PoliticsNY to host Manhattan forum for Democratic borough president and City Council primary candidates

PoliticsNY has partnered with AARP New York and the New York City Bar Association to host a candidates’ forum for the Manhattan borough president and City Council District 4 Democratic primary candidates on Wednesday, May 7.

The event will take place at the New York City Bar Association in Manhattan, located at 42 West 44th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. It will run between 6 and 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the forum beginning at 6:10 p.m.

Josh Schneps, CEO of Schneps Media, will moderate the forum, asking a mix of questions from PoliticsNY, AARP New York, and the New York City Bar Association. The event is free and open to the public.

First up will be Manhattan Borough President candidates state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal — who represents west-side Manhattan neighborhoods running from Chelsea to the Upper West Side, City Council Member Keith Powers, and Calvin Sun — an emergency doctor.

While borough presidents have some discretionary funds and say advisory votes on land use decisions, their role is mostly to promote their borough. The role opened up after the current beep Mark Levine launched a campaign for city comptroller instead of seeking a second term.

Then the five candidates for Powers’ open City Council seat, which covers parts of Manhattan’s east side from Stuyvasent Town to the Upper East Side, will take the stage. They include former Lexington Democratic Club President Vanessa Aronson, Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club President Faith Bondy, Meta project manager Virginia Maloney — who is also the daughter of former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, former Missouri state representative Rachel Storch, and state Homes & Community Renewal staffer Benjamin D. Wetzler.