.

Council Member Ben Kallos, a software developer, organized the panel with in close coordination with Council Member Brad Lander, the Chair of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections, as part of panels on a series of reforms to improve the fairness, transparency and efficiency of the New York City Council. Last October, more than 30 Council Members signed on to Rules Reforms, which this hearing aims to implement.

Andrew Rasiej of Personal Democracy Media and Sunlight Foundation, David Moore of the Participatory Politics Foundation, Noel Hidalgo of Beta NYC, and John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany are international, national and local advocates for increased participation and open information in government through the lens of technology.

“We commend the City Council for taking this time to review and adapt its rules for the 21st century. For a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people, FOR the 21 century, the City Council needs to embrace the role of a Chief Information Officer who is empowered to adapt 21st century tools and business practices,” said Hidalgo. “In 2009, the New York State Senate created such a team, and I was honored to be a part of it. Using modern, safe, secure, open-source tools, we were able to adapt tools to increase transparency, efficiency, and participation for all New Yorkers. Now, it is the time for the City Council to embrace that same business practice and tools to make NYC the true digital capital of the world."

"We hope this hearing is the first step in a new process of continuous improvement, and public outreach, which will allow council to better harness the speed of light changes in technology. In particular, from today's hearing, we'd like to see the Council recognize the huge opportunities in mobile and two-way text technology to reduce the digital divide,” said Kaehny.

“My experience with OpenCongress.org shows that there is a huge public appetite for accessible information about what's happening in government. By making its legislative data fully accessible to the public, the New York City Council has an opportunity lead the nation in open government,” said Moore.

"New Yorkers are now competing in a 21st century global economy where access to real-time online information resources is a prerequisite for success,” said Andrew Rasiej, Chairman of NY Tech Meetup and founder of Personal Democracy Media. "The New York City Council has a responsibility to operate in ways that make sure all New Yorkers have a 21st century government that is transparent, accountable, and truly representative of the modern and fast changing world in which they now live.”

Council Member Ben Kallos said: “These top minds in the technology field have always been innovators, and their solutions for the New York City Council are no exception. Along with my colleagues, I am excited for real change in the way the Council operates—making it a more effective, open body where the best ideas rise to the top. After posting state legislative records online, I saw the benefits of opening information to the public so they can hold representatives accountable. Since then, I’ve been fighting to reform government through technology that improves communication between government and the people we represent.”...