NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Among the important choices for Manhattan residents, Borough President is one of the most critical positions set to be chosen by voters on Nov. 2.
The Borough President serves as an advocate for their designated borough — working on its residents' behalf by consulting with the mayor on the annual budget, providing grants to local organizations, offering advice on rezoning and more.
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Here's information about each of the three nominees up for Manhattan Borough President:
Top Three Issues:
1. COVID-19 recovery
2. Affordable housing
3. Safe & livable streets
Background:
Levine is a current City Council member representing the Seventh District in Northern Manhattan and Chair of the Council’s Health Committee. He's a former bilingual public school teacher and founder of a community credit union.
In Their Own Words:
"As Council Member, I passed the landmark Right-to-Counsel legislation protecting tenants facing eviction & created 1000s of units of affordable housing," Levine said. "As Health Committee Chair, I brought a fact-based approach to fighting COVID1 & protected kids from tobacco addiction. As B.P. I will fight for: An Equitable recovery Affordability & Homelessness Fair & effective policing Safe streets Healthcare equity A Quality education Sustainability Union jobs Transit infrastructure."
LOUIS J. PULIAFITO - Republican
Top Three Issues:
1. Public safety
2. Nurture people and main street
3. Transparency in government
Background:
A native New Yorker from a multigenerational family, Puliafito is currently an overnight doorman but has no prior public service experience. He received a degree in Computer Science from LaGuardia Community College and was employed more than 20 years for Fortune 100 Companies.
In Their Own Words:
"I am an 'Everyday' New Yorker worried about the future of my kids and grandkids," Puliafito said. "For them to have a Decent Life, all kids and grandkids must have a Decent Life. We must nurture people, families, and Main Street while keeping our streets safe. I believe 'Diverse opinions create doable solutions.'"
MICHAEL E. LEWYN - Libertarian
Top Three Issues:
1. Cost of housing
2. Zoning generally
3. Transportation
Background:
Lewyn has been an Associate Professor at Touro Law Center in Long Island since 2011. He has taught land use and property law and has written on land use issues.
He touts his experience with zoning as a benefit if he is elected to Manhattan Borough President.
In Their Own Words:
"I favor changing zoning laws in order to allow more housing, because more supply means lower rents," Lewyn said.
Click here for more information on the Borough President role and about each candidate.
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