By Linda Nwoke

As time ticks closer to the Democratic party primary election, early voting begins June 12-20. The following days are critical to the candidates and the voters.

We know that whoever emerges will be up against the Republican candidate at the end of the election on November 2nd.

What is the primary job of an NYC Mayor?
The newly elected Mayor will formulate and manage New York City’s financial plan, annual Capital, and Expense Budgets. The person will also oversee relationships at the federal, state, and local governing entities, including managing healthcare, immigration, security, and so on for the next four years.

The formulated policies will have consequences for all New York City residents, especially immigrants – Africans, Asians, Caribbean, and Latinos.

From informal interviews of a few immigrant Caribbean Americans, a common expectation that runs across concerns security, health, job, and housing. Natalya, a Brooklyn resident, claims the need for security, “…now that we are going back to normalcy, we want to go back to a city where you feel safe returning from work at all hours of the day.”

Denise, who resides in Manhattan, wants the issue of homelessness addressed “… Homelessness, high rentals, and affordable homes need to be fixed by the new administration. ”

Chris from Queens is more concerned about health care for the most vulnerable in the City.” In my experience during the COVID, there was a lot of inadequacies of the health system in handling crisis moments …”

So, what is expected in the next four years from each Mayoral candidate if they win?
Each candidate has a stand on various issues and policies that affect the City. However, there are differences in what individual candidates are selling to an average immigrant New Yorker. Let’s take a look at what each is promising and what it means if elected:

Describing ANDREW YANG
Andrew Yang’s popularity at this race is an offshoot from his presidential campaign for the White House. Despite being a moderate Democrat, his understanding of the workings of New York City government functions is uncertain, especially without the evidence of past service to the State or City.

There is genuine concern from some astute New Yorkers that if he becomes the next Mayor, NYC might face a harsher reality than the aftermath of the pandemic. Central to this feeling is the perception that his lack of relevant political experience might serve as a manipulation tool for the various interests of private individuals, corporate New York, and groups backing his campaign. Also, the lack of clarity on knotty issues like police reform and immigration is of concern.

In his favor, his optimism, willingness to support, and approachability are some notable strengths that can work for him and will be tested over the next couple of weeks.

His Promises
Yang’s bold ideas and advocacy for universal basic income promise to create a $1 billion cash relief program for the poorest 500,000 New Yorkers, at an average of $2,000 annually, with the beneficiaries enrolled into his proposed “People’s Bank” sets him aside from others.

Receiving endorsements from notable people, including pro-charter school billionaires and several key Jewish leaders, has also worked in keeping him among the top three of five candidates.

What to expect if he becomes a mayor
Recent events, including accusations from City Comptroller Scott Stringer, suggest that Mr. Yang might get entangled in the shenanigans of having supporters that are not “pro-immigrant interest.” For instance, the allegation of having patrons who want to privatize education fosters the fear that his time might deepen the existing gap in the already broken educational system.

Also, his lack of experience and inadequate knowledge of policies can indicate that the City will be under the leadership of a seemingly ‘greenhorn ‘- a risky proposition for a city fighting to get back on its feet after the pandemic.

Describing KATHRYN GARCIA
She has worked with the City for over 14 years in different capacities. Garcia might understand the needs of fellow New Yorkers; and the success and failures of leadership in the City. Born a Brooklynite, Ms. Garcia built her career serving in New York City government, including the outgoing administration.

Her Promises
Garcia’s eyes are focused on climate change and transportation. Her proposal to launch a full-blown economy that runs on renewable energy and double the number of green jobs over the next decade is ambitious.

Starting from the existing plan, she intends to upgrade the City’s transportation system by reforming public transportation, electrify over 10,000 school buses, and expand the City’s bike lanes.

An advocate of climate resiliency, she intends to turn every school roof into a green energy source, create a Green New Deal for the City’s housing authority, and increase accessibility to public green spaces.

With endorsements from reputable news institutions, she enjoys the confidence of individuals and groups that believe in her ability.

What to expect if she becomes Mayor
She is definitely a strong contender whose ideas and experience the city needs. Her plans of creating jobs in an area that aligns with Biden’s administration could be good for the City. Her immediate and futuristic plans will benefit all New Yorkers, including Caribbean Americans since every New Yorker needs a city with better transportation and new jobs to protect the environment and foster prosperity.

Describing SCOTT STRINGER
Despite the scandal that somewhat overshadowed his candidacy, Scott Stringer has notable and relevant experience serving New York City. Over the years, he held a long-serving position as a state assemblyman and later became the City’s Comptroller.

His promises
Scott Stringer’s focus remains the most grounded of all the candidates. His big three are affordable housing, childcare, and supporting small businesses through grants. He proposes affordable housing by strengthening tenant rights and investing toward rebuilding the New York City Housing Authority. He also proposes investing over $450 million to create affordable childhood education to address child care gaps and improve the economy by making grants available to small businesses with a $1 billion recovery program.

Besides individuals, endorsements from prominent labor unions, including the teacher’s union, among others, boosted his candidacy. The teacher’s union had released a statement saying “… has always found him both supportive of educators and an advocate for women.”

What to expect if he becomes Mayor
Despite the sexual assault allegations, he remains a strong contender. If he becomes the next Mayor, unionized jobs will thrive under his watch. Families, especially women and children, will get the support needed. In addition, his tenure could benefit immigrants.

Describing DIANNE MORALES
An experienced non-profit executive, Dianne Morales is a progressive Democrat who left her job to focus on her mayoral run. Recently, accusations of creating an unfavorable work environment for her workers, especially staff of color, have put her managerial position under scrutiny.

Her promises
Ms. Morales’s campaign focuses on the rhetoric of support for the marginalized communities – providing guaranteed income to the poor, rebuilding the New York City Housing Authority, building a Community First Responders Department from a rechanneled NYPD’s budget into social services, and desegregating schools. With endorsement from the Sunrise Movement and the Working Families Party, she enjoys the confidence of community groups.

What to expect if she becomes Mayor
Her strength is in mobilizing grassroots support. However, recent controversy within her campaign, questions about her integrity based on past dealings are putting a strain on her candidacy. If she wins, immigrants will feel the support that emanates from communities. However, on bigger policy-related issues, like security, it could be a wild ride for the next four years for immigrants.

Describing ERIC ADAMS
An ‘outspoken’ Brooklynite, former police captain, former state senator, and incumbent borough president for his hometown, Eric Adams is an ambitious, strategic-minded, and smooth-talking politician with years of public life experience. He is never one to shy away from controversial issues. He is among the top three candidates for the Democratic party in the City.

Regardless of news about his past questionable fundraising dealings, especially his campaign finance, Eric Adams enjoys the support from one of the City’s most populous borough – Brooklyn, a solid base of support for his mayoral run.

His promises
Mr. Adams is described as a moderate Democrat whose ideas are not over the top. An advocate for small businesses and real estate development, yet his emphasis is promoting public safety, an area of strength based on experience from his two decades of work in law enforcement.

Amongst other initiatives, he intends to bring back the disbanded NYPD Anti-Crime Units, support their efforts in fighting gun crime, and flushing illegal firearms off NYC streets. His economic “People’s Plan” strategy for the poor includes a tax credit of $3,000 per annum, housing assistance for “homelessness-prone candidates,” universal child care for every family that cannot afford it, and creating a new “MyCity” online portal for New Yorkers to assess their benefit eligibility. All these are great ideas that can win him the office. He has the backing of select federal, state, and local politicians.

What to expect if he becomes Mayor
Adam’s greatest competition is Andrew Yang. Their proposed policies have some similarities. However, Adams has the advantage of experience, knowledge, and what needs to be done to improve security in the City.

Under his watch, immigrants stand a chance of returning to normalcy – living in a New York City with semblance to the past, but he will need fresh ideas to take the City to a progressive place that will put his rallying skills into good use.

Describing MAYA WILEY
An activist, professor, and attorney describe some of the accomplishments of Ms. Maya Wiley. A relatively ‘newbie’ to politics, her campaign centers on promoting police reform and racial justice.

Her promises
Known for two major plans – “universal community care and New York Deal,” Ms. Wiley will spend $500 million (generated in part from cutting the budget of NY law enforcement-NYPD budget) in providing a $5000 per annum assistance to 100,000 families – child and elderly care.

On her $10 billion “New York New Deal,” she intends to create 100,000 new jobs to rebuild the City’s infrastructure while lifting the communities of color from the aftermath of the pandemic. Several celebrities, City, state, and national politicians have endorsed her, believing in her ability to deliver change and address the needs of people in real need.

What to expect if she becomes Mayor
Wiley’s ideas are pro-poor and pro-marginalized groups, which means pro-immigrants. However, there are many challenges against her candidacy – not having enough related experience, and going up against professional politicians, but she is a notable candidate.

Describing SHAUN DONOVAN
An experienced hand in public service, Shaun Donovan has served at the city and federal government levels in critical and sensitive positions. His vast experience as the commissioner of housing preservation and development at the city level, followed by serving in Housing and Urban development before working at the Management and Budget office as a director.

But his stellar accomplishments have become tinged with the controversial issue about his father’s role in financing his campaign and his inadequate knowledge of housing cost, implying his lack of touch with the realities of the City.

His promises
Similar in some ways to Yang’s and Adam’s proposal, Donovan’s focus is on addressing racial inequality by closing racial wealth gaps through investments. Under his leadership, the City will deposit $2000 annually for children in low-income families set up as “Equity Bonds.”

His other notable idea is the “15-minute neighborhoods,” where every New York City community would have easy access to public transportation, health care, and essential food found in more affluent parts of the City. Endorsements across various classes of people confirm his ability to engage at all levels.

What to expect if he becomes Mayor
The recent negative press has also served as a pointer to a few issues, implying that his ideas are a bit elitist and will supposedly serve only a small group in society. This suggests that immigrants may not benefit significantly under his Mayoral leadership.

Describing RAY MAGUIRE
Mr. Ray Maguire, an accomplished banker, worked his way to becoming successful. He is expected to bring fresh blood into New York City politics from the financial sector.

His promises
The center of his campaign is ‘revitalizing the economy through an ambitious plan to creating 500,000 jobs using various measures. Solely funded from the private sector, he has endorsements of several successful celebrities, notably of African American descent.

What to expect if he becomes Mayor
Despite his laudable ideas and enviable endorsement, Mr. Maguire’s ideas lack a holistic approach to meeting most immigrants’ multifaceted needs, especially the Caribbean American community.

As a voter, what can I do to ensure that the new Mayor will protect my interest?
Describing the 2021 New York City Mayoral Race as intense is not an exaggeration, with Andrew Yang, Eric Adams, and Kathryn Garcia among the top three candidates. Maya Wiley, Scott Stringer are all leading contenders in the pack of top Democratic party flag bearers.

But it is important to remember, let your vote count – vote for the candidate that best addresses your expectations because you determine who becomes the next Mayor. So, choose well!

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.

  Caribbean people, Caribbeans, NYC Mayoral Race