New York is holding elections, including for judicial and municipal offices, on June 27, 2023, and Nov. 7, 2023, respectively. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of June 21. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Steven Beard (D) is running for New York City Civil Court Queens 6th Municipal Court District and the special Democratic primary election is on June 27. Here’s how Beard responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“As a candidate for judicial office, I am prohibited from commenting on public policy or any political issues. However, I am committed to an independent and effective administration of justice. I will be dedicated to moving the Court docket efficiently and timely in line with the Standards and Goals of our New York Courts.”
Click here to read the rest of Beard’s answers.
Ursila Jung (D) is running for New York City Council District 1 and the Democratic primary election is on June 27. Here’s how Jung responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“As an immigrant, I see a truth that is sometimes not obvious to everyone: the United States of America is so much more than a mere geographical entity. It is a land where the American Dream of opportunity and prosperity is possible. It is a place that people around the world aspire to because it is a beacon of hope and promise. I know this to be true because the U.S. is a country where a person like myself – an immigrant woman – can dream of having a fair chance at running for public office. I am passionate about this democracy. But people are increasingly alienated from the polarized political discourse that dominates the country. I believe we must actively reach out to voters to tell them their vote matter. Getting out the vote is the most important thing to a representative democracy and we must work to increase voter turnout. This includes promoting ranked choice voting and moving all elections to even years.”
Click here to read the rest of Jung’s answers.
Kelly Klingman (Conservative Party, Republican Party) is running for New York City Council District 22 and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Klingman responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Since the pandemic we’ve seen a massive 15% spike in violent crime citywide, students face unprecedented learning loss & mental health issues, test scores dropped below 50%, and our current housing crisis is both unsustainable and forcing families to leave NYC. Access to achievement, opportunity, and upward mobility for low-income families is dwindling under Caban’s watch in City Hall. We need solutions for these critical issues, and I intend to set these as my top priorities as your Councilwoman.”
Click here to read the rest of Klingman’s answers.
Eve Shippens (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) is running for Buffalo Common Council North District and the Democratic primary election is on June 27. Here’s how Shippens responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“1. Safe, Healthy Neighborhoods:
- investing in public safety …
- addressing housing issues with the Tenants Bill of Rights …
- reducing impact on the environment …
2. Thriving Business Districts
- revitalize the business community and workers rights …
- ensure city services, like garage collection, snow removal, and street maintenance, are timely, routine, and efficient
- invest in city forestry, sidewalks, and public transit …
3. Resources for Families
- connect residents with already existing programs …
- enhance language access and disability services …
- identify unmet needs and work collaboratively with other levels of government and community groups to provide resources …”
Click here to read the rest of Shippens’ answers.
If you’re a New York candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
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