Political newcomer Collin Thompson is challenging incumbent Julie Menin in the June 24, 2025 NYC Council District #5 Democratic Party primary. Mr Thompson was on Roosevelt Island Saturday March 22 talking to residents and I met up with him at the Farmers Market for an interview.
When asked why he was challenging the incumbent Council Member from his own party, Mr Thompson replied:
Like a lot of people I've talked to in District 5 during the petitioning process, I feel very passionate about bringing Public Service back to this office and creating an atmosphere where people can get answers out of their City Council person, where people can contact their City Council person's office and receive quality information and being visible...
.... I don't claim to have all of the answers but what I am passionate about is ensuring that people in District 5 have the opportunity to be heard, be seen and their challenges and issues with our city government at least being heard by the person that's representing them.
I don't think you can lead people you don't listen to. I have nothing personal against my opponent but I don't believe that residents in District 5 have really been represented in that way and and I hear from a lot of people that they call this current city council person's office or share concerns and they just kind of fall on deaf ears. I believe we've got to return back to a time when when public office was working for the public...
The
Washington Post reports that in the Roosevelt Island 10044 zip code, the Biden/Harris campaign
had 424 donors raising $100 thousand and the Trump campaign had 48 donors
raising $8 Thousand.
In most states across the country, more people donated to Vice President
Kamala Harris than to former president Donald Trump.
Registered voters in suburbs were about twice as likely to give to Harris as
to Trump. A vast majority of Trump’s donors under 35 were men. And in the
battleground state of Georgia, where Black voters make up one third of the
electorate, less than 4 percent of Trump donors were Black.
Those are among the findings from a Washington Post analysis of online
contributions to the Trump, Harris and President Joe Biden campaigns,
combined with voter registration data....
NBC News
has this election day countdown report.
NYC early voting begin this
Saturday October 26.
Attention, NYC!
Election Day is just around the corner—Tuesday,
November 5.
Your ballot will have choices for:
🗳️
President 🗳️ Senate 🗳️ House of Representatives 🗳️ State
offices 🗳️ Important ballot proposals
Are you interested in Democratic Party politics and wish to meet like minded folks? If yes, the Four Freedoms Democratic Club is hosting its annual Roosevelt Island meeting 7 PM Thursday September 26, at the Good Shepherd Church (543 Main Street). and you're invited.
On Monday May 8, Congressman
Jerry Nadler met with a
group of Roosevelt Island residents at the apartment of long time resident,
former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Director and former VP of
the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Margie Smith.
Due to recent redistricting and defeating former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
in last year's Democratic Party primary election, Jerry Nadler now represents
Roosevelt Island in Congress.
I asked several of the attending residents what they thought of the meeting with Congressman Nadler.
According to Island House Board of Director James
Starance:
The hardest thing for Roosevelt Island residents to handle and accept is the
lack of communication and partnership from the state of New York. It
genuinely feels like taxation without representation and that hits to the
core of what drove us to become a sovereign nation in the first place.
Mr Nadler made the effort to get to know some new constituents and the
meeting was a great beginning for Island residents, informing Mr. Nadler of
our long history of activism and advocacy for our community.
Being Federal representation and not State representation he vowed to assist
in any way he can on the Federal level and this is important for our newer
residents to understand since the State issues are between us and the State
of NY.
All in all it was a great introduction and he seemed genuinely to want to
understand what makes our Island unique.
Also, local activist and former Roosevelt Island Residents Association member Sherie
Helstien reported:
Thanks to Congressman Nadler for meeting with us & listening closely to
our problems with RIOC & the way our community is governmentally
designed. Nadler and his staff were very aware of the governmental likeness
& very important economic differences between us and our “sister”
community in lower Manhattan, Battery Park City.
I appreciated the Congressman’s listening to our comments & asking
cogent questions, and, finally, offering, though it seems minor in the scope
of RI issues, to look into replacing the missing Northtown mid-Main Street
postal box.
Former RIRA President Matt Katz, who helped organize the meeting with
Congressman Nadler added:
I thought we accomplished our purpose for proposing the meeting.
Our new Congressman, Jerry Nadler, did not have much to say; not
surprising given his lack of information regarding the Roosevelt Island
community's politics and issues. The Island activists who came together gave
him a good deal of history on our efforts to democratize the administration
of the Island and he asked good questions on the basis of what we
said.
He noted that most of our issues were on the State level, not federal, which
is quite true, but we mentioned some avenues where his input could be
essential and where his predecessor made a difference.
My hope is that we can build on this first get-together and establish the
first name relationship we've had with all of our elected representatives.
We hope that he and his staff will visit us again to take in the beauty of
the Island and the amenities that distinguish us from the rest of the City.
Congressman Nadler noted:
It was my pleasure to join friends old and new on Roosevelt Island last night
to hear their concerns and discuss my work in Washington to address
them.
I look forward to my continued partnership with RIOC, community leaders, and
residents as we work together to support Roosevelt Islanders.
It was my pleasure to join friends old and new on Roosevelt Island this week
to hear their concerns and discuss my work in Washington to address them.
pic.twitter.com/esWm7lWLMf
While I understand that not everyone who attended is present in this video .
Roosevelt Island is not just an older community. I'm sad to see no younger
folks represented. We bring a lot of passion and life to this community as
well!
If us Roosevelt islanders want younger people and more variety involved? How
do we do that? I would love to be part of the committee!
Why is only one age group representing the community and all white. Was there
an open invitation or where can we get news of next meeting.
There were 3 African American women at the meeting including 1 RIOC Board
member. 2 were speaking during this video. Good point about the age issue. I
don’t think there was anyone under 50. Hopefully, future meetings will have a
greater variety of residents.
I wish I had an easy answer for you. There was no “committee” for the Nadler
meeting. Those invited were either members of local volunteer organizations or
had a history of local political activism. My advice is get involved in a
local organization and meet other residents. In the past, some RI
organizations were very cliquish. But I think that has changed over the last
several years and young people would be welcomed. to their organizations. I
was invited to cover the meeting as local press.
Congressman Nadler also met with RIOC staff and toured several Roosevelt
Island facilities on May 4.
Thank you
@RepJerryNadler
for joining us today for a productive meeting and tour of the island!
We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to
continuing our shared work together to strengthen the Roosevelt Island
community. pic.twitter.com/3Ii0VVbLon
— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny)
May 5, 2023
Congressman Nadler is the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.
Today, Judiciary Republicans' hearing sent a dog whistle to anti-abortion extremists at a time when patients & providers face unrelenting threats to their safety.
... Roosevelt Island resident Joyce Short was a leader in the successful organizing efforts to keep Roosevelt Island in the traditional Manhattan State
Senate and City Council Districts. Ms Short is getting ready to organize
against the draft Assembly map removing Roosevelt Island from the rest of
Manhattan....
Ms Short reports today:
Tomorrow is the day for the NY State Independent Redistricting Commission's
hearing on whether Roosevelt Island's Assembly District will be drop kicked
to Queens.
As a Manhattan Island with strong ties to the mainland of Manhattan for
close to 50 years, and a government infrastructure from the State of NY
where Manhattan representation is essential to voice our interests in
Albany, this change could be extremely harmful for our community.... for our
school, for operating our tram, for construction during the expansion of
Cornell Tech, for our policing, and more.
The public is invited to testify beginning at 4 PM tomorrow afternoon. 4 PM
today is the cutoff for written comments.
Commissioners on New York's redistricting panel voted Thursday to advance a
new proposed map for state Assembly legislative boundaries. I am very
disappointed to see that the proposal for our AD76 would eliminate Roosevelt
Island and redistrict it to a Queens Assembly District. I am committed to
fighting alongside constituents to keep Roosevelt Island where it belongs.
Roosevelt Islanders were so powerful in their testimony during the New York
City Council districting process, I believe together we can make an
unequivocally strong argument to keep Manhattan's Roosevelt Island with our
Manhattan Assembly District 76. The process for state redistricting requires
rigorous scrutiny, consistent with a process that ensures fairness, provides
a platform for all voices, and carefully reviews all options.
The next steps are a series of public hearings around the State. The hearing
in Manhattan will be on February 7, 2023 at the Hunter College Kaye
Playhouse. I urge all concerned to share their views by testifying in person
or submitting comments to the Commission directly at
www.nyirc.gov/participate.
Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side Democratic Party leaders oppose splitting
Roosevelt Island Assembly District representation from the Upper East Side.
We can do this! Wear your best Roosevelt Island RED and show up for our
community even if you don't want to speak. Travel with the "Group Meet",
F train, RI station, 3 PM Tuesday, 2/7.
Here's the proposed NY State Assembly map moving Roosevelt Island from the
Manhattan 76 AD to the mostly 36 AD.
UPDATE 2/8 - Here's the testimony delivered on behalf of Assembly Member Seawright at the NYS Independent Redistricting Commission hearing yesterday afternoon at Hunter College. Ms Seawright was in Albany for the legislative session.
Are you interested in Democratic Party politics and wish to meet like minded folks? If yes, the Four Freedoms Democratic Club is hosting its annual Roosevelt Island meeting Wednesday September 14, at The Sanctuary Events Space/Cafe (851 Main Street). and you're invited.
According to Kim Moscaritolo, Democratic District Leader from the 76th AD Part B:
The Four Freedoms Democratic Club is one of the largest and most active Democratic Clubs in Manhattan. We engage with local residents on issues that matter most to them, we campaign for Democratic candidates, both locally and around the country, and we hold regular events that allow members to socialize and meet their local elected officials.
This month our guest will be Council Member Julie Menin, and we will be asking her specifically about the Council redistricting process, which we know is very important to residents of Roosevelt Island.
Proud to participate yet again in the Vote Blue Coalition. The 2020 buses were a blast so definitely sign up for this year too! https://t.co/2LndXcX80k
Early voting
is currently underway thru June 26 with Election Day on June 28. Roosevelt
Island residents can vote early at Gallery RIVAA (527 Main Street) and at
PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) on
Election Day.
Roosevelt Island residents
Joyce Short and Marc
Jonas Block are running for the
NY Democratic PartyState Committee
for the 76 Assembly District which represents Roosevelt Island and the Upper
East Side.
According to Ms Short:
Each State Assembly District gets 2 Committee Members, a man and a woman.
Voting for Marc and for me helps Roosevelt Island have two duly elected
committee members who actually live in our community. We have never had one in
the almost 47 years I've lived on Roosevelt Island. I believe that contributes
to Roosevelt Island's needs being overlooked by NY State's government.
Being an elected State Committee Member is a political policy, not a
government position. But it has a significant affect on government. They are
tasked with a number of influential priorities:
Oversight for campaign spending
Creating the Democratic Party's platform in NY State
Selecting National Democratic Committee Members
Providing endorsements for candidates throughout NY State
Oversight over the party's Ethics Code
Encouraging political activism
As the present Committeewoman has stated, the party's established leaders
have long seen the party's treasury as their campaign's piggy bank. In
principle, however, those funds are raised to support new-comers with fresh
ideas who will grow the future of the democratic party. As a senior, I
recognize how important it is to be able to pass the baton to the next
generation of leaders.
Among a host of other issues, I'd like to make sure the Democratic Party
addresses two important things.....
No residential community in NY State should ever be deprived of democratic
government. Our legislators throughout NY State have either turned a blind
eye, or are unaware of this situation on Roosevelt Island. I intend to
change that.
I have long fought for changes in our laws to conquer the pandemic of
sexual assault, sex trafficking and domestic violence. Legislators have
ignored the transformational changes that are needed. I aim to change that
as well.
Residents in any Assembly District can impact government through Democratic
Clubs. We don't have one on Roosevelt Island. I believe we need to change
that. Any resident who would like to take part in the formation of a
Democratic Club for Roosevelt Island can contact me at
jm_short@ymail.com.
I spoke with Ms Short
and Mr Block
during Roosevelt Island Day about their running for the NY Democratic Party
State Committee for the 76 Assembly District. Watch the videos to hear what
they have to say.
I spoke with Ms Vladimer and Mr Berman recently at the Roosevelt Island
Farmers Market.
Supporters of Ms Vladimer and Mr Berman have gone to Twitter to attack the
fundraising of Ms Short and Mr Block.
This is such a complete and utter disgrace that goes so far beyond this one
State Committee race. It's unbelievable how thoroughly rotten the NYS
Democratic Party leadership is, and how completely infiltrated with
Republican saboteurs.
ICYMI: The chair of the state Dem party and a few of his friends have
decided to dump over $24,000 into our little State Committee race. I guess
because he knows
@EricaForNY
and
@JeremyBermanNY
would actually work to make the State Party stronger.https://t.co/8ZCxWGZ60b
The referenced tweet is nothing more than an attempt to fabricate an issue
that does not exist. Joyce and I, in compliance with election laws, made
disclosures of contributions received by our campaigns. There is nothing
nefarious with compliance with disclosure laws, support by party leadership
or raising campaign capital. The merits of our campaigns are supported by
knowledgeable folks who understand the far reach of the positions for which
we are campaigning.
The claims are ludicrous, including the idea that the Democratic Party of
New York is controlled by the Republican Party. If the tweeter was serious,
they should have checked their facts including how to spell my name.
The truth of the matter is that Joyce and I are both long-time residents
with strong community ties. We are serious about this election.
Ms Short responds:
State Committee members are entrusted with policy making for the entire
State, even though we're elected district by district. Similarly, when I
served as RIRA's Secretary and Government Relations Chair for many years,
although Common Council members were elected by our individual building's
residents, we served for the common good of the community.
NY State Committee Members also impact the National Democratic Committee,
hence interest from outside NY State. There's no surprise that a
knowledgeable person, who recognizes the far-reaching role of NYS Democratic
Committee Members, supports Marc and I.
One of the many reasons we're running for Committee positions is to provide
Roosevelt Islanders with a seat at an important political table where we've
never had a voice. Being acknowledged by a party leader is evidence that our
voices are welcomed and and that Marc and I have already made an impact.
Early voting for State Committee members is currently underway thru June 26
with Election Day on June 28. Roosevelt Island residents can vote early at Gallery RIVAA (527 Main Street) and at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) on Election Day.
Due to NY State Senate re-districting, Liz Kreuger will become the new State Senator for Roosevelt Island starting in January 2023.
Ms Krueger visited Roosevelt Island last Saturday to celebrate Roosevelt Island day and met with many residents
including Roosevelt Island Residents Association President Rossana Ceruzzi, Roosevelt Island Historical Society(RIHS) President Judy Berdy, Joyce Short, Ellen Polivy as well as Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.
Ms Krueger also stopped by Gallery RIVAA and was greeted by its new President Sandra Gavelyte and resident Margie Smith.
Due to congressional redistricting, 2 powerful NYC Democrats and House
Committee Chairs are running against each other in the District 12 Democratic
Party Congressional
primary taking place August 13-23.
In a primary election where every single vote could mean the difference
between victory and defeat, both incumbent
Carolyn Maloney
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@CarolynBMaloney)
June 11, 2022
I had a great morning meeting some excited voters in Yorkville and on
Roosevelt Island! So many of the people I spoke to already have plans to
vote on August 23rd—do you?
pic.twitter.com/IpBr1eUs3C
Right now, we are petitioning to get on the ballot and need signatures. The petitioning is due the beginning of April. We have very little time!
Tonight, we are holding a petition-signing event at the Sr. Center- at 546 Main Street, from 5:30 to 9:30.
Our election will put Roosevelt Island on the political map of NY State! History has shown us that without Island representatives who can input the policies and platform of the Democratic party, Roosevelt Island’s interests are overlooked. We aim to change that. Signing our petition helps us get the community the attention it needs!
Thank you to former
NYC Council Member Ben Kallos
who served Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side for the past 8 years and
would have been re-elected had he not been term limited from running again.
Taking this last opportunity to thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime
and send one final report on what we’ve been able to accomplish together
over these past 8 years.
Check out the summary, the list of 140
issues or the full 175-page report:
https://t.co/kIDA2TKo4k
Here's a summary of 8 years service by Mr Kallos for NYC Council District 5 which includes Roosevelt
Island and the Upper East Side.
During his final official visit to Roosevelt Island at the December 10 opening
of
The Girl Puzzle monument honoring journalist Nelly Bly, Mr Kallos remarked:
I am proud to represent Roosevelt Island. There is nothing like Roosevelt
Island anywhere else in New York City let alone the planet...
I believe in term limits, even for me, and support
@GovKathyHochul's proposal for term limits at the state level. 8 years has to be enough to
get things done.
https://t.co/yDptwaqjJS
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
