The position of Brooklyn Boro President is very important to many New York City residents. Boro presidents have a major say in land use decisions, and appoint members of local Community Boards. But, perhaps most of all, they are a voice for the boro.

Yesterday, in conjunction with the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, the Agudah Voting Project hosted a forum with candidates for the office: City Council Member Robert Cornegy; Khari Edwards, a former Vice President at Brookdale Hospital; City Council Member Mathieu Eugene; City Council Member Antonio Reynoso; and, State Assembly Member, Jo Anne Simon.

Each candidate was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and lay out their vision for the office and the ‘Future of Brooklyn.’ The candidates were then asked questions by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president, Agudath Israel, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, director of New York government relations, Agudath Israel, and Josh Mehlman, Chairman of Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition.

The candidates discussed their position on the government’s role in yeshivas, their position on development and job creation (specifically regarding the Industry City project in Brooklyn, a development that promised thousands of local jobs but was defeated by local opposition), how each candidate would use community boards and would they appoint Orthodox Jews to sit on them, and their take on policing in the city. The forum concluded with a quick lightning round asking each candidate if they would visit Israel, if they support BDS, and – on a less serious note –what their favorite Jewish food is in Brooklyn.

“We really appreciate the candidates taking the time to participate in this forum, as the position of Brooklyn Boro President is an extremely important one. The boro president is the voice for the boro and an advocate for the community. The candidates answered very important questions that relate to how they would serve in the office, in a position that affords a lot of flexibility,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber. “The upcoming June 22 Primary election is crucial to our community’s future. These types of forums help us in our mission to strengthen voter engagement and turnout. With strong voter turnout we can help write the next chapter for our great city,” added Josh Mehlman.

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