As election season in New York City ramps up, BK Reader sat down with two fresh-faced candidates in the City Council race in District 41, which spans across eastern Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Ocean Hill and Brownsville.
Candidates Dante Arnwine and Jamell Henderson divulged their visions for the district, focusing on hot button items including youth engagement, government transparency and equitable development. Incumbent Darlene Mealy did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.
Dante Arnwine
Many engaged community members may recognize Dante Arnwine for his work as the district manager for Community Board 9. Although he tries to keep a low profile about his bid for the council seat while on the job, he said that much of his knowledge on what needs to change in city government comes from his job.
“One of the criticisms of government, always, is that agencies don’t talk to each other,” as well as to the public, said Arnwine.
Many district residents have complained to him about the lack of communication about what city projects are happening in their own community, including construction happening on a religious holiday. He proposes the city come up with a multi-agency task force that can let residents know what is happening and when.
Arnwine also thinks the City Council should promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools so local youth stays ahead of the curve in education and technology.
“I don't think we need to be scared of AI,” said Arnwine, who then pointed to federal investments in the technology. “If we’re going to keep pace, especially people of color and be competitive in those jobs, we’ve got to build that into our curriculum, young.”
Education isn’t just about having an edge on tech, as Arnwine wants to emphasize the power of student government councils.
“It might be difficult to get a whole class of youngsters and try to understand what they want and what they don't want, so in my mind, I say tap into some of the student leadership,” said Arnwine, pointing to conversations he has had with area high school students who complained about the quality of food in school cafeterias.
One issue many constituents have mentioned to him while campaigning is how local nonprofits don't work for area residents. Part of the issue, Arnwine said, is that these nonprofits are not getting paid on time by the city, and then falling short on the promises they make. If elected, Arnwine said he would support Council Member Justin Brannan's legislation to curb payment delays.
“I want to make sure that people who are doing that local work might not be getting the recognition, might not be getting those resources, they should get a little piece of the pie too,” said Arnwine.
Jamell Henderson
Jamell Henderson wears many hats—he is the regional chair at the nonprofit Citizen Action of New York, a doctoral candidate at the College of Staten Island and a Community Board 8 committee member—none of which has stopped him from running for City Council.
“God would never give me more than I can’t handle,” said Henderson, who spoke to BK Reader about his City Council run that is rooted in “authentic leadership.”
Henderson, who grew up partially in foster care and with civic-minded parents in East Flatbush, said these combined experiences are the pillar for his platform, which includes getting more youth involved in political and civic spaces.
“I want them to be at the key decision making tables, knowing that I have their back,” said Henderson.
It starts with encouraging young Brooklynites to attend local community board meetings and to identify and talk about their issues within the community.
“Imagine coming to a monthly or quarterly board meeting and have the youth present legislation,” said Henderson. “From your own voice, give me three or four pieces of legislation, and I want you to back it up with academic evidence, and we present this together. It’s clear cut and can’t be denied.”
Given a Council seat victory, Henderson said he hopes to fill gaps he sees in representation of all communities within the district, and take advantage of city-owned land to build affordable housing. He said he welcomes working with developers who are willing to build adequate housing that matches the district’s needs.
“Ok, you want to bring market rate? Cool, but some of those market rates have to be Section 8 available,” said Henderson. “Because for a long time we’ve been creating a win-lose. Yeah you’re building housing, but my people lose. Not anymore.”
You must be signed in to comment. Please sign in or register.