Assembly’s 68th District race pits 2
Daby Carreras, Republican/Independence/Reform/Stop de Blasio
What three things do you most want to get done in the state legislature during the next two years?
My top three are charter schools, housing/homelessness, and taxes. Mayor de Blasio would like nothing more than to close every single charter school in the city; HE IS OUT OF HIS MIND! We need to #STOPdeBLASIO. There are over 200 NYC charter schools now, with more than 100,000 students attending. That’s two Yankee stadiums full of kids looking to excel in life, Ten percent of these children live in East Harlem/El Barrio alone. Sadly, to quote the hit HBO TV series “The Wire,” “kids don’t vote.” However this year on Nov. 8 they are on the ballot, we must not forget them. With regards to homelessness/housing, it’s unconscionable that here in NYC, “the center of the universe,” the current democratic leadership has turned its back on the people who need them the most and that’s the working poor. I will fight to fix the dysfunctional distribution of SNAP/HRA funds. It is of utmost importance that we lower taxes for our community job creators. People must understand that they are not poor because someone else is rich!
Do you think you will be able to work with the opposition party? How?
I am confident that I will be able to work with the opposition party. Just recently during the presidential debates, groups of Latinos gathered to have what was called “Fiesta Politica,” a bi-partisan debate watch party, during which we had major TV stations there to witness its greatness. We were interviewed and many of us gave sound bites. There were about 80 of us involved. I cannot begin to express how united the Spanish community is in the city. We continue to choose and put people first above party. Leaders from Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx, as well as some celebrities, were there. As we continue to talk, share meals, and drink with each other, while discussing issues that face the communities. Such as ending corruption/cronyism and bringing terms limits, we will only grow stronger together.
What is your favorite TV show, and why?
Simple, one of my favorite TV shows is Saturday Night Live. For one, they always get it right! Whether the sketch is about current events or public figure blunders, SNL adds that much-needed lighthearted element to put an end to a busy week here LIVE FROM NEW YORK!
Robert J. Rodriguez, Democratic/Women’s Equality
What three things do you most want to get done in the state legislature during the next two years?
This session, I’ll continue to protect New Yorkers’ money, time, and homes. I’ll keep fighting to protect retirement savings benefits for hard working New Yorkers who work for a company with 25 or more employees. We should be making it easier for folks to plan for their retirement, not creating more loops to jump through.
Second, I’m eager to continue our ambitious work to reduce traffic and bring transit service to underserved communities with my “Move NY” legislation. This plan will give funding the MTA to improve the maintenance and upkeep of our infrastructure, while keeping fare prices affordable.
Third, I’ll continue to fight for quality affordable housing. I’m proud of our victories, including my legislation to limit the amount of time scaffolding can remain standing in a NYCHA development, but we can’t stop there. I’ll push to improve our buildings in East Harlem and in communities across the state, and hold NYCHA accountable on safety concerns.
Do you think you will be able to work with the opposition party? How?
I’m proud to have friends on both sides of the aisle, and to have of worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to identify shared goals and make life better for the people of New York.
Most recently, I have led a coalition of lawmakers from both parties to restore funding for the MTA Capital Plan. Our plan will ensure completion of the next phase of the Second Avenue subway line, bringing much-needed subway service to the East side. I’ve always worked to make sure that issues like more equitable access to transportation never get caught in the partisan crossfire, and will continue to cultivate my relationship with all lawmakers and hold my friends accountable.
What is your favorite TV show, and why?
My favorite show is the crime drama series Luther on BBC, because of its powerful acting, ever-evolving characters, and captivating storylines.