Get to Know the District 36 City Council Candidates

The pandemic hit Bedford-Stuyvesant business owners hard, and they hope that a new city council will have new ways to help the small business community. About 86 percent of the businesses have fewer than 10 employees in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

“We need to urgently re-open more of our economy and access much more federal support if our small businesses are to survive in 2021,” Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Randy Peers said. Small business owners struggled and claimed that they didn’t get the support they needed during the pandemic.

To address small business problems, The Economic Development Committee of Community Board (CB3) partnered with BKLYN Commons, Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, and Bridge Street Development Corporation, and hosted a virtual Meet the Candidates Forum on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

Five of the twelve candidates running for the District 36 Council seat to replace term-limited Councilmember Robert Cornegy Jr., who is running for Brooklyn Borough President, participated in the forum. They explained their plans to support small businesses and freelancers and boost the district’s economy if elected to City Council.

The moderator, Abbi Robinson-Hobson, explained the Bed-Stuy community’s expectations from the new council member. “Bed-Stuy looks for a [public] servant leader who has the experience in championing causes, has the skill to broker relationships, to bring home resources and a vision to move us forward,” she said. Then she continued to ask the candidates, “Can you share your experience taking on these challenges, the relationship you will broker or have brokered … If you are elected, what is your vision to move Bed-Stuy forward?”

Henry Butler, current Community Board District Manager, said that he has been part of the conversation in budget meetings for housing. He has also brought jobs and funding to the 36th District.

“I will push to have a satellite office for Small Business Services (SBS) within the 36th Council District to deliver wrap-around services such as grants and loans,” he said. Butler continued, “Any development on city land and requiring commercial space needs to be priced at below-market rates within the district and making sure that first choice goes to local owners within the 36th Council District.”

Tahirah Moore described herself as “a daughter” of the 36th Council District. She has worked at the City Council and Mayor’s office. She sees small businesses as the community’s soul and has a deep understanding of legislation and policy, which she says will better help to make the district move forward.

“I will make sure our businesses have the money to access the capital, access to the no or low-interest loans that they need, and have grants that are available, making sure they are connected with the resources that are available on the city, state and federal level. We will also make sure the businesses have technology assistants to allow them to advertise for their own business,” Moore said. “Businesses need to have mentorship to make them feel they are supported. And when providing these resources, we will make sure they are in the languages people understand. We come here to show you the results, not ideas.”

Chi Osse, a son of a small business owner, is the only candidate advocating for climate policy. He emphasizes small business owners need help beyond what Small Business Services (SBS) offers. He said that he understands business owners’ struggles and believes technology is a tool to help bring more awareness to the community. His focus is to get funding from the city and other resources for business owners.

He said, “Forty-four percent black-owned or woman-owned businesses are out of business because of the increasing rent. I will be able to mitigate developers from increasing rents in our district and make sure these owners are able to open and continue to open their businesses.” Osse continued, “I will put forward legislation that gets funding in New York budget deals into our community for SBS and make sure those who need it can have it.”

Reginald Swiney, R.S.Painting Co., Inc owner, said that he sees the importance of helping senior business owners to access the technology while helping younger generations.

“I lobby for the bill for MWBE [Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise] contractor needs. I have the program [to support the contractors]. I have done testifying and writing legislation. We will look at where the money has been spent and see where we are lacking. I understand what the community needs, and we have actually sent promises to people and given small businesses discount rates to help resolve their [construction] problems,” Swiney said.

Robert Waterman, a community activist, said that he is a candidate who actively engages in the fight against poor education, poverty and lack of jobs through lobbying. He served on the Community Board (CB3) for over 10 years and the Diversity Committee for the Department of Education in District 16. He pointed out the significance of taking care of seniors.

“Before we even try to evolve small business, we need to make sure the community is healthy. Then we will know how to help them. I went out to the street for seniors, housing, police reform and education, and I don’t get paid for doing these. We donate funds to schools to make sure students can be online for their classes,” Waterman said.

Residents can vote for up to five candidates in the June 22 primary. The candidate with the most vote wins. People can find more details and rules about the ranked-choice voting on the NYC Votes website.