Kayla Santosuosso is the Chief Counsel to Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents this district, and a small business owner. She previously worked in nonprofits, political campaigns, and the City’s Law Department. Santosuosso supports all of Citizens Union’s agenda items on the candidate questionnaire and presented a thoughtful and nuanced approach to policy and the City Council’s oversight role. She also stressed how she would reach and listen to different communities and voters in this oddly shaped district. Her familiarity with this district and her government experience makes her well-positioned to become an effective representative in the City Council, and advocate for reform. Citizens Union endorses her candidacy for Council District 47.

George Sarantopoulos is the owner of Access One Solutions, a national ATM services company that he founded in 2003. After being diagnosed with cancer three years ago (he thankfully recovered), he decided to reassess his priorities, “stop complaining, and give back.” He became more involved in community work and local politics, worked for a local assembly member, ran a political consulting firm, and later decided to run for office himself.  He supports all of Citizens Union’s agenda items on the candidate questionnaire, and stressed the conflicts created by some of Mayor Adams’ appointments to the NYPD. During the primary, he narrowly defeated the party county chair by 16 votes in a race that is now the center of an investigation of voter fraud and irregularities, including voting by dead people. His fight for a clean election and election officials prompted him to commit to reform and professionalize the Board of Elections. Citizens Union appreciates Sarantopoulos’ support for reform and commitment to serve his community.