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 2/23/12 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 Hunter Walker 2/17/12 9:35am

a campaign brewing

Gale Brewer (Photo: Facebook)

Brewer Says She’s ‘Definitely’ Running For Manhattan Borough President

Veteran Upper West Side Councilwoman Gale Brewer is jumping into the race for Manhattan Borough President.

“I’m going to definitely do it I. haven’t gotten myself organized, because I’m working on so many different issues, but I will,” Ms. Brewer told The Politicker last night at a public forum hosted by Police Reform Organizing Project at the LGBT Community Center.

Ms. Brewer is entering a crowded field. With current Borough President Scott Stringer gearing up to run for mayor next year, Councilman Robert Jackson, Community Board 1 Chair Julie Menin and Councilwoman Jessica Lappin have all already begun campaigning for the position.  Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/08/12 4:43pm

city council

Hill Krishnan

New Candidate Enters Upper East Side Council Race

As Councilwoman Jessica Lappin eyes a run for Manhattan Borough President, another candidate is publicly eyeing her seat in the City Council.

“If Jessica Lappin announces … I will be running for the seat,” Hill Krishnan, an adjunct professor at New York University, told The Politicker this afternoon.

Mr. Krishnan leaned on his background as an Indian immigrant to articulate his his motivations for running.

“I came to this country just ten years back,” he buoyantly explained. “This country has given me everything. I’ve lived the American dream and this is my opportunity to give back.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/27/12 2:59pm

he's running

Councilman Robert Jackson (Photo: Facebook)

Robert Jackson Really Wants You to Know He’s Running for Manhattan Borough President

After a press conference on improving college readiness for black and Latino students this afternoon, The Politicker caught up to Councilman Robert Jackson to ask him about the likelihood he’ll fully enter the Manhattan Borough President race. The current Borough President, Scott Stringer, is expected to run for Mayor.

Mr. Jackson jogged in place as a response. “Look at me, what I am I doing now? What am I doing? What am I doing?” he repeatedly asked. “I’m running. I’m running.” 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

By Colin Campbell 1/24/12 8:31am

campaign pitches

Julie Menin (Photo: Facebook)

Menin Credits Lower Manhattan’s Success in Borough President Pitch

Julie Menin, a candidate for Manhattan Borough President who has served as Chair of Lower Manhattan’s community board since 2005, cited Lower Manhattan’s post-9/11 revival when asked for her pitch to voters.

“Well, I think it’s important to have people who have a strong track record of results and strong leadership, particularly in very tough economic times,” she began in an interview with Roberto Perez. “In Lower Manhattan, we faced one of the most arduous times any community can face. And we were able to turn this neighborhood into the fastest growing residential neighborhood in the City of New York, with over 30,000 new residents in the neighborhood since 9/11. We’re the fourth largest commercial business district in the country. We’re one of the few areas of the city that’s actually experiencing job growth.” Read More

By David Freedlander 1/18/12 11:13am

Filing Day

1_new_headshot_lappin

Lappin Brags About Big Bank Boosting Borough Bid

East side Council Member Jessica Lappin emailed her supporters this morning thanking them for providing her with more than $600,000. And in the same email, Ms. Lappin seems to end speculation about which office she will seek next year.

Dear XXXX

Thank you!

I wanted to share some exciting news. Yesterday, we reported that our campaign has raised over $600,000 to date. This gives us the most cash on hand of any prospective candidate for borough-wide office in Manhattan. Read More

By Azi Paybarah 8/30/11 1:34pm

investigations

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer wants Verizon to return $800,000 he said may have been obtained illegally. (photo credit: azi paybarah / observer)

‘They Just Haven’t Sent the Check’: Stringer Urges Verizon to Pay NYC

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer sent a letter to Verizon urging them to repay New York City $800,000 in response to findings from a city investigator who said the major telecom company benefited from the illegal activity of one of their subordinates.

In his August 30th letter to Jim Gerace, president of of the New York Region for Verizon, Stringer said $800,000 was the “minimum” amount the company should repay, based on a report from Richard Condon, the special commissioner of investigations for New York City public schools. Read More