NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Brad Lander was elected city comptroller, the Associated Press projected.
The comptroller manages all of New York City’s finances and ensures that money is not mismanaged. The office conducts audits of city agencies and contracts, prevents abuses in contracting and manages budgets, investments and bonds.
Scott Stringer, who most recently entered the race for New York City mayor, was previously elected City Comptroller in 2013 and 2017. He cannot seek re-election because of term limits.
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Here’s a look at the candidates:
BRAD LANDER (Democrat)
TOP 3 ISSUES:
1. Secure a just economic recovery
2. Create truly affordable housing
3. Invest in green jobs, infrastructure
BACKGROUND:
Prior to entering the race for comptroller, Lander served as a member on the New York City Council, representing the 39th District, including Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Borough Park and other Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Lander helped co-found the council’s progressive caucus and served on a number of committees, including the Committee on Civil and Human Rights, Economic Development, Educations, Women and Gender Equity and more.
He has been endorsed by some of the most prominent progressives in U.S. politics, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Massachusetts Sen.
Elizabeth Warren.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
“We need a just recovery from the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. I will take on the major crises facing the city today — and tomorrow — by supporting investments in sustainable infrastructure, job creation and small businesses that bring our city back to life more equally and confront long-term challenges like climate change, housing affordability and racial justice.”
DABY CARRERAS (Republican, Save Our City)
TOP 3 ISSUES:
1. Crime Reduction/Prevention & Civil Rights
2. Unemployment; Public Pensions/Retirement Funds
3. Housing/Homelessness; LOCAL JOBS, K-12 Education
BACKGROUND:
Carreras has been a professional money manager for two decades, helped develop the non-profit BRANDO (Believe. Recovery. Awareness.
Now. Diabetes. Obesity) Project and founded the Oscar Garcia-Rivera Republican Club.
In 2017, he ran for New York City Council, looking to represent District 8, including the neighborhoods of East Harlem, Mott Haven, Highbridge, Concourse, Longwood and Port Morris.
Before that, he was also a 2016 Republican candidate for the District 68 seat in the New York State Assembly.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
“Lifelong resident of NYC who is proud of his Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage, as an Afro-Latino my early life was far from privileged, but the support of my family and my faith enabled me to reach the top echelons of the financial services industry.”
PAUL RODRIGUEZ (Conservative)
TOP 3 ISSUES:
1. Protecting city pensions
2. Government reform, efficiency, transparency
3. Advancing commerce, jobs
BACKGROUND:
Rodriguez has worked as a stock and credit analyst, financial advisor, corporate and commercial banker and risk manager.
He previously ran as a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representative, representing New York’s 12th District.
Rodriguez was born in New York City, raised in Puerto Rico and Atlanta, and now lives in Brooklyn with his wife and children.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
“Paul believes that the city spends, wastes and taxes too much, and has for decades, well before the pandemic. It has killed jobs, impoverished millions and hurt the city. He wants commerce to fuel a renaissance of jobs and prosperity for all in the aftermath of COVID-19. He’ll use modern managerial methods, budget transparency and performance-based metrics to improve efficiency, eliminate redundancy, reduce costs and rein in out-of-control spending.”
JOHN TABACCO (Independent, Libertarian)
TOP 3 ISSUES:
Not submitted.
BACKGROUND:
Tabacco has been a Wall Street financial technology inventor, innovator and entrepreneur for over 25 years. He also founded Locatestock.com.
For nearly two decades, he has appeared on multiple television programs, including CNBC and Fox Business, as an expert, commentator and personality. He is also frequently invited expert by the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee and the Senate Judiciary and Banking Committees.
Tabacco is a native New Yorker and son of an NYPD Officer. He lives on Staten Island with his wife and children.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Not submitted.