SENATE DISTRICT 23

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY

No Preference

Jasmine Robinson – Dem
Candidate has returned a questionnaire
Age: 37
Occupation: Legal Secretary Education: College of Staten Island, B.A.

Jasmine Robinson is a legal secretary and community activist who was compelled to run for public office after the death of Eric Garner. She also cites the anti-IDC movement as a catalyst in her decision to challenge Sen. Diane Savino. Robinson is a member of the Staten Island Democratic Association and Staten Island Women Who March, and a co- founder of the Staten Island Women of Color Forum. Her top priorities include bail reform, passing the Climate and Community Protection Act and NY Healthcare Act, supporting the Gender Non-Discrimination Act, and passing the Women’s Reproductive Care Act. Robinson feels strongly about implementing reforms to promote police accountability and oversight, such as repealing state Civil Rights Law, Section 50-a, to allow for the public disclosure of police disciplinary records. Additionally, Robinson is in favor of reforming campaign finance laws to close the loopholes that allow undue corporate influence. Citizens Union does not prefer Robinson in this race due to her lack of experience in government and with the legislative process. Nevertheless, Citizens Union commends Robinson on her enthusiasm for good government reform and commitment to community advocacy.

Diane Savino – Dem
Candidate has returned a questionnaire
Age: 54
Occupation: New York State Senator Education: Saint John’s University, Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, B.A.

Diane Savino was elected to the state Senate in 2004, and is currently seeking an eighth term. Savino’s top priorities include expanding the medical cannabis program, promoting retirement security by enacting a secure choice retirement plan, securing funding for the district to promote constituent interest, and safeguarding workers’ rights. She expressed support for a number of Citizens Union’s good government positions, including a number of voting reforms and capping campaign contributions. However, she does not believe enacting ethics reform would be successful in preventing corruption and would not pursue it with energy. She also opposes establishing public financing of state campaigns, repealing Civil Rights Law, Section 50-a, and making mayoral control of city schools permanent. She abstained from stating her position on reforming the special election process and empowering the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute election law malfeasance and cases of public corruption. Savino acknowledged the need to promote 26 police accountability, citing the importance of a special prosecutor for police killings. However, she does not think the state should take the lead on police reform by passing legislation, and suggests that municipalities be responsible for enhancing oversight. Citizens Union commends Sen. Savino’s service to her district but does not support her in this race due to her opposition to a number of critical reforms.

Brandon P. Stradford – Dem
Citizens Union was not aware of this candidacy at the time of the evaluation.