Justin Brannan ★ Endorsed Candidate
Democratic
Age: 44
Occupation: City Council Member (District 43)
Education: Fordham University (B.S.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Justin Brannan is completing six years on the City Council, the past two as the chair of the Finance Committee. He is now running for reelection to represent a redrawn district that stretches from Bay Ridge to Coney Island. 29 of Brannan’s bills were enacted; he says one of his biggest legislative achievements was expanding the definition of domestic violence to include economic abuse. Other issues he has worked on include healthcare, infrastructure, business improvement districts, and the environment. Brannan supports several CU reform issues such as Ranked Choice Voting, moving municipal elections to even-numbered years, and the campaign finance matching funds program, although he was critical of what he described as problems with the Campaign Finance Board’s performance. As Finance Committee chair and together with Speaker Adrienne Adams, he has made the budget negotiation process more transparent and open to council members. A notable difference with CU’s positions is around a pay-to-play policy: Brannan opposes banning bundling from lobbyists and people doing business with the City because he believes existing donation limits on those individuals suffice. Brannan is an effective and competent elected official who dedicates his time to serving his constituents and delivering to his community. He thus earns Citizens Union’s endorsement in this race.
Ari Kagan
Republican, Conservative, Parent
Age: 56
Occupation: City Council Member (District 47)
Education: Baruch College (B.B.A.)
Candidate returned his questionnaire but refused to participate in an interview.
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.