A special election to fill a vacancy on the New York City Council will take place in Brooklyn on Tuesday.
Pro-Trump entrepreneur Heshy Tischler and conservative Democratic State Senator Simcha Felder are vying for the 44th district seat, which encompasses portions of Midwood, Gravesend, Sunset Park, and Borough Park.
Since former Councilman Kalman Yeger took up his new seat in the New York State Assembly at the beginning of the year, the seat has been empty.
Debate about a homeless shelter in Borough Park
Tischler talked about his motivations for seeking public office in an interview with Brooklyn writer Hannah Kliger. Since 2017, he has been trying in vain to be elected to the council.
“I think that I’m competent, I’m a professional,” Tischler responded when asked why he believes he might succeed this time. I am familiar with budgeting. I am familiar with city red tape. I am able to assist others.
Opponents of a contentious homeless shelter planned for Borough Park have pointed to the district’s lack of representation as a point of contention.
“We finally built the neighborhood, got the drug dealers out. We built schools in the neighborhoods, synagogues, churches. It’s a beautiful community. You bringing us a homeless shelter,” he stated.
Several requests for interviews were turned down by Felder’s office. He is also against the initiative, according to a spokesman from his office.
Project to store lithium batteries in Gravesend
A lithium battery energy storage system planned by a green energy firm near McDonald Avenue in Gravesend raises additional concerns. Residential streets are at a short distance from this industrial area.
Council members frequently contribute to community advocacy and education, even if they have little direct influence over initiatives like these.
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In a statement, Felder’s office expressed his “serious concerns about the safety of this facility.”
Tischler stated that he intends to oppose it.
“You think they can do this in six months or a year? Unacceptable. There’s no way they can pass. Again, this is my forte. This is my specialty, and I will have them shut down,” he stated.
The elements of a tight contest
The winner of Tuesday’s election will hold office until the year’s conclusion. To serve a full four-year term, they will need to win the general election and run again in the June primary.
In an attempt to capitalize on President Trump’s triumph in the district, Tischler has raised more money than his rival.
Felder, who has been in public office since 2002 and has previously represented the same constituency, is looking to gain some notoriety.
Voter turnout is anticipated to be low because this is a special election held in an off-year. The Board of Elections reported that 686 ballots had been cast as of the end of early voting on March 23, suggesting that the race may be close.
On Tuesday, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. To locate your polling station, click here.
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