There are seven candidates in the mayoral Democratic primary, three candidates in the Republican primary and one independent candidate. If the winning candidate earns at least 40 percent of the votes, there is no runoff. According to various polls of registered voters, Christine Quinn held the lead for the majority of the summer, but has now fallen into third place. Bill de Blasio has held the lead since August 22. NYU Republicans are endorsing John Catsimatidis and NYU Democrats did not endorse a candidate.
City Council
The New York City Council is responsible for passing the city’s budget, approving zoning changes and overseeing city agencies.
District 1 (Washington Square Park)
Democratic incumbent and Chair of the Committee on Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Margaret Chin is running against Democratic District Leader Jenifer Rajkumar. Chin voted to approve the controversial NYU 2031 expansion plan.
District 2 (Union Square)
East Village Pastor Richard Del Rio is running against incumbent City Council member and Chair of the Committee on Public Housing Rosie Mendez. Both Mendez and Del Rio oppose NYU’s expansion. Green Party candidate Miles Budde is running unopposed.
Borough President
Borough presidents have limited power, but can be strong advocates for their boroughs. The Manhattan Borough President has direct control of a portion of the city’s capital and budget. He or she also contrib- utes to decisions regarding land use and oversees street repairs, hous- ing codes and parks maintenance. The candidates in the democratic primary are Councilwoman Gale Brewer, Councilman Robert Jackson, Councilwoman Jessica Lap- pin and former Community Board Chairwoman Julie Menin. Former NYU adjunct professor and systems consultant for Chase Bank David Casavis is running unopposed for the Libertarian Party.
Comptroller
The New York City Comptroller gives financial advice to the mayor, the City Council and the public. He or she manages pension funds, au- dits city agencies, reviews city con- tracts and issues budget reports. The democratic primary candidates are former New York City governor Eliot Spitzer and current Manhat- tan borough president Scott String- er. In a Quinnipiac poll released Sept. 9, Stringer narrowly led by 7 percentage points. John L. Burnett, a NYU alumnus who has worked in the financial services industry, is running unopposed for the Republican party, and environmental, peace and education activist Julia Willebrand is running unopposed for the Green Party.
Public Advocate
The New York City Public Advocate represents city residents and protects their interests. They are able to introduce legislation but cannot vote on it. If the mayor cannot fulfill his or her duties, the public advocate assumes temporary responsibilities. The five candidates in the Democratic primary are NYU adjunct professor Catherine Guerriero, Councilwoman Letitia “Tish” James, former deputy public advocate Reshma Saujani, state senator Daniel Squadron and former co- chair of NYU’s Association of Black Faculty Administrators and Staff Sidique Wai. James Lane is running on the Green Party ticket. Most recent polling data from June 2013 showed Tish James leading with 17 percent of voter support.
James Lane • Sep 12, 2013 at 12:58 am
James Lane Calls for Instant Runoff Voting in Future Citywide Elections to Promote Democracy Save Tax Dollars: http://www.hotindienews.com/2013/09/11/40115