Brooklynite James Lane Nominated As Green Party Candidate For Grimm’s Seat

A Green Party candidate has emerged in the special election to replace Congressman Michael Grimm, which has been called for May 5.

James Lane, who ran for Public Advocate in 2013, beat out several others for the Green Party nomination and plans to focus on police accountability and climate change during the campaign period, he announced Tuesday.

Queens-born and Harlem-raised, Lane lives in South Slope with his wife and son and works for an internet media company. As an adoptee, he has been active in the movement to give adoptees greater rights.

Lane is also active in the Black Lives Matter movement, and has vowed to focus on Republican nominee Daniel Donovan’s failure as Staten Island District Attorney to secure an indictment of the police officer whose chokehold resulted in the death of Eric Garner.

“We need to ensure that our police protect the well-being and safety of all residents, treating everyone with dignity and respect. The police like everyone else need to be held accountable for their actions. I reject policing techniques that end up targeting people based on their color or economic status. I want a city where my son doesn’t have to worry about dealing with the police due to his race,” said Lane.

The Green Party, which focuses on environmentalism and social justice, has long advocated for the appointment of independent prosecutors in cases involving violence against residents by police officers.

Lane said he will also call for greater federal action to reduce climate change, citing the many areas of Staten Island and Brooklyn that were devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

“Climate change is probably the greatest threat we face, especially in coastal cities like New York. We need an immediate massive investment in renewable energy and conservation. Investing in climate action is also a great way to create jobs. We also need to invest in helping our communities better withstand climate change, including restoring the natural barriers such as wetlands that help absorb storm surges,” said Lane.