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The Race ...
City Council
District 2
Alphabet City, Gramercy, The Lower East Side and Murray Hill
Know something we should know? Let us know at campaign05@gothamgazette.com
General Election Results
Rosie Mendez
Primary Results
Rosie Mendez
The Incumbent:
There is no Incumbent posted for this race.
General Election Challenger(s):
John Carlino
Claudia Flanagan
Rosie Mendez
Primary Election Challenger(s):
Darren Bloch
Joan Brightharp
Brian Kavanagh
Rosie Mendez
Christopher Papajohn
Gur Tsabar
- Michael Beys
- Darren Bloch
- Joan Brightharp
- John Carlino
- Claudia Flanagan has not filed
- Brian Kavanagh
- Rosie Mendez
- Christopher Papajohn
- Gur Tsabar
Feature Articles ...
Campaigning for the Lower East Side
June 24, 2005
Since 1973, the club CBGB, located on the Bowery, has served as a mecca for aspiring musicians and their fans. The seedy club helped launch the careers of The Ramones and Blondie and is a rock history tourist destination in the city.
When it first opened, the location beneath a homeless shelter made sense, according to the owner, Hilly Kristal.
"The surrounding buildings were mostly industrial and the people who did live close by didn't seem to care too much about having a little rock and roll sound seeping into their lives," Kristal writes on his Web site.
But today, the flophouses and warehouses of the Bowery have been replaced with the million dollar lofts and pricey restaurants of the East Village. And CBGB is facing eviction if it can’t pay its rent, which is expected to double to $40,000 a month.
The club's possible demise has sparked a massive effort to save CBGB, and has become one of the issues in the local political campaign. Three of the 13 candidates running for City Council in district 2 specifically mentioned the club, and one candidate has made it a major part of this platform.
"CBGB is part of the fabric of our culture and it is being unfairly pushed out," said Democratic candidate Gur Tsabar, who says that the local government should help mediate the dispute between the building owners and the club.
The current council member, Margarita Lopez, cannot run again because of term limits, and she has endorsed her former chief-of-staff Rosie Mendez. The candidates include 11 Democrats and two Republicans, and among them are three with prior experience in City Council, one with a career in the arts, and local minister.
The candidates are talking about issues like rising rents, new development in the neighborhood, and balancing community concerns and business needs in a district with a diverse population and neighborhoods.
Overall, the district is nearly 56 percent white, 7 percent black, 11 percent Asian and 22 percent Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is comprised of the Lower East Side, Alphabet City, the East Village, Gramercy Park, and Murray Hill, and each neighborhood has its own unique concerns.
All candidates noted, however, that this diversity is being threatened by the development of primarily luxury apartments that are squeezing out middle and lower-income residents.
Democrat Rosie Mendez said her past experience as a tenant organizer would help her address housing issues.
"The biggest thing is making sure that tenants stay in their homes and families do not become homeless," said Mendez, who also promises to fight for rent-control in Albany and said the city must require developers to build affordable housing in return for zoning changes.
Democrat Michael Beys, a former federal prosecutor, said affordable housing is needed for low-income residents, but also to keep artists, musicians, students and writers in the area. Beys wants New York to build an equivalent of Mitchell-Lama Housing - middle-income apartments subsidized by the government - for the 21st century.
On education, all of the candidates agree that schools need smaller class sizes and better-paid teachers, but they differ on how to achieve those ends.
Rosie Mendez said schools and students cannot make progress unless they are given basic resources, such as computers and libraries. "You don't ask a mechanic to fix your car and not give him tools," Mendez said.
But Republican John Carlino believes school vouchers can help address the problem with city schools. Carlino says giving parents the opportunity to send their kids to private schools does not mean abandoning or neglecting the public school system. As a child in a low-income family, he says his parents struggled to find the money to send him to private school.
The candidates also agree that health care is a critical issue. According to Councilmember Margarita Lopez, the numerous hospitals in the district are at risk of losing federal funding. "If these hospitals are downsized, reduced or closed-down, we are in trouble," she said.
Recognizing this concern, Democrat Darren Bloch, who has worked as a lobbyist for Consolidated Edison, proposes giving tax incentives to health care providers, doctors, and clinics that move into the neighborhood.
"What you have now is a community relying on emergency care or they go without health care," said Bloch. "We have no continuity of health care services."
Brian Kavanagh, former chief of staff to Councilmember Gale Brewer, said the City Council can do more to inform New Yorkers about government benefits they are eligible for and urge them to take advantage of those programs.
Gur Tsabar suggests publicizing an online program in which residents type in basic information about family history and income to find out about government benefits.
"It boggles my mind why government hasn't taken this on... and made it available to anyone who walks into a homeless shelter or hospital," said Tsabar. "Any opportunity we have to inform people about the benefits they qualify for we should be seizing."
For at least two candidates, transportation is also a key issue.
Democrat Claudia Flanagan expressed concern about the removal subway token booth attendants. Flanagan also suggests the creation of a new bike lanes and a bus route that loops around downtown Manhattan.
"We really need to encourage innovative ideas and look at ways we can improve what we already have in place," said Flanagan who has a background in public finance.
But, the main proponent for changes to the city's transportation system is Democrat and trade unionist Manuel Cavaco, who is running on a platform to eliminate metered parking and the financial burdens tickets in the city place on commercial trucks making deliveries.
"Like the FCC is going after Howard Stern, the Department of Transportation is going after people in my industry," said Cavaco.
Several candidates also say the next City Council member must take a more active role in addressing neighborhood noise and preserving the area’s arts, culture, landmarks, and parks.
District 2 is home to more bars than any other area in the city, which creates issues like noise for East Village residents.
Brian Kavanagh is pushing for a campaign to transfer authority over liquor licenses from the state to the city so that the City Council can better regulate how bars operate in the neighborhood.
"This is quintessentially a local issue, and we should address it locally," said Kavanagh.
Republican and Independence Party candidate John Carlino points to his experience mediating a noise dispute between bar owners, residents, and the local police precinct in community board 3 and negotiating a solution to the problem.
Democratic candidate Chris Papajohn, who sits on the supervisory committee of the Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union and moved to the East Village in part for its artistic culture, has made funding for the arts a focus of his campaign.
"It is scandalous that at a time of a surplus in the city, the arts budget got cut," said Papajohn, who wants to make grants and funds for artists more easily accessible.
Democrat Michael Lopez, who works for Verizon, is troubled by the destruction of sites that hold historic and culture significance to the city – specifically St. Brigid's Church in the East Village, which was built to serve Irish immigrants in the mid-19th century, that has been closed because it needs repairs. He says it should be protected with landmark status.
Republican and Conservative party candidate Daniel Peterson said one of his primary concerns is Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s $14 million plan to renovate Union Square Park, which also sits in district 2.
Proposed plans include the renovation of two existing playgrounds, overhauling the plaza for the Greenmarket and other public events, and creating a year-round restaurant. Peterson wants to ensure that space for public protests - a long tradition in the park – is also expanded and hopes the renovations will be done in a way to serve the public, and not businesses.
"There is a lot of change that makes up this neighborhood," Peterson said. "You want to make sure that [change] is friendly to everybody."
Other candidates running for district 2 include Democrats Joan Brightharp and Mildred Martinez, who could not be reached for comment.
Brian Kavanagh leads in campaign contributions with more than $100,000. Rosie Mendez follows with over $80,000. Both Gur Tsabar and Darren Bloch have also garnered considerable amounts, with over $50,000 in contributions.
While voters may be confused by a list of more than a dozen candidates, some candidates say it is healthy for both the constituents of the district and democracy.
"It's wonderful for the district to have a vibrant discussion about the issues," said Darren Bloch. "It's fantastic that so many people are willing to make this commitment to public service and put their time and energy into this."
Councilmember Margarita Lopez says voters will be able to recognize who will genuinely work to serve the community.
"The people in this district are progressive, smart and they know what they want in a council leader," said Margarita Lopez. "They want a fighter, they want an honest person, and they want a person who is intelligent about the issues."
CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
The field of eleven Democratic candidates has been reduced to eight as candidates challenge each other's petitions and try to knock each other off of the ballot. Claudia Flannagan, Michael Lopez and Manuel Cavaco have been kicked off the Democratic lines for the Primary. Cavaco is still seeking the Working Families Party line. (Updated 8/03/05)
The Incumbent:
There is no Incumbent posted for this race.
Challenger(s):
Michael Beys | Dem |
Mike Beys served as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York from 2000 until March 2005. He was assigned to the Violent Crimes and Terrorism Unit, where he prosecuted numerous criminals for murder, illegal gun use and drug trafficking. Since September 11, 2001, he also investigated and helped prosecute domestic and international terrorist groups.
Darren Bloch | Dem |
Darren Bloch has worked as a legislative financial analyst for the City Council’s finance division, responsible for analyzing the policy and fiscal impact of proposed legislation. He was also former executive director to the Nassau County Democratic party and manager of city government relations for Consolidated Edison of New York. He is a member of Community Board 6, a volunteer teacher with the New York Civil Rights Coalition, and a member of the advisory board to Brooklyn Legal Services.
Joan Brightharp | Dem |
Joan Brightharp, an East Village minister, has been a member of Community Board 3 for five years. She is the founder of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Christ on East Ninth Street.
John Carlino | Rep | IND |
John Carlino is a producer for moxie-films.com. In the past, he worked in the financial industry. He is actively involved with community board 3.
Claudia Flanagan |
Claudia Flanagan has worked as a public finance analyst for Investment Management Advisory Group, Inc. and as a special assistant at Hunter College. She is active in the A1 East Tenth Street Block Association, the East Village Conservancy, and the Learning Leader School.
Brian Kavanagh | Dem |
Brian Kavanagh served as chief of staff for Councilmember Gale Brewer and as an aide to Mayors Koch and Dinkins from 1989-1993. He has been a board member at the Lower East Side's Nativity Mission Center since 1984.
Rosie Mendez | Dem | WFP |
Rosie Mendez is the former chief of staff for City Councilmember Margarita Lopez. She has served as a democratic district leader for the 74th Assembly district since 1997. She has worked as a tenant organizer with various associations in the Lower East Side.
Christopher Papajohn | Dem |
Christopher Papajohn has practiced law at Haight, Gardner, Poor & Havens and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, as well as in-house at Bank One Corporation. He sits on the Supervisory Committee of the Lower East Side Peoples Federal Credit Union.
Gur Tsabar | Dem |
Gur Tsabar is currently an aide to City Council Speaker Gifford Miller. Prior to working with the speaker, Gur served as chief of staff for East Side Councilmember Eva Moskowitz.
Campaign Trail ...
Below are the latest Campaign Trail items for the District 2 race. For the full Campaign Trail archive, go here
Daily News Endorses Tsabar for Council
September 12, 2005
“Gur Tsabar, an aide to Council Speaker Gifford Miller, has emphasized service and integrity.” (Daily News)
Amsterdam News Endorses Tsabar
September 8, 2005
Gur Tsabar is our choice for City Council for the Second Council District in Manhattan. He has worked as a top assistant for Gifford Miller, the council speaker, and has been involved in most of the decision making for the excellent programs that have been put in place by the council. He has worked the area, in person, from Harlem to the Battery, and is the person most New Yorkers with council business recognize as the ''go to'' assistant in order to get something done in the city.
We are proud of his record and his continuing outrage over the inequities of voting rights in our city. There are so many things that he has concerns about in New York that if he is able to get his arms around only a few of them as a member of the council, he will have done a remarkable job. (Amsterdam News)
New York Times Endorsement: Gur Tsabar in District 2
August 21, 2005
Second District (Lower East Side, Gramercy Park, East Village, Kips Bay and parts of Murray Hill): No fewer than seven Democrats are promising to find solutions to this diverse district's problems, from the proliferation of noisy bars to the lack of affordable housing. Strong contenders include Rosie Mendez, the smart and personable party district leader and former chief of staff to Margarita Lopez, the departing councilwoman. Brian Kavanagh, who worked for Gail Brewer, a councilwoman from the Upper West Side, was the first to advocate lobbying Albany to gain local control over liquor licensing, which could help to manage the loud bars. But Gur Tsabar, a former member of the staff of Council Speaker Gifford Miller, has distinguished himself with a campaign run on ideas and action fueled by a contagious enthusiasm. He has combined the nuts-and-bolts activities like gathering petition signatures with efforts to help the community, including a clothing drive and collecting used cellphones for distribution among the elderly. In a unilateral rejection of so-called "pay to play" money, he gave to community organizations about $3,000 in donations that came from people who do business with the city. Mr. Tsabar has made a point of campaigning in all corners of the district and pledges to hold meetings regularly with constituents where they live. Combined with his experience with the inner workings of the Council, he is exactly the kind of representative the district needs. We endorse Gur Tsabar.
(New York Times)
You've Gotta Fight For Your Right to Run For Your Party
July 27, 2005
Six of the 11 candidates in the race for Manhattan’s Second City Council District gathered on the steps of City Hall last Thursday to decry what they called the “antidemocratic” turn the race took last Mon. July 18 when members of the political organization Coalition for a District Alternative filed challenges against five of them in their bids to represent the sprawling district that includes the Lower East Side, the East Village, Alphabet City, Gramercy Park and Murray Hill. (The Villager)
Ballot Bouncing Could Change Lower East Side Race
August 3, 2005
The race for the City Council seat from District 2 could change dramatically if candidate Rose Mendez, an aide to incumbent Councilmember Margarita Lopez, succeeds in her efforts to bounce many of her rivals from the Democratic primary ballot. Opponents charge Mendez has been particularly intent on getting blacks, Latinos and women off the ballot so she would remain the only women and the only non-white candidate. But Mendez says her efforts simply reflect the number of signatures filed by her various opponents. (Village Voice)
Candidates Blast Petition Challenge
July 29, 2005
Half of the candidates in the race for Manhattan’s Second City Council District gathered on the steps of City Hall last Thursday to decry what they called the “antidemocratic” turn the race took last Mon. July 18 when members of the political organization Coalition for a District Alternative filed challenges against their bids to represent the sprawling district that includes the Lower East Side, the East Village, Alphabet City, Gramercy Park and Murray Hill.
(Downtown Express)
Friedlander and Lopez Pass Torch to Mendez
July 20, 2005
Calling it the “passing of the torch” to the next leader who they hope will carry on the progressive political tradition on the Lower East Side, an impressive turnout of local elected officials gathered on the City Hall steps last Friday to endorse Rosie Mendez for City Council. (The Villager)
Local Politicians Endorse Mendez
July 22, 2005
Two members of Congress, two state senators, three assemblymembers and two councilmembers, including Margarita Lopez — for whom Rosie Mendez was chief of staff — stood on the City Hall steps recently to endorse Mendez's candidacy for theCity Council.
In petition filing, Mendez claimed to have filed 10,000 signatures, allthough only 900 valid signatures of registered Democrats residing in the district are needed. Ten other candidates also filed petitions by the deadline.
Battle for Votes in 2nd District
July 21, 2005
In the Lower East Side to Murray Hill District 2 that Lopez is vacating, the mad scramble has produced 13 candidates - 11 Democrats and two Republicans. And all of them, from the truck driver to the preacher to the prosecutor, have rallied around the issue of affordable housing. With luxury apartments spreading downtown to the East Village and Lower East Side, residents fear the neighborhoods will lose their character if the need for low- and middle-income housing is not addressed. (Newsday)
July 1, 2005
By the time you receive this issue, there may be as many as 13 candidates vying to .ll the City Council seat vacated (term-limited, actually) by Margarita Lopez. Along with District 1 (currently represented by Council Member Alan Gerson), the person speaking for District 2 will be determining a surprisingly large part of our most immediate concerns. In at least three areas things have not been getting better this past year: (Grand Street News)
Where Will All the Artists Go?
July 1, 2005
Housing, Housing, Housing. This was the number one topic at a forum on the future of the arts on the Lower East Side, hosted by the Federation of East Village Artists (FEVA) last month, at the Pioneer Theater. Seven Democratic candidates for Margarita Lopez’s City Council District 2 seat faced local artists who made it plain that affordable housing was the deciding factor in whether they could stay in the neighborhood. At issue were the numerous highrise luxury projects being built, which not only eliminate small apartment buildings and storefronts, but also destroy the “essence” of the area. Most of the candidates agreed on the necessity to develop low- and middle income housing for artists and improve zoning laws. Candidate Rosie Mendez said that she advocates mandatory affordable housing units in new buildings, and Gur Tsabar floated the idea of “contextual zoning” which incorporates a neighborhood’s character into development plans. But the real estate industry is a tough opponent, and change may be inevitable. Rebecca Moore, an organizer of the Ludlow Orchard Community Organization said it best: “We have to act now.” (Grant Street News)
Mike Beys Begins His Run for New York City Council
June 6, 2005
Today, Mike is one of eight Democratic Party candidates running for New York City Councilman in District 2. The district includes Gramercy Park, Murray Hill, Union Square, the East Village, Alphabet City and part of the lower East Side. Among Mike's primary concerns are the increase in the city's crime rate and school discipline and budget issues. (Greek News)
Full District 2 Campaign Trail Archive
District 2 Campaign Trail in RSS format. 

