By Colin Campbell 3/08/12 10:59am

replacing jackson

Mark Otto (Photo: Facebook)

Field for Uptown Council Seat Won’t Stop Growing

Add another name to the list of those contemplating competing for term-limited Councilman Robert Jackson’s seat. Mark Otto, an assistant principal at a public high school, already has registered a campaign committee and created a campaign website.

Understandably, Mr. Otto’s campaign pitch relies heavily on his background as a teacher. According to his website, Mr. Otto “is a kind, passionate, dedicated and reflective leader that has a clear vision for successful schooling in New York City.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 2/03/12 6:39pm

Uptown

Councilman Robert Jackson (Photo: Facebook)

Crowded Race Shaping Up To Replace Robert Jackson

Councilman Robert Jackson is planning to run for borough president in 2013, and already a host of candidates are lining up to take his place for the Upper Manhattan council seat.

Among them are longtime Washington Heights politico Maria Luna, who last ran for this same seat in 1992, a current and a former district leader who squared off in a pitched electoral battle last year, an aide to neighborhood institution Charlie Rangel, two former challengers to Mr. Jackson, a community board vice chair and a 24-year-old City Council staffer from across town.

Legislative lines for the District, which currently includes Morningside Heights, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Central Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood, could shift before the race next year. In the meantime,  many of the aspiring heirs to Mr. Jackson’s seat are watching each other and other local politicians before deciding what move to make. Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/02/12 10:59am

Young Guns

Rakim Brooks (Photo: Facebook)

Melissa Mark-Viverito’s Comms Director Could Be Planning Council Run

Rakim Brooks, the 24-year-old Director of Communications for Council Member Mark-Viverito, recently filed a New York City campaign committee, strongly suggesting he is at least considering a campaign  for the City Council in 2013.

Mr. Brooks, who declined to discuss the specifics of his intentions with The Politicker yesterday, did say that he was “just exploring some options,” and “seeing if I can raise some money.”

As Mr. Brooks currently lives in Ms. Mark-Viverito’s district, and the Councilwoman is expected to not only run for reelection but campaign for Speakership, speculation is that he could be considering a run for term-limited Councilman Robert Jackson’s nearby Harlem district. Read More