NYC Primary Election 2020: Wright Touts Experience
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Brooklyn Democrats in a week will cast their ballots in a spate of local, state and federal primary races — including the state Senate's 25th District where Jabari Brisport, Jason Salmon and Tremaine Wright hope to scoop up a retiring lawmaker's seat.
The seat is currently held by state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery, who is stepping down after years of serving the district covering Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Park Slope, Red Hook and other west Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Salmon, who is from Clinton Hill-Fort Greene and worked as a Montgomery staffer, didn't return a Patch questionnaire but has received several endorsements including the Reverend Anthony L. Trufant of Emmanuel Baptist Church and city Councilmember Carlos Menchaca. His ad called "My Community" details his entry into politics after NYPD officers shot one of his friends.
Brisport, who hails from Prospect Heights, has the endorsement of Brooklyn's Democratic Socialists of America, first-term state Sen. Julia Salazar and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Wright, who currently represents Bed-Stuy and North Crown Heights in the state Assembly, received Montgomery's backing as well as from prominent U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Yvette Clarke and long list of other backers.
The primary election, slated for June 23, is open to registered Democratic voters.
All New York voters may request a mail-in ballot due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ballots must be postmarked by the date of the election for the vote to get counted.
For those who want to head to the polls, click here to find your poll site. Early voting is available from June 13 to June 21.
Patch reached out to all candidates in the primary election to create these profiles. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Age as of Election Day (Nov. 3)
48
NYC neighborhood of residence
Bedford Stuyvesant
Position Sought
State Senate
Party Affiliation
Democratic Party
Family
NA
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
NA
Education
Duke University undergrad and University of Chicago Law
Occupation
Previous employed as an attorney in a major law firms; practiced law at Brooklyn Legal Services; Pro bono lawyer for the Volunteers of Legal Service's Incarcerted Mother's Project-Keeping mothers and children together; Volunteer for the City Bar Association's Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP), helping small business owners.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
New York State Assembly Member 56th AD. Elected in November 2016, and began in January 2017.
Campaign website
brooklyn.tremainewright.com
Why are you seeking elective office?
Service has been a part of my life for as long as I remember. As a young girl in Brooklyn I was involved in service by participating in my block association, and I along with my sister and friends were responsible for sweeping the block on Saturday's. I have always participated in student government and involved in community activities whether in elementary school, college or as an adult in community.
My 14 years with the Community Board and Chair for 4 years has provided the best foundation for understanding government on the local level. That experience is invaluable and has prepared me for the work I am currently doing as Assembly member of the 56th AD. I am passionate about my community and I enjoy the opportunity to make change, create legislation and policy. I believe our District deserves someone in Albany who understands government, who will hear the voices of community and who has the knowledge of policy to develop legislation to protect all. The 25th Senate District deserves a Senator who will represent them fearlessly, who has experience, who is committed with demonstrated leadership. Vote for, Tremaine Wright for NYS Senate.
The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community today is "Police Reform". As the Chair of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus I am proud to state the Caucus has taken a stand against systemic racism, police brutality and has created Legislation to address all. The time for change is now, and everyone must be accountable. I am proud to be working for the community, creating solutions to meet the needs for our community.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am currently the Chair of the 60 member New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. The Caucus is currently about to pass legislation to address the racial inequality that has presented itself recently in our community.
Authored, the Construction Notification Law, requiring the NYC DOB to notify nearby homeowners of adjoining construction projects and be provided proof of insurance and copies of permits.
Authored the C.R.O.W.N Act, which prohibits discrimination based on natural hair styles or traits associated with race.
Co-authored the Deed Theft Protect Law, providing greater protections for homeowners facing default or foreclosure.
Co -authored the Adoptees' Rights Law, allowing adopted 18 year olds to access their original birth certificates.
Authored the Credit Time Allowance Law, for individuals who earn college credits while incarcerated.
Authored the Residential Care Notification Law, to protect adult home residents
Lead negotiator with MTA in the decision to re-open the Bedford & Nostrand avenue "A" station.
During COVID 19 crisis, lead the negotiations in obtaining a testing site in Bedford Stuyvesant.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I support an Affordable Housing plan that prioritizes affordable home ownership. We have the opportunity to build next generation cooperatives and to utilize land banks to preserve affordability.
We have to support policy to provide Quality Healthcare for All. The delivery of health care throughout the system can be improved with investments in a diverse workforce, culturally informed training, the incorporation of wellness initiatives and better peri-natal care.
The recent COVID-19 crisis has exposed many of the weaknesses in our systems. This is our opportunity to address inequity and provide opportunity. The COVID-19 Relief Efforts must focus on housing stability, economic opportunities and training, food distribution and improved health systems.
I support equal rights and enforcement of the laws that protect us from discriminatory abuses be it in the work place, at school or in interactions with law enforcement. I will continue to sponsor and support Anti-Discrimination legislation.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I was a member of Community Board for 14 years, chairing it for 4 years. While on the CB I worked on every committee and held every office available. I learned by working on the field helping community. I owned and operated,Common Grounds A Neighborhood Coffee House for 10 years. I was an organizer of the Tompkins Avenue Merchants Association (TAMA).
The best advice ever shared with me was:
While at the University of Chicago Law School, I was inspired to be "an agent of change in my community" by my constitutional law professor, former President Barack Obama.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am a Brooklyn native who still lives on the same street where my grandparents raised their family. My commitment to service began as a young girl, when my sister and friends would sweep our block to help keep it clean.
I am supported by Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Speaker of New York City Council Corey Johnson.
State Senators - Zellnor Myrie, Kevin Parker, Roxanne Persuad, Brad Hoylman, John Liu, Brian A. Benjamin, Jamaal T. Bailey
Assemblymembers: Walter T. Mosley, Felix Ortiz, Diana C. Richardson, Jo Anne Simon, N. Nick Perry, Al Taylor, Inez E. Dickens, Patricia Fahy,
Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy Jr, Alicka Ampry-Samuel
District Leader Honorable Annette Robinson,
Honorable Al Vann
Labor Support: DC37, 1199/SEIU, CWA District 1, CWA Local 1180, CWA Local 1109, TWU, LIUNY-NY PAC, NYSUT,
EMILY's List, Eleanor's Legacy, Brooklyn-Queens NOW
This article originally appeared on the Bed-Stuy Patch
