The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) is hosting a Meet The Candidates Night for NYC Council District 5 which includes Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.
According to RIRA President Frank Farance:
I have confirmation that Collin Thompson (Democratic candidate) and Alina Bonsell (Republican candidate) will attend. Julie Menin (Democratic candidate) has a conflict and will be sending a statement, which I will read.
The format is:
- Coin toss (who speaks first)
- Opening Statements (3 minutes each)
- Questions from the public (each candidate up to 2 minutes)
- Closing Statements (2 minutes each)
- As RIRA President, I will moderate the discussion.
Looking forward to your attendance, and asking your questions! Thanks.
Julie Menin is the incumbent NYC Council District 5 member.
Collin Thompson is challenging Ms Menin in the Democratic Party primary for City Council District 5.
The 2025 Democratic Party Primary Election Day is Tuesday June 24. Early voting period is Saturday June 14 – Sunday June 22.
Alina Bonsell is the Republican candidate to represent NYC Council District 5.
Here’s Ms Bonsell speaking at a meeting of the Log Cabin Republicans.
More info on Ms Bonsell available at her Instagram Page. I was not able to publish any of her Instagram posts because they are not embeddable.
UPDATE 5/28 – According to NYC Council Member Menin:
Unfortunately, due to multiple commitments that had been made prior to the May 29 forum, I am not able to attend the Roosevelt Island Residents Association forum.
It’s been an honor to serve the 5th Council District representing the East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island and I am proud that over 25 of my bills have become laws or adopted by the Council. I passed legislation that will reign in excessive healthcare costs by requiring hospitals to disclose their prices, codified reproductive rights, created a one stop shop portal for small businesses to consolidate all permits and licenses, and have set New York City on a path to be the first in the nation to have universal child care which will provide critical support to working families.
Since taking office, I have allocated over $1.7 million to support nonprofits, schools and libraries on Roosevelt Island and my resolution calling on the NY State to grant residents of Roosevelt Island the power to vote for members of the board of RIOC was heard by the City Council last year. I will continue to advocate for Roosevelt Island Tram Priority for local residents and am actively working with the current Mayoral Administration to extend the Roosevelt Island land lease to further protect current future residents