Micah Lasher has worked in city and state government for over two decades. He was one of the founders of SKDK, served in the Bloomberg administration and under AG Eric Schneiderman, ran Scott Stringer’s 2021 mayoral campaign, and in his most recent position was Director of Policy for Governor Kathy Hochul. He is also involved in several civic groups in the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights. Lasher supported all of CU’s reform agenda, and spoke about his experience working on Assembly rules reforms and anti-corruption legislation. He also said he would prioritize reducing pay-to-play politics. Lasher is well-versed in the issues, challenges, and needs of reform and government accountability, and his extensive background in government and politics would make him a more effective member of the Assembly. Citizens Union prefers him in this race.

A public defender and policy director at the Bronx Defenders, Eli Northrup dedicated his career to representing and advocating for justice-involved individuals. Most recently, he led the Cannabis Project, helping formerly incarcerated people apply for dispensary licenses, and before that he clerked on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the Southern District of New York, and worked for the NAACP and the Legal Aid Society. Northrup says he is seeking office to give voice to those who feel abandoned by the government, people he often represented in court. He supports all of CU’s reform agenda in the questionnaire, and has experience advocating for measures to increase police accountability, including repealing 50-A. Citizens Union was very impressed by Northrup’s experience, policy understanding, and commitment to reform, and encourages him to continue staying in politics.

A VP of Real Estate at Kasirer until resigning to run for office, Melissa Rosenberg has spent her career focused on housing development. Among the projects she recently worked on is Innovation QNS, mixed-use complex in Astoria that was approved by the City Council. She also co-chairs the housing committee on Manhattan Community Board 7. Previously, she worked as an analyst for the Supportive Housing Network of New York and the city’s Office of Management and Budget. Rosenberg supported all of CU’s reform agenda and said she would focus on issues of ethics and transparency, as well as improving elections. On nonreform issues, she would prioritize working on housing and transit accessibility in the district. Citizens Union appreciates Rosenberg’s dedication to her community and encourages her to continue her civic participation.