Jean H. Similien
Jumaane D. Williams
Godwin Williams*
Party Enrolled In: Democratic
Current Occupation: Council Member, 45th District
Previous Occupation(s): Executive Director, New York State Tenants and Neighbors; Housing Director, Flatbush Development Corporation; Interim Executive Director, Flatbush East Community Development Corporation; Assistant Director, Greater Flatbush Beacon School
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Brooklyn College; Master's Degree in Urban Policy and Administration, Brooklyn College
Organizational Affiliations: Founding Member, Political Power Through Organizing (P2O); Member, Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club
Prior Public Experience: Board Member, Community Board 18
1. What is the most important issue in Council District 45 you would address if elected?
Since my election in 2009, the primary goal for my office has been to ensure that all young people have a safe place to learn and grow. This means advancing public safety through a reduction of gun violence and improved police-community relations, just as it entails giving our children a quality public education as well as ample resources for their enrichment and recreation.
2. What other important issues would you address if elected?
I am working to implement significant government reform, in the form of changes to our City Charter, that will address the imbalance of power at City Hall and the disparities in resource allocation citywide. As a longtime housing advocate, I will continue to focus energy on addressing the lack of affordability in our community and the need for New York City to regain home rule over our rent laws. I also seek to implement additional community initiatives to advance our local quality of life for small businesses, seniors and families alike.
3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I am an independent, progressive voice that has dedicated my career to empowering my neighbors with the tools that will lift up everyone's future. I have the governing experience needed to build on the foundation of work we have achieved together thus far, and I possess the energy necessary to ensure that no bureaucracy will stand in the way of our community's progress.
Reprinted as supplied by the candidate. Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program.
This Guide lists all candidates who appear to be on the ballot for the primary election based on the latest information obtained from the New York City Board of Elections, even if a candidate did not submit a profile or record a video for the Guide. Profiles and video scripts were submitted to the CFB by the candidates and are reprinted as supplied, except in the case of egregious errors and minor formatting issues, which may be corrected by the CFB. Videos appearing in this Guide were recorded and approved for broadcast by the candidates. All the candidates have affirmed under penalty of perjury that the information in their profiles and videos is true to the best of their knowledge. Website and social media links were supplied by the candidates. The CFB is not responsible for non-working links, although it does correct or remove them to the extent practicable. The CFB removes links that are not campaign-related.
The views expressed in the candidate profiles, videos, and linked materials do not represent those of the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
