Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
NYC Charter Revision Commission
Manhattan Public Input Session
Jul 07, 2025
·
05:00 PM
4 hr 25 min
Summary
A hearing on proposed charter revisions, focusing on land use reforms, affordable housing development, and changes to the primary election system.
Discussions centered on:
- Fast-tracking affordable housing projects
- Simplifying land use review procedures
- Creating an appeals board for land use proposals
- Modernizing the city map
- Shifting local elections to even-numbered years
- Implementing open primaries
The proposals sparked debates on the balance between streamlining development and maintaining community input, as well as the potential impacts of open primaries on voter participation and political party influence.
Features testimony from the New York City Comptroller, Public Advocate, City Council members, Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), NYC Campaign Finance Board, community board representatives, labor unions, advocacy groups, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. on the commission's mission and interim report proposals
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. opens the public hearing, outlining the Charter Revision Commission's goal to improve city government with a focus on the housing crisis and low voter turnout. …
0:00:02
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3 min
Testimony by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on housing proposals and partisan primaries
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander expresses strong support for the commission's first four housing-related proposals, calling them a great job in addressing the affordability crisis. However, he vehemently opposes …
0:04:40
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4 min
Commissioner Savino questions Comptroller Lander on the impact of open primaries on voter participation
Commissioner Diane Savino and Comptroller Brad Lander debate the merits of open primaries. Savino questions whether including New York's 1.1 million unaffiliated voters could lead to better representation, while Lander …
0:09:21
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5 min
Comptroller Lander discusses expanding the franchise and building a coalition for housing reform
Commissioner Diane Savino continues to question Comptroller Brad Lander on his opposition to open primaries, contrasting it with his support for other franchise-expanding measures like noncitizen voting. Lander maintains that …
0:14:57
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152 sec
Chair Buery and Comptroller Lander discuss community planning and the prevalence of open primaries in other cities
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. questions Comptroller Brad Lander on his testimony. Buery asks for specific recommendations on how to incorporate community input in the housing proposals and questions Lander's …
0:17:25
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5 min
Comptroller Lander clarifies his stance on vote dilution and the role of party primaries
Commissioner Grace Bonilla asks Comptroller Brad Lander to elaborate on his claim that open primaries would dilute the Democratic party vote, noting a lack of supporting data. Lander clarifies that …
0:23:06
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158 sec
Testimony by Council Member Joann Ariola on ULURP changes, even-year elections, and open primaries
Council Member Joann Ariola testifies in strong opposition to the commission's proposals regarding land use and elections. She argues that changes to the ULURP process would strip the City Council …
0:27:17
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3 min
Testimony by Council Member Frank Morano against top-two primaries and even-year elections
Council Member Frank Morano voices his strong opposition to the proposed "top-two" open primary system and moving municipal elections to even years. He argues that the top-two system is a …
0:31:31
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4 min
Testimony by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers on the proposed land use reforms
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers expresses serious concerns about the commission's proposed land use reforms. She argues that fast-tracking affordable housing and simplifying the review process would sideline communities and the …
0:36:58
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3 min
Testimony by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on the commission's charter reform proposals
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams presents his nuanced perspective on the commission's proposals, supporting many in theory while raising concerns about their implementation and potential impacts. He suggests modifications to the …
0:41:32
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4 min
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams clarifies his positions on housing and the proposed appeals board
In response to questions from Commissioner Shams DaBaron, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams clarifies his testimony on the housing proposals. He reiterates his desire for a shortened but still consecutive land …
0:45:39
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3 min
Testimony by HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani on accelerating affordable housing
Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) testifies in strong support of the commission's proposed land use revisions. He argues that the current …
0:50:29
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4 min
HPD's role in the proposed fast-track housing approval process
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod questions HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani about the fast-tracking proposal for publicly financed affordable housing projects. Tigani confirms that in cases going to the Board of Standards …
0:54:48
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124 sec
HPD on streamlining mapping and its community engagement process
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks about the challenges with the various borough topographical offices and the proposal to streamline that process. Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani responds that centralizing the process would …
0:56:56
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154 sec
Testimony by Sophie Sharps from the NYC Campaign Finance Board on voter participation
Sophie Sharps, Associate Director of Policy at the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), presents findings from the board's 2024 voter analysis report. She highlights that while voter registration …
0:59:57
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178 sec
The trade-offs of consolidating special elections
Commissioner Diane Savino questions Sophie Sharps of the Campaign Finance Board about the recommendation to combine special elections with regularly scheduled ones. Savino expresses concern that delaying a special election …
1:03:02
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108 sec
Testimony by Candis Tall from SEIU Local 32BJ on land use proposals
Candis Tall, Executive Vice President and Political Director of SEIU Local 32BJ, testifies on behalf of the union's 90,000 members in New York City. While supporting the goal of more …
1:05:42
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164 sec
Testimony by Kyron Banks from SEIU Local 32BJ against open primaries
Kyron Banks, representing SEIU Local 32BJ, testifies in opposition to the charter's recommendation for open primaries. He argues that the current system of ranked-choice voting gives voters real power and …
1:08:31
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121 sec
SEIU 32BJ on alternative land use reforms
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks the representatives from SEIU Local 32BJ for specific changes to the land use review process they would support to address the affordable housing crisis. …
1:10:45
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57 sec
SEIU 32BJ's concerns about the impact of open primaries on local races
Commissioner Diane Savino questions the representatives from SEIU Local 32BJ about their opposition to open primaries, arguing that the union's process for endorsing and mobilizing for candidates wouldn't change. Candis …
1:11:47
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3 min
Testimony by independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden on the need for open primaries
Jim Walden, an independent candidate for mayor, testifies in strong support of open primaries. Speaking as a longtime good government advocate, he argues that the current closed system stifles competition …
1:15:31
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3 min
Testimony by Michael Piccirillo from the NYC District Council of Carpenters against the charter proposals
Michael Piccirillo, Director of Area Standards for the New York City District Council of Carpenters, testifies against the commission's proposals. He argues that the land use reforms, while well-intentioned, have …
1:19:39
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83 sec
The role of money in open primary elections
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Michael Piccirillo from the NYC District Council of Carpenters to elaborate on his concern that an open primary system would increase the role of …
1:21:17
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59 sec
Testimony by Jasmine Gripper from the Working Families Party against nonpartisan primaries
Jasmine Gripper, Co-Director of the New York State Working Families Party (WFP), testifies in strong opposition to the proposal to eliminate partisan primaries. She argues that the current system is …
1:22:54
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3 min
Testimony by Kai Rosenthal from the League of Women Voters in support of open primaries
Kai Rosenthal, Co-president of the League of Women Voters of the City of New York, testifies in favor of the ballot question to establish open primaries. She states that the …
1:26:21
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174 sec
A debate on the impact of open primaries on the Working Families Party and fusion voting
Commissioner Diane Savino engages in a detailed debate with Jasmine Gripper of the Working Families Party (WFP) about open primaries. Savino questions why the WFP, which is adept at mobilizing …
1:29:23
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5 min
Testimony by Annemarie Gray from Open New York on housing reforms
Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York, testifies in strong support of the four housing and land use proposals. She calls them essential reforms to address the city's housing …
1:34:58
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154 sec
Testimony by Samir Lavingia of Manhattan Community Board 5 in support of housing proposals
Samir Lavingia, Second Vice Chair of Manhattan Community Board 5, testifies in his personal capacity in support of the commission's housing proposals. As a lifelong renter from a family of …
1:37:58
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98 sec
The political risk of packaging housing reform with election reform
Commissioner Grace Bonilla questions Annemarie Gray of Open New York about her suggestion to not include the open primaries question on the ballot, noting that previous hearings showed significant support …
1:39:41
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70 sec
Testimony by Dr. Jessie Fields from Open Primaries on the fight for open primaries
Dr. Jessie Fields, a Harlem community doctor and board member of Open Primaries, testifies as an independent voter who is excluded from primary elections. She calls closed primaries a form …
1:41:20
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3 min
Testimony by Grace Rauh from Citizens Union in support of election reforms
Grace Rauh, Executive Director of Citizens Union, testifies in strong support of both proposed election reforms. She advocates for moving local elections to even-numbered years and for advancing a ballot …
1:45:00
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3 min
Why a nonpartisan top-two primary system is preferred
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Dr. Jessie Fields of Open Primaries about her preference for a top-two system over other models like top-four or semi-open primaries. Dr. Fields responds that she …
1:48:12
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117 sec
The impact of money in an open primary system
Commissioner Grace Bonilla asks Grace Rauh of Citizens Union about the potential impact of money in open primaries. Rauh argues that money would actually play less of a role in …
1:50:11
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133 sec
Testimony by Tricia Thompson from the Communication Workers of America against jungle primaries
Tricia Thompson, a member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and a Verizon field technician, testifies in opposition to changing to a "jungle primary." She worries that it would …
1:52:58
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135 sec
Testimony by Karen Wharton on the role of money and community engagement in elections
Karen Wharton, a member of the public, testifies against open primaries, arguing that they would amplify the power of money in elections. She posits that in a crowded field, only …
1:55:21
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3 min
Testimony by Barika Williams from ANHD on the proposed housing reforms
Barika Williams, Executive Director of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development (ANHD), provides detailed testimony on the housing proposals. She expresses support for fast-tracking affordable housing but suggests adding …
1:59:23
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4 min
Testimony by Jerrod Delaine, CEO of The Delaine Companies, on streamlining housing development
Jerrod Delaine, CEO of The Delaine Companies and a professor at NYU, testifies in strong support of the proposals to streamline the housing development process. He shares an anecdote about …
2:03:34
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147 sec
Improving the housing proposals with feedback on the appeals board and faith-based development
Commissioner Valerie White asks for feedback on the housing proposals from Barika Williams of ANHD and developer Jerrod Delaine. Williams states that her organization is still developing specific recommendations for …
2:06:06
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3 min
ANHD's nuanced position on balancing local and citywide interests in housing development
Commissioner Kathryn Wylde asks Barika Williams of ANHD if she believes citywide interests should ever overcome local opposition to housing. Williams clarifies that ANHD does believe this should happen at …
2:09:45
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3 min
How New York City's land use process compares to other cities for developers
Commissioner Anthony Richardson asks developer Jerrod Delaine if the burdensome ULURP process influences developers' decisions on where to build. Delaine, who develops in other cities, confirms that it does. He …
2:13:29
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61 sec
Testimony by Dr. Oscar Pocasangre on the limited impact of open primaries on turnout
Oscar Pocasangre, a senior data analyst and political scientist, testifies on the potential impacts of open primaries. He states that the political science evidence is clear: open primaries have very …
2:15:03
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3 min
Testimony by Nia Alvarez-Mapp from Rank the Vote NY on the timing of election reform
Nia Alvarez-Mapp, Lead Organizer for Rank the Vote New York, testifies about the proposed changes to the primary system. While supporting the concept of open primaries, she expresses concern about …
2:18:18
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3 min
A discussion on the root causes of low voter turnout
Commissioner Diane Savino questions political scientist Oscar Pocasangre about why voter participation remains low despite numerous reforms like public campaign financing and ranked-choice voting. Pocasangre suggests the root problem is …
2:21:23
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3 min
A request for data on California's open primary system
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks Oscar Pocasangre to submit his data on California's experience with open primaries for the commission's review. Weisbrod notes the importance of this data, as it speaks …
2:25:10
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40 sec
Testimony by Fabien Levy in favor of open primaries
Fabien Levy, a resident of New York City with experience working on political campaigns across the country, testifies in his personal capacity in favor of open primary elections. He recounts …
2:27:12
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3 min
Testimony by John Ketcham from the Manhattan Institute on electoral reform
John Ketcham, Director of Cities at the Manhattan Institute, testifies in his personal capacity, commending the commission's proposals on housing and elections. He suggests a modification to the even-year election …
2:30:27
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3 min
Testimony by Council Member Gale Brewer against the proposed land use reforms
Council Member Gale Brewer testifies in strong opposition to the proposed land use reforms, arguing they undermine public accountability and the role of communities. She specifically criticizes the proposed appeals …
2:34:23
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4 min
Testimony by Jeremy Joseph from the New York Civic Engagement Table against jungle primaries
Jeremy Joseph, Data Director at the New York Civic Engagement Table, testifies that while low voter turnout is a real issue, "jungle primaries" are not the solution. He presents data …
2:40:02
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3 min
Testimony by Asher Ross from the New York Immigration Coalition against jungle primaries
Asher Ross, representing the New York Immigration Coalition, testifies in strong opposition to the proposed "jungle primary" system. He argues that this system would diminish the power of grassroots groups, …
2:43:29
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103 sec
Testimony by Leon Bell from the New York State Nurses Association against open primaries
Leon Bell, Public Policy Director with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), testifies in opposition to the open primary proposal. He argues that declining voter participation is not caused …
2:45:55
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3 min
Testimony by Emily Skydel from Food and Water Watch against jungle primaries
Emily Skydel, representing Food and Water Watch, testifies in strong opposition to the "jungle primary" system. She argues it would undermine the ability of grassroots organizations to influence elections by …
2:49:18
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3 min
Testimony by Zakiya Shaakir-Ansari from the Alliance for Quality Education against jungle primaries
Zakiya Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director of the Alliance for Quality Education, testifies in opposition to the proposed "jungle primary." As an advocate for educational equity, she fears the system would diminish …
2:53:12
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178 sec
Testimony by Susan Lerner from Common Cause New York on the divisiveness of the jungle primary proposal
Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York, speaks about the controversy surrounding the "jungle primary" proposal. She expresses frustration that the concept of open primaries has become conflated …
2:56:15
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3 min
A clarification on the term "jungle primary" and its divisive nature
Commissioner Diane Savino makes a point of clarification with Susan Lerner of Common Cause New York, stating that the commission has never used the term "jungle primary" to describe its …
2:59:46
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118 sec
Testimony by Elias on letting the voters decide on open primaries
Elias, a member of the public, testifies briefly in favor of putting the open primary question on the ballot. He argues that the most democratic action the commission can take …
3:03:11
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37 sec
Testimony by Johana Pulgarin from Brooklyn Community Board 1 on the role of community boards in land use
Johana Pulgarin, District Manager for Brooklyn Community Board 1, testifies on behalf of the board against diminishing their role in the land use process. She argues that community boards are …
3:04:19
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133 sec
Testimony by Catherine Du from Fridays for Future NYC against jungle primaries
Catherine Du, a rising high school freshman volunteering with Fridays for Future and the Sunrise Movement, testifies in opposition to the proposed "jungle primaries." She argues that the system is …
3:06:42
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3 min
Testimony by Susan Stetzer from Manhattan Community Board 3 on the land use process
Susan Stetzer, District Manager for Manhattan Community Board 3, testifies on behalf of the board against limiting their voice in the land use process. She highlights that her board's number …
3:11:03
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3 min
Testimony by Heather Beers-Dimitriadis from Queens Community Board 6 on community engagement in land use
Heather Beers-Dimitriadis, Chair of Queens Community Board 6, testifies that marginalizing the advisory role of community boards will erode public confidence in government and not result in more affordable housing. …
3:14:14
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3 min
Testimony by Alan Cox on the need for open primaries
Alan Cox, a Harlem native and independent voter, testifies in strong support of putting a top-two open primary proposal on the ballot. He argues that the system is not a …
3:18:41
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143 sec
Testimony by Angelo Pis-Dudot from the NYC Democratic Socialists of America against the open primaries proposal
Angelo Pis-Dudot, speaking on behalf of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), testifies in opposition to the commission's open primaries proposal. He argues that while the current …
3:21:40
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174 sec
Testimony by Torsha Childs on her personal experience as an independent voter
Torsha Childs, a mother and a lifelong independent voter, testifies about her personal experience of being barred from voting in a primary election. She shares her frustration and agitation at …
3:24:39
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141 sec
The NYC-DSA's position on alternative primary reform models
Commissioner Diane Savino questions Angelo Pis-Dudot of the NYC-DSA about his testimony. Pis-Dudot clarifies that the DSA is not defending the current closed primary system but believes the proposed top-two …
3:27:06
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118 sec
Testimony by Howard Edelbaum on the need to enfranchise independent voters
Howard Edelbaum, an accountant, artist, and independent voter, testifies in support of open primaries. He shares that as a Jewish progressive, he wanted to support Zohran Mamdani in the recent …
3:29:28
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178 sec
Testimony by Gia Lowe on the need for CCRB final authority
Gia Lowe, a community advocate from the Bronx, testifies on the need to give the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) final disciplinary authority over police officers. She expresses her shock …
3:32:34
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142 sec
Testimony by Rafael Mourie-Punnett from Bronx Community Board 6 on the role of community boards
Rafael Mourie-Punnett, District Manager for Bronx Community Board 6, testifies that the commission's land use proposals would cut out the "soft power" and influence of community boards. He argues that …
3:36:20
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3 min
Testimony by Danny Battista on the urgent need for open primaries
Danny Battista, a lifelong New Yorker and unaffiliated independent voter, testifies in full support of the proposal for a nonpartisan, top-two primary system. He rejects calls for delay, stating "there …
3:39:25
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3 min
Testimony by Neferkara Aaron on policing as a public health issue and the need for a stronger CCRB
Neferkara Aaron, a public health student and Brooklyn native, testifies about the need for a stronger Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). She shares her personal experiences with police misconduct in …
3:43:13
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134 sec
Testimony by Yvonne Lee on behalf of independent voters in Harlem
Yvonne Lee, a Harlem resident whose family has been in the neighborhood for seven generations, testifies in favor of open primaries on behalf of herself and her independent family members. …
3:45:59
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147 sec
Testimony by David Green from Unite NY in support of open primaries
David Green, Statewide Organizing Director at Unite NY, testifies in support of the commission's proposal for open primaries. He shares his "culture shock" moving to New York from a state …
3:48:51
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3 min
Testimony by Jeff Aaron on the immorality of closed primaries
Jeff Aaron, a lifelong progressive activist, testifies that he has never registered as a Democrat or Republican and resents being cut out of the primary process. He describes the pressure …
3:52:22
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3 min
Testimony by Ed Brady, a veteran, on the need for inclusive primaries
Ed Brady, a military veteran and lifelong independent, testifies in favor of what he calls "inclusive" or "open" primaries, rejecting the "jungle primary" label. He notes that half of all …
3:55:58
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3 min
Testimony by Richard Ronner on being coerced to change party registration to vote
Richard Ronner, a registered independent, testifies that he reluctantly switched his registration to Democrat to participate in the recent mayoral race, a choice he "didn't like having to do." He …
3:59:32
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3 min
Testimony by Maria Danzilo from One City Rising in support of open primaries
Maria Danzilo, Executive Director of the good government group One City Rising, testifies in strong support of the proposal for open primaries. Drawing on her experience as a two-time candidate, …
4:02:40
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177 sec
The process and principle of changing party registration
In response to a question, Richard Ronner explains the process of changing his party affiliation online. He states that while the process itself is "fairly innocuous," it is the principle …
4:05:44
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55 sec
Testimony by Sidharth Ghoshal on the moral imperative to allow a vote on open primaries
Sidharth Ghoshal, a resident of Queens, testifies with passion, begging the commission to put the question of open primaries on the ballot. As an independent, he says he has never …
4:08:04
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178 sec
Testimony by Keanu Arpels Josiah from Fridays for Future NYC against jungle primaries
Keanu Arpels Josiah, representing Fridays for Future New York City, testifies in strong opposition to the "jungle primary" system. He argues that the proposal is distinct from true open primaries …
4:12:02
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140 sec
Testimony by Shane Moynihan on the need for a top-four open primary system
Shane Moynihan, cofounder of the New Leaf Democrats and a leader at the Forward Party, testifies in support of open primaries but strongly advocates for a top-four system over a …
4:14:28
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3 min
Testimony by Julien Segura on housing, even-year elections, and open primary models
Julien Segura, a political activist and strategist from Harlem, testifies on the commission's proposals. He opposes the first three housing proposals, calling them a "dangerous consolidation of power" that could …
4:18:31
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3 min
Testimony by Cheryl Williams on closed primaries as a form of modern-day voter exclusion
Cheryl Williams, speaking as a concerned citizen, testifies in favor of open primaries, drawing a parallel between the Jim Crow laws her mother grew up under and today's party affiliation …
4:21:40
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3 min