Council Candidate Accuses Opponent Of Being An Opportunist With Shady Real Estate Ties

City Council candidate John Lisyanskiy accused fellow candidate Mark Treyger of being a political opportunist and a puppet of real estate interests. According to a press release, Lyisyanskiy targeted Treyger’s endorsement by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), a political action committee that Lisyanskiy believes will drive out lower income residents and gentrify Coney Island.

In his release, Lisyanskiy first accused Treyger of being an opportunist who recently moved to the area just to grab power.

“My opponent, Mark Treyger, understands pricey real estate, having purchased just last year an expensive home in Bergen Beach, which is far outside of our District. Seeing the chance for political gain, he then decides to move back into our neighborhoods and campaign for our very important City Council Seat,” Lisyanskiy said in a press release.

Lisyanskiy then fired accusations that a recent endorsement by REBNY was proof that Treyger would be a pawn of wealthy real estate developers looking to drive the working class out of Coney Island.

“Now that he is bought and paid for, he will surely become a yes-man puppet for ruthless real estate interests. I urge all candidates citywide to reject attempts by corporations to buy their support with outsized expenditures. Campaigns should be about the people we seek to represent, and we must do everything we can to ensure that their voices are not dwarfed by developers and other deep-pocketed special interests,” Lisyanskiy said.

In a report, REBNY defended their endorsement of Treyger.

“We back Mark Treyger for one reason and one reason only: He is the candidate most likely to create jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the 47th Council District,” a spokesman for REBNY said.

Treyger went on to defend himself against accusations that he is a puppet to REBNY or Assemblyman William Colton, for whom he has worked for several years.

“I am willing to put my longtime record in this district — where I was born, raised, and live, up against any other candidate in this race,” Treyger said. “I am especially proud to have the support of my close friend, Assemblyman Bill Colton, who I consider to be the gold standard of community service and dedication.”

Colton denied pulling the strings in Treyger’s campaign, saying he was surprised in March when his former spokesman expressed interest in running for the seat.

“He is no way a puppet. He has been involved in issues because he believes in them,” the pol said. “When he indicated to me he had an interest in running for city council, I told him he should do it.”