Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Yvonne Lee on behalf of independent voters in Harlem
3:45:59
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147 sec
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.
She speaks about the unfairness of a closed primary system that she helps pay for but is not allowed to participate in.
She fully supports a top-two primary for the city, believing it would level the playing field for candidates and allow the whole city to shape elections from the beginning.
- Lee speaks as a member of a family with seven generations in Harlem.
- She and her son and grandchildren are independents who are shut out of the primary process.
- She supports a top-two primary system to give the 1.1 million independents in the city a voice.
- She believes it would create a more level playing field and a truer democracy.
Neferkara Aaron
3:45:59
My name is Nefekara Aaron.
3:46:01
I'm a native New Yorker from Brooklyn.
3:46:03
I car I'm currently a student at the CUNY School of Public Health concentrating in health communication for social change.
3:46:09
I care deeply about making our city safer, more just, and more accountable.
3:46:14
In my neighborhood, I've witnessed police officers abuse their power, engaging with community members in overly aggressive ways.
3:46:21
Some of these officers have damaged personal property in the name of pursuit without consequence.
3:46:26
Sadly, this behavior has become normalized and is no longer surprising to many of my neighbors.
3:46:32
Reading reports and hearing firsthand accounts like these made me realize that misconduct often thrives in climate ignorance, not on the part of officers, but among community members who don't know where or how to voice their fears, concerns, and complaints.
3:46:47
How can the civilian complaint review board provide independent oversight without true independence?
3:46:53
Despite its efforts, the CCRB lacks the authority to enforce discipline and accountability.
3:46:59
Too often, its recommendations are ignored by the NYPD.
3:47:03
From a public health perspective, this is deeply concerning.
3:47:07
Policing is a public health issue.
3:47:09
The way the NYPD interacts with communities impacts not only safety, but mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
3:47:16
Over twenty years ago, I attended the Youth Police Academy and left with a strong sense of community respect and respect for law enforcement.
3:47:25
However, my experiences since then have been inconsistent and, at times, dangerous.
3:47:30
I can't ignore those experiences, nor should I, but I can use them to advocate for meaningful change.
3:47:35
I urge the city to openly and consistently promote the work of the CCRB across all communities in New York City.
3:47:42
Residents deserve to know that their voices matter and that they can influence the relationship between the NYPD and the people that they serve.
3:47:49
I urge the commission to to consider revisions to the city's charter.
3:47:55
These revisions must ensure that the CCRB has binding disciplinary disciplinary authority.
3:48:02
New Yorkers deserve real accountability regardless of what side of the badge someone stands on.
3:48:07
Direct access to NYPD misconduct records, the investigators must be thorough and unbiased, which cannot happen if those being investigated control the evidence.
3:48:18
New Yorkers deserve to live with pride, knowing that their voices are heard and that change is not only possible but on the horizon.