Note: Despite repeated requests, candidate Tracy Boyland did not fill out our questionnaire. She also did not return repeated calls from The Brooklyn Papers.
Why should voters choose you?
I am a full-time legislator who spends 100 percent of my time, attention and work on constituent services and representation in Albany. My years of experience as a teacher, community organizer, child-care advocate, parent and elected official gives [sic] me a breadth and depth of understanding and knowledge about important issues.
Why is your opponent unqualified?
She has no proven record of representation consistent with the standards expected by voters. And she has not disclosed the source of her campaign contributions as required by law. Voters have no way of knowing who is financing the Tracy Boyland candidacy.
What are the three most-important issues facing your district — and your plan to address them?
1. Affordable housing. I will continue to work on including affordable housing as a requirement for all developments receiving public subsidies. I support the extension of the Mitchell-Lama program.
2. Preventive health and mental health services. I will continue to fight for health care services, including school-based and culturally competent community health and mental health clinics, the availability of sex education for youth, and information about HIV prevention. I will also continue to work and support the expansion of home care services for the elderly.
3. Educational opportunity for youth. There must be adequate funding, reforms to improve the outcomes for students, and the broadest public support in order to ensure the continuation of social, economic and educational progress for generations.
Is Brooklyn heading in the “right” direction or the “wrong” direction?
The Manhattanization of Brooklyn is absolutely the wrong direction. We need a master plan that includes small and medium-sized businesses, light manufacturing, waterfront development, recreation and cultural centers. All development should include open space, mixed-income housing and environmentally friendly buildings in consideration of it’s [sic] impact on the quality of life [of] existing communities.
SPECIFIC ISSUE ROUND
Atlantic Yards?
I oppose the Ratner plan. I support the Extell plan, which is based on a set of development principals that respect the existing neighborhoods and does not require eminent domain. It does not close off streets or create a walled-in community or 20- to 60-story towers that will destroy our neighborhoods.
“Brooklyn Bridge Park”?
Parks should be free open space with maximum recreational and park-related retail/cultural activities. To the extent that the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront development represents this principle, it is a great plan.
Bonus: What TV show do you TiVO so you are sure to never miss it?
None
