25th Senate District

Why should voters choose you?

Ken Diamondstone

1. I will bring reform to Albany … The New York Times supports my campaign based largely on my ability to be a strong proponent of change.

2. I am an advocate for affordable housing and sensible development…

3. I will be a steward of the taxpayer’s money [and a] strong advocate for greater fiscal responsibility in Albany.

4. I will focus on issues such as reclaiming our port development process from a New Jersey-centric Port Authority, and advancing renewable energy and stem-cell research projects.

Marty Connor

1. I have passed significant legislation over the years — from the school bus safety bill to the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Act. I know how to pass legislation even when in the minority. That’s why virtually every Democratic state Senator has endorsed me.

2. I know the district’s concerns. I have lived in the district for 36 years.

3. On the important issues (choice, death penalty, gun control, LGBT rights), I do not just talk about what “my position” is — I have voted my beliefs, without compromise.

4. I have always refused to pander. It takes political maturity to stand up to vociferous pressure — as in the case of the Chinese Women’s Shelter in Carroll Gardens. Often, constituents do not appreciate an elected official taking a responsible, nuanced position on an issue and attempting to reconcile absurd positions. But, that is my approach.

Offer two or more reasons why your opponent is unqualified — or significantly less qualified than you.

Diamondstone

1. My opponent is not a proponent of reform, but is part of the problem in Albany. Recently, he tried to circumvent the democratic process by trying to have me removed from the ballot.

2. He is not an advocate for the key values of our community. Most hurtful of all, however, was his role in repealing the commuter tax, an act which has cost the city to date over $3 billion.

Connor

1. As the New York Times stated, my opponent “does not have a strong record of accomplishments.”

2. A wealthy landlord, he moved into the Senate district for the purpose of running for the Senate. He has run before where he lived for 30 years — and lost soundly. He lacks knowledge of the community issues in 85 percent of the district.

What are the three most important issues facing your district — and what are your positions on them?

Diamondstone

1. Development: Major projects such as Atlantic Yards and Brooklyn Bridge Park threaten to change the nature of the entire borough. Looking ahead, I propose that developers would only qualify for tax breaks from the state if they reserve a minimum of 30 percent of their building for affordable housing. The state should use eminent domain to take over existing affordable housing that threatens to be privatized for luxury development.

2. Fiscal burdens such as affordable health care, improved worker’s compensation, day care subsidies and disability insurance are often seen as minute, but I will give them attention.

3. The state government needs to be reformed in three main areas: campaigns, governance and money.

Connor

1. Environment, including traffic, pollution, overdevelopment. I will push for Brookyln Bridge Park, demanding traffic calming and diversion measures, neighborhood parking permit, and opposing most zoning variances.

2. Affordable housing. My plan: end tax subsidies for housing development of million-dollar-plus condos. Tax abatement programs should require at least 50 percent of units be affordable to middle-class and working families.

3. Public education: My plan is to insist on a new middle school and more classrooms to reduce class sizes.

SPECIFIC ISSUES ROUND
Atlantic Yards?

Diamondstone

This project does not adequately address the needs of the community. I believe the community is getting shortchanged with regard to the valuation of the land as well as the amount of affordable housing that has been designated for the project.

Connor

This should be scaled back. I have grave concerns about the impact on traffic and public infrastructure in my district.

The “Brooklyn Bridge Park” waterfront development?

Diamondstone

This project would be the first time a public park was converted into luxury housing. I am opposed to this plan because of its utter dismissal of the need for affordable housing in Brooklyn.

Connor

I support building the park. To be self-supporting, there must be limited development. I have received a commitment that proposed housing will be scaled back based on the yield from the first development parcels.