NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Antonio Reynoso was elected Brooklyn borough president, the Associated Press projected.
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Four candidates with deep ties to the borough are on the ballot Nov. 2. Here's a little more about them:
ANTONIO REYNOSO (Democrat)
TOP 3 ISSUES
Just & equitable COVID recovery
Truly affordable housing for Brooklynites
Promoting environmental and racial justice
BACKGROUND
Reynoso has represented Brooklyn’s 34th District in City Council, which includes Bushwick, Ridgewood and Williamsburg, since 2013. The 38-year-old was born and raised in Williamsburg.
Reynoso won the Democratic nomination amongst a field that included state Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon and fellow City Councilmen Robert Cornegy and Mathieu Eugene.
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The BP hopeful said if elected, he’s aiming to make Brooklyn “the progressive capital of the world.” He calls himself a “community organizer at my core” thanks to his work in not only City Council, but Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).
Some of his noted achievements include requiring the Department of Education to disclose how many guidance counselors were employed in the city and strengthening regulations for apartment repairs and protections against tenant harassment.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“My parents are immigrants who came here to give me and my siblings a better life. We relied on government assistance to make ends meet; these resources gave me the opportunity to rise out of my circumstances and build a better life for my family. I want my story to be the rule, for all Brooklynites, not the exception.”
ANTHONY T. JONES (Rent is 2 Damn High)
TOP 3 ISSUES
Provide organizations with COVID-19 vaccination
Address domestic violence
Help small businesses to rebound
BACKGROUND
Jones experienced homelessness multiple times as a child — and has since pledged to help those who are less fortunate.
The lifelong Brooklyn resident has a long list of connections in helping his community. He’s worked for the Red Cross, East New York Urban Youth Corps, the state Division for Youth and has served on the 73rd Precinct Community Council.
Jones is a founding member of the nonprofit One Brownsville and the Community First Democratic Club. He’s an auxiliary police officer and is VP of the Auxiliary Police Officers Union. He was elected District Leader of the 55th Assembly District in 2014.
Jones said he wants to build a “more vibrant” Brooklyn by aiding small businesses, enhancing food banks and lowering property taxes. Outside of his political work, he’s a pretty good singer.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“As a community leader for over 25 years, I intend to build a more vibrant Brooklyn after the pandemic.”
SHANDUKE MCPHATTER (Voices for Change)
TOP 3 ISSUES
Enhanced Public Safety
Youth engagement initiatives
Community development
BACKGROUND
McPhatter is a Brooklyn native and community activist who founded Gangsta Making Astronomical Community Change — a nonprofit focusing on gun violence.
McPhatter became a Bloods gang member after going in and out of jail dating back to when he was a teen. After several other arrests, he was released for the last time in 2008, where his work with GMACC began to take off.
The group’s mission includes “making positive change by reaching out to residents of all ages in communities ravaged by gun violence and gang activity.” It features programs that help the formerly incarcerated to transition back into their community.
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But just last year, McPhatter was charged with making a death threat toward his neighbor, according to the Daily News.
McPhatter cites a 65% decrease in murders in NYC from 2015-2018 as proof his group in aiding to decrease crime.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“I have fought to bring more jobs and funding to Brooklyn communities as well as a more fair and respectful NYPD. I will work with community based organizations and the NYPD to enhance public safety measures so all residents are policed equally. By investing in youth services and workforce development initiatives, our children will be prepared for the future.”
MENACHEM RAITPORT (Republican, Conservative)
TOP 3 ISSUES
None submitted.
BACKGROUND
Raitport is a longtime Crown Heights resident, father of eight and has been an EMT for decades.
Raitport has run for political offices in Brooklyn multiple times, including unsuccessful bids for the state Assembly's 43rd District in 2020, the state Senate's 20th District in 2016 and multiple others dating back to 2010.
Raitport told News 12 that he's running for office again because he believed Eric Adams was a "wonderful" borough president, and that with him running for mayor, it was time to go for it.
In that interview, Raitport said he believes a better alliance between the community and police is among his priorities. He also said he is not vaccinated, adding that "if it's so good, why do you have to mandate it?"
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