Lincoln Restler is a longtime reformer who had made a name for himself when he first challenged the powerful Brooklyn Democratic machine, winning a fierce election for District Leader in 2010. He later co-founded the now-influential and reform-minded New Kings Democrats club, and has been involved in several campaigns for transparency and accountability in the county party. He worked in the de Blasio administration, including at the mayor’s office, and was involved in the implementation of IDNYC, the city’s municipal identification program. He believes the greatest potential for reforms in the next City Council will be around issues of police accountability, and would prioritize that work if elected. He promises to continue advocating for changes in spaces where county parties still exert control, including the election of judges, the selection of the next Speaker, and the appointment of commissioners to the Board of Elections. Outside reform issues, Restler offers a detailed agenda that focuses on mitigating the effects of climate change and building resiliency in this waterfront district, and on tackling the housing crisis in the area. A key proposal would aim to add more affordable housing by forcing landlords to lower rents if their units stay empty for more than three months. This would require the Legislature to act. Restler’s years of activism and service have earned him the support of a broad spectrum of community leaders and local elected officials. Citizens Union prefers Restler due to his long term commitment to good government, his experience in politics and local government, and his deep knowledge of the reform agenda. We believe he will be an effective lawmaker and a trusted ally in the fight for an accountable, open, and honest government.

Elizabeth Adams is the Legislative Director for the outgoing Council Member in this district, Stephen Levin. Prior to that position, she worked as director of government relations at Planned Parenthood NYC. She takes pride in incorporating legislative work with constituent services, pushing for reforms connected to voters’ daily lives. If elected, she would follow that approach by establishing community advisory groups for her office and expanding participatory budgeting to involve constituents in the budget process. Her priorities include COVID-19 recovery and relief for small businesses, access to transportation, and green spaces. She wants to secure funding for the Bushwick Inlet Park and for toxic soil remediation. Citizens Union was impressed by her experience and knowledge of the office.

Stu Sherman is a legal aid attorney working to provide free legal services for people struggling with healthcare, housing, and other needs. He currently works for the New York Legal Assistance Group, and has previously served on a state “Task Force on Life and the Law,” as a legal consultant for the New York State Department of Health and a budget analyst for the New York State Legislature. If elected, he would continue his career-long interest in improving healthcare in the council. For example, he wants to open city-run community pharmacies that would provide access to affordable lifesaving medication. He also wants to make the current public health program, NYC Care, into a comprehensive health coverage plan that would cover all New Yorkers. Other priorities include giving relief to small businesses hurt by the pandemic. Citizens Union values his career long service to the public.