Tom Sullivan is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel who served for 30 years, with a career in the financial industry and experience running a family restaurant business. He also pointed to his community leadership during and after Hurricane Sandy. He supports most of Citizens Union’s reform agenda, has turned down PAC contributions to avoid conflicts of interest, and called for greater transparency in our campaign finance system, including stronger disclosure of individual donors to super PACs. Citizens Union disagrees with his support for voter ID requirements and his opposition to transferring police disciplinary hearings from the NYPD to OATH. Still, Citizens Union was impressed by his integrity and commitment to the district and believes he is the candidate most likely to advance our reform efforts in this open-seat race. Citizens Union endorses Tom Sullivan in this race.

Pesach Osina is a longtime Far Rockaway resident with over two decades of experience across city and state government, including roles in the City Comptroller’s Office, the City Council Speaker’s Office, and the State Assembly, as well as community work in the aftermath of 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He supports most of Citizens Union’s reform agenda, though he opposes open primaries and reforming the state’s special election process. Together, these two issues raise questions about whether Osina will advance good government reform or answer to party interests. Citizens Union appreciates his extensive government experience and commitment to serving our City.