The Gothamist Guide To The Manhattan Borough President Race

Published August 14, 2013

Modified September 9, 2013

Photo by Vivienne Gucwa on Flickr) — <span class="photo_caption">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27324415@N00/9140412254/in/photolist-eVH17J-eVaCsX-eUHsgR-ePvgnH-eMj261-eM1dNv-eLksmK-eK2mZR-eHifgZ-eHpkZE-eHhxKp-eHhw9F-eHhxyB-eHoALw-eHoB1s-eHhvWF-eHhmvT-eHgwcX-eHnCGJ-eHnB7w-eHgxxK-f2XaAR-f2Xa9g-eZ793L-eYUQLK-eYVjRg-eZ7qRj-eZ7CDQ-eTTZ31-eMSEiP-eL1CEj-eHigzD-eHigfe-eHih7F-eHifGn-eHif64-eHoAwJ-eHoBdS-eHgxPV-eHnABo-eHnBUG-eHnBjE-eHmjLo-eHmj67-eEVzhF-eEvVBx-eDi6c1-eDi6j7-eCpw2y-eBQwV5-eBhFne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vivienne Gucwa</a> on Flickr)</span>

The title of president may imply a certain kind of cachet, but borough presidents actually wield very little real power within the city government. Instead, the office acts as an advisor to the Mayor, the City Council and other government groups that do have the power to make big changes to the city. But don't discount their influence, as someone like current MBP Scott Stringer, who has been in office since 2006, has managed to bring about policy shifts on a variety of issues—including bike lanes—that have had a significant impact on life in the borough.

When it comes to Manhattan, land use represents the biggest job of the office, as the Beep reviews all land use and zoning projects and offers recommendations to the mayor as to whether a project should receive the green light. In a place like Manhattan, where real estate ventures can mean big bucks, the Beep seeks to protect the borough from special interest groups who may not have the community's best interests at heart.

Second to that, the MBP gets a portion of the city budget to spend as they see fit. Last year, the office received approximately $20 million to spend in Manhattan, which went to places like the Boys and Girls club of Harlem and other educational institutions in the borough. Finally, the office has oversight of city services like maintaining parks and streets and also appoints members of certain city agencies, covering topics like health and education.

2013 Manhattan Borough President Candidates:

Gale Brewer (D): City Council member representing the Upper West Side and northern Hell's Kitchen since 2002.

Robert Jackson (D): Native New Yorker and City Council member representing Washington Heights, Inwood and sections of Harlem since 2002.

Jessica Lappin (D): Native New Yorker and City Council member representing the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island since 2006.

Julie Menin (D): Attorney, small business owner and former chairperson for Community Board 1 in Lower Manhattan.

We asked each candidate for Manhattan Borough President to answer a questionnaire for their positions on issues facing the borough, as well as some personal information relevant to the job. We'll be doing the same for other races, including Public Advocate, Comptroller and Mayor, as soon as we receive responses from each candidate.

Mouse-over icons for quotes from the candidates and more details about the questions.

	Do you rent?	Do you have a pet?	Do you bike?	Do your kids attend public school?	Have you been the victim of a crime?
Gale Brewer City Council Member
Robert Jackson City Counci Member
Jessica Lappin City Council Member
Julia Menin Former CB1 Chairperson

New York City Campaign Finance Board records indicate that, to date, Julie Menin leads in campaign funds with $1,031,347.49 followed by Jessica Lappin at $757,024.01, with Robert Jackson and Gale Brewer trailing with $415,069.38 and $342,431.50 respectively. That more or less mirrors a recent straw poll from Manhattan Young Democrats, which shows Menin leading with 52% from likely voters and Brewer (22%), Lappin (15%) and Jackson (12%) more or less tied for the remaining votes.

Each candidate has a few big names throwing support in their direction. Julie Menin counts council members Ydanis Rodriguez, Margaret Chin and Melissa Mark-Viverito as supporters, in addition to an endorsement from late mayor Ed Koch. Gale Brewer has Gloria Steinem, Former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger and Assemblymember Dick Gottfried in her corner. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney and State Senator Brad Hoylman are for Jessica Lappin, while Robert Jackson received endorsements from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Former Mayor David Dinkins and the all important United Federation of Teachers.

Change stop and frisk?

Legalize marijuana?

Inspector general for NYPD?

More bike lanes?

Congestion pricing?

Ban chain stores?

Luxury buildings in projects?

Public-private parks?

Midtown East?

Hudson Yards?

SPURA?

Chelsea Market?

NYU / Columbia?

Marine Transfer Project?

Change judge system?

Brewer
City Councilmember

"We cannot allow the current system to continue but must establish better guidelines for a similar policy."

"I support the bill calling for the legalization of medical marijuana."

"It is because of my belief in safety, and not in spite of it, that I<br />
support the recent bills part of the Community Safety Act.. I support<br />
the creation of an Inspector General for the NYPD because, like other<br />
agencies in New York and elsewhere, on the city, state and federal<br />
level, the NYPD needs an independent, objective review of its policies<br />
and operations to improve transparency and accountability."

"I would like to expand the number of bike lanes in Manhattan."

"In my district I helped modify zoning laws to protect Mom and Pop stores and reduce the number of banks and chain stores."

"We need more affordable housing, not less, (so)...I am seeking ways to stop this plan until much more public discourse has taken place and we are sure that it would be a bigger benefit than problem."

"This can be a useful model, but ultimately the City must be responsible for maintaining parks."

"We should work on improving the transportation infrastructure and then create a rezoning plan (and)... we should maintain many of the old buildings in midtown that add vibrancy and culture to the region."

"I believe it is a good desing for a development of this size however I am concerned that the project is not generating enough revenue and is behind schedule."

"I hope the developer that is chosen follows up on the community review boards plan."

"I am concerned that we are investing in infrastructure before transportation."

"I believe that protections should be made with both universities to provide as much green space as possible."

"We need further study to determine how the Transfer Station project affects the residents of the city and the river."

"Judges should be selected based on a merit appointment system."

Jackson
City Councilmember

"I have serious concerns about illegal stops and racial profiling (but)...with proper oversight and limits in number, stop and frisk can be part of an anti-crime program."

"These arrests cost the city millions of dollars, do not make us safer (and)...have real consequences for those arrested."

"It will help restore trust, promote efficiency and ultimately improve safety."

"We need a thorough study of what is working and what is not in terms of safety, usage and effects on traffic and small businesses. "

"It is important to reduce traffic congestion and promote better environmental alternatives and should be combined with significant improvements to mass transit."

"They are destructive to small businesses and neighborhoods and have set off a race to the bottom in terms of workers benefits and rights."

"It is unclear whether this model can also sustain parks that do not have wealthy neighbors (and)...we must restore funding and commitment to parks so all people in all neighborhods can enjoy them."

"I support the concept of encouraging the upgrade of office space (but)...this plan must move forward on a timetable that serves the community and all New Yorkers, not one that is guided by Mayor Bloomberg."

"It will transform an under-utilized hole in the ground into a thriving residential and commercial area."

"I would like to see even more affordable housing (but)...I applaud the plan to build affordable housing first, that jobs pay a prevailing wage and that provisions are made for seniors, schools and the community needs."

"The current plan provides an important balance between the need for jobs and economic growth and the preservation of the neighborhood."

"What is most important now is to closely monitor the agreements to make sure the universities keep their promises and obligations, rather than undermine the process with new demands.."

"Given the impact that this Transfer Station will have on this densely populated residental area, the increasing cost of it and the need to take a new look at projects resiliency to another Sandy, it makes sense to examine if there is a better option."

Lappin
City Councilmember

"Co-sponsoring Community Safety Act to protect against racial profiling, ending unlawful searches, and creating NYPD Inspector General."

"Stop saddling young people with criminal records that can destory their lives (and)...end disproportional summons issued to African-Americans and Latinos."

"The NYPD deserves credit for dramatically reducing crime rates (and)...the IG can help ensure this progress continues."

"Focus on looking at our transportation network holistically, including pedestrian safety, increasing bike commuting, and supporting public transportation."

"I certainly do not support bringing Walmart into Manhattan, or subsidizing companies who do not treat or pay their workers fairly."

"NYCHA needs better funding from the city and state (and)...an initiative like this should be done with the buy in, input, and support of local tenants."

"As long as the process is transparent and expecgtations are clear (though)... most parks are not ripe for a public-private partnership (and)... private money should never be absolutely required to build or maintain a public park."

"We need more modern class office space (but)...this process is moving too fast without the input of the community (and)...we need to preserve residential neighborhoods adjacent to the central business district."

"It is a great model because the community was involved early in the process."

"It will create 1,200 local jobs, 150 units of affordable housing and preserves space for food vendors."

"They are economic drivers that keep our city at the cutting-edge of academics, innovation, and cultural development.."

"It is situated in the heart of a residential community and would cut through a park and recreational facility (Asphalt Green) that sees 675,000 visitors a year (and)...I

"I support moving to a well constructed merit selection system for judges."

Menin
Former CB1 Chairperson

"Must be more rigorous set of guidelines and better training of officers to prevent racial profiling."

"Far too many young lives have been ruined due to non-violent marijuana arrests."

"I believe the NYPD should have an independent watchdog to perform investigations... particularly with regard to stop and frisk."

"Expansion or reduction in bike lanes should be done with community input"

"Congestion pricing could be integral to reducing air pollution and expanding our transportation infrastructure."

"I support retail-rezoning... to limit the size of retail stores to prevent big box retailers from pushing out smaller mom and pop stores."

"I think that NYCHAs proposal needs to be revamped... 20% of affordable housing... is far too low to meet our needs."

"I believe we must promote an entrepreneurial model to develop and maintain our parks."

"Concerns about the proposal, including effects up-zoning will have on transportation infrastructure, sidewalks, open space..."

"I am supportive of this redevelopment plan, which will include 10 acres of open space, cultural amenities, a new public school, 13000 affordable housing units, and access to 7 train."

"I am generally supportive (but...) I still have several concerns about the project, including its environmental impact (and...) school overcrowding."

"I believe the building to be an iconic treasure that should be landmarked instead of altered."

"I have put forward a master plan... it is important that the expansions are mindful of the citys need for public schools, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare infrastrcture, and open space."

"I believe in borough equity and the idea that we all need to accept a share of the problem, not... just low income neighborhoods."

"We must replace the current system with merit-based appointments"

To read the candidates full responses to our questionnaire, click below:

Julie Menin

Jessica Lappin

Gale Brewer

Robert Jackson

Election charts designed by Aaron Marks

Gothamist and our partners, NY1 News, NY1 Noticias, WNYC, Citizens Committee for New York City, Citizens Union, Hispanic Federation, and Transportation Alternatives, are sponsoring official Campaign Finance Board debates, including the official Democratic mayoral debate on August 21.