By Colin Campbell 4/26/12 10:20am

upper east side

Benjamin Kallos (Photo: Facebook)

Benjamin Kallos Praises Potential Rival Micah Kellner’s Record

Attorney Benjamin Kallos might be off and running with his Upper East Side City Council campaign, but he had nothing but kind words to describe one of his top potential opponents, Assemblyman Micah Kellner. Mr. Kellner has not made any formal decision, but a source close to him previously told The Politicker he was “inching” towards a run.

“I think he’s been doing a good job,” Mr. Kallos said when asked of Mr. Kellner’s record in the Assembly at his redistricting-themed fundraiser earlier this week. “Assemblyman Kellner does represent me, I actually live in the 65th Assembly District.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 4/25/12 3:41pm

redistricting

mark favors

The Redistricting Lawsuit’s Lawyer Discusses Its Impact in Harlem and More [Video]

At Upper East Side City Council candidate Benjamin Kallos’ unique redistricting-themed fundraiser last night, Mark Favors, the lead plaintiff in the redistricting lawsuit that led to court-drawn congressional lines in New York, was the guest of honor and had some interesting thoughts on the redistricting situation, especially from his perspective as an African-American resident of Harlem.

“In Harlem right now, you know where Charles Rangel being my congressman, people are little bit disappointed in the redistricting process,” he said, suggesting Mr. Rangel’s new Latino-majority district has caused him to be less-than-popular in some political circles at the moment. Read More

By Colin Campbell 4/02/12 1:35pm

ues disco party

Hill Krishnan bringing the disco funk. (Photo: YouTube)

City Council Candidate Has Funky Dance Moves [Video]

Hill Krishnan, an adjunct professor at New York University and underdog candidate in the race to succeed Councilwoman Jessica Lappin in her Upper East Side seat, can dance. And, in a 2006 YouTube video entitled “Indian Disco Dancer,” he brings it to the streets of Manhattan.

Dressed in shiny disco-themed clothing, Mr. Krishnan strolls around doing chops and kicks as surprised onlookers gaze on. He eventually switches locations and ends up dancing both in a field and shirtless on the beach. Read More

By Colin Campbell 2:53pm

upper east side

Hill Krishann asking his question (Photo: YouTube)

British Prime Minister Gives Advice to City Council Candidate [Video]

At a recent forum for New York University, British Prime Minister David Cameron fielded a question from Hill Krishnan, a City Council candidate for the Upper East Side.

Mr. Krishnan, an adjunct professor at NYU in global affairs, first wanted to know what the United Kingdom was doing to reduce its nuclear stockpile, and second, what advice Mr. Cameron would be able to provide him for his first political campaign. Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/15/12 4:17pm

council 2013

Nico Minerva

Nico Minerva Emerges As A Candidate in Upper East Side Council Race

The race to replace Councilwoman Jessica Lappin just got a tad more crowded today when attorney Nico Minerva officially registered a campaign committee for her seat. Ms. Lappin is expected to run for Manhattan Borough President, leaving her seat vacant for aspiring City Council Members in the Upper East Side.

Mr. Minerva said the only thing that could stop his campaign is if Ms. Lappin were to run for reelection.

“I’m a big fan of Jessica Lappin, I’m not going to run against her,” he told The Politicker this evening. But besides that, he said, “I’m all in.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/01/12 11:27am

kallos' kampaign

Benjamin Kallos

Benjamin Kallos Announces Upper East Side Council Campaign [Video]

Benjamin Kallos, an attorney and consultant in the Upper East Side, formally announced his campaign for Jessica Lappin’s City Council seat last night. Ms. Lappin is currently eyeing a campaign for Manhattan Borough President in 2013, potentially leaving a vacant seat behind her.

Speaking before a crowd in the back of the Off The Rails bar, Mr. Kallos particularly demonstrated some passion for government transparency in his speech. In addition to touting his efforts to get New York voting records online, he cheered the Council’s recently passed Open Data Bill and presented a “Suggest Your Own Solution for a Better City” worksheet for the crowd to fill out or submit online.

He also based part of his pitch based on Council politics, where the Council’s Progressive Caucus is hoping to make a stamp in the leadership race once current Council Speaker Christine Quinn is term-limited out and runs for mayor in 2013. He said he was “definitely going to join” the caucus and they “will surpass the 26 votes we need to get the most progressive policies passed in the City Council.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 9:14am

campaign announcements

Hill Krishnan

Hill Krishnan Kicks Off Upper East Side Council Campaign [Video]

Hill Krishnan, an adjunct professor at New York University, formally kicked off his campaign for Councilwoman Jessica Lappin’s seat last night. Although Ms. Lappin is not term-limited out, she is expected to make a campaign for Manhattan Borough President in 2013, leaving her seat open for aspiring Upper East Side pols.

Mr. Krishnan relied heavily his immigrant experience in his speech.

“Ten years ago I was just like one of those immigrants who came to this country with a single suitcase and a strong hope,” he explained. “For all of the opportunities that New York has given to me, I didn’t know how to say ‘thank you.’ But, I do now. And that is why I stand before you today.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/24/12 2:41pm

campaign announcements

Benjamin Kallos (Photo: Facebook)

Benjamin Kallos to Run for Upper East Side Council Seat

Benjamin Kallos, an attorney and consultant, said in an interview today that will seek the seat currently held by Democratic Councilwoman Jessica Lappin. Councilwoman Lappin is thought to be running for Manhattan Borough President, where the incumbent, Scott Stringer, is expected to run for Mayor.

Should that set of dominoes fall in place, Mr. Kallos stated he “absolutely” will campaign for the seat and has already opened a 2013 campaign committee for the endeavor. Read More