Primer On The 52nd Assembly Democratic Candidates For Tuesday’s Primary
On Tuesday, September 9, many of you will be able to go to the polls to cast your vote in the primary elections. While registered Democrats around the city will be deciding between candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and more, one contest that has more of a local impact to many neighbors is the race for the 52nd State Assembly seat.
Three candidates have been duking it out in recent weeks for the seat left empty as Joan Millman, who’s held the position since 1997, is not seeking re-election. We’ve rounded up some data about each candidate, and have included some details from the debate hosted last week by Brooklyn Heights Blog.
Background: Currently a building superintendent, he previously worked on Dennis Kucinich’s 2008 Presidential campaign, was a candidate for City Council in 2009 and a candidate for the State Assembly in 2010. He’s also worked as a civil engineer in in construction.
Issues: Like his fellow candidates, he’s spoken out a lot about the closure of Long Island College Hospital, located within the district. But his message focuses more on stopping what he refers to as the privatization of public governance, and as part of that, has repeatedly accused fellow candidate Pete Sikora of being part of a political machine that’s working hand-in-hand with lobbyists, which Sikora has repeatedly brushed off.
Sample quote: “Campaign funding is rough… Only wealthy people can run, not normal people like me.”
Opponents’ criticisms: At the debate, Jo Anne Simon wondered if Biviano has worked on enough community issues to effect change, while Sikora said he was making allegations without backed-up facts.
Background: Formerly worked for NYPIRG as an organizer, and he is currently the New York State Legislative Director for the Communications Workers of America.
Issues: Citing overcrowding in classrooms, he’s called for tax increases on wealthy New Yorkers and fewer corporate tax breaks to help fund more schools. He’s a big proponent of reform in Albany, and aims to form a progressive caucus to “to transform the institution from the top-down,” as he said at the debate.
Sample quote: “We need to change the system going forward so developers can’t drive bad decisions for the community.”
Opponents’ criticisms: Both have challenged Sikora regarding the transparency of his campaign spending.
Background: Currently a lawyer who maintains a specialized disability civil rights firm, is an adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at Fordham, and has served as Democratic District Leader and State Committeewoman for the 52nd Assembly District since 2004. She’s a co-founder and Secretary of the New York State Democratic Committee’s Progressive Caucus, and has worked with various civic organizations.
Issues: She feels the Atlantic Yards project should have had more oversight from the beginning, and believes holding the developers to firm timetables and inflicting penalties will help those who have been affected, particularly residents who were displaced and those still waiting for affordable housing options at the site.
Sample quote: Referring to Assemblymembers she’s worked with in the past: “I want to bring that spirit of community and positivity to Albany.”
Opponents’ criticisms: Both have been critical of some people who have endorsed or supported Simon, suggesting support means she’ll be beholden to them in the future.
Ready to vote? For more information on the candidates, check out their websites, and then the polls are open from 6am-9pm tomorrow, and you can find your polling location and see a sample ballot here.