On Thursday, April 28th, the New York League of Conservation Voters, Education Fund and WE-ACT for Environmental Justice co-hosted a candidate forum at the Manhattan Pentecostal Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd with the New York Congressional District 13 Candidates.
The forum provided candidates a series of questions, selected by WE-ACT, NYLCVEF, a series of co-sponsors, and community members.
Assemblyman Guillermo Linares providing opening remarks during the start of the panel.
In attendance were Democratic candidates: Adriano Espaillat, Mike Gallagher, Suzan Johnson Cook, Guillermo Linares, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., David Vila Rivera, and Frank Wright; and Republican candidate Tony Evans. The room was packed with over 50 members from the community representing the true diversity and spread of NY13.
The questions ranged from issues of environmental justice, food security, clean energy, gentrification, combatting climate change, and other related items revolving around the environment and sustainability.
When asked about issues related to toxic chemicals in water, such as lead, Espaillat firmly responded stating, “We need better water quality testing, an alert system, and investments in infrastructure to solve the lead crisis… We are altered to traffic or a missing child; we must be alerted when pollutants are released into the Hudson”.
Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook answering during the panel discussion.
When bringing up the question of how to address the issues of toxics and mold issues in NY13 homes, Assemblyman Wright seeks to address the issue through federal programs like 421(a) to encourage green standards in buildings.
When asked to respond to a simple “Yes or No” supporting a carbon tax, all but Evans responded in support.
Overall, the night was a success – from the packed room to the intensive list of questions for the candidates leaving voters with much to think about before the primaries on June 28th.
During the panel, sponsors like Centro Altagracia De Fe Y Justicia, were given the opportunity to question a hand-selected candidate.
Lastly, do not forget that the last day to register to vote is June 3rd, the last day to request an absentee ballot is June 21st, and The Congressional Primary Election will be held on June 28th! To look up your poll site, please visit http://nys.pollsitelocator.com and to look up your registration info, please visit: https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us.