The City

Manhattan Council Endorsements

Published: August 21, 2005

If there is a land of opportunity for aspiring politicians, it should be New York City, where a progressive public financing program and term limits combine to make it relatively easy for industrious hopefuls to become serious contenders. This year, more than 250 City Council candidates are vying for election - mainly in the Sept. 13 primaries, which are the contests that count in most districts. Here are our recommendations in the most hotly contested City Council district races in Manhattan.

Second District (Lower East Side, Gramercy Park, East Village, Kips Bay and parts of Murray Hill): No fewer than seven Democrats are promising to find solutions to this diverse district's problems, from the proliferation of noisy bars to the lack of affordable housing. Strong contenders include Rosie Mendez, the smart and personable party district leader and former chief of staff to Margarita Lopez, the departing councilwoman. Brian Kavanagh, who worked for Gail Brewer, a councilwoman from the Upper West Side, was the first to advocate lobbying Albany to gain local control over liquor licensing, which could help to manage the loud bars.

But Gur Tsabar, a former member of the staff of Council Speaker Gifford Miller, has distinguished himself with a campaign run on ideas and action fueled by a contagious enthusiasm. He has combined the nuts-and-bolts activities like gathering petition signatures with efforts to help the community, including a clothing drive and collecting used cellphones for distribution among the elderly. In a unilateral rejection of so-called "pay to play" money, he gave to community organizations about $3,000 in donations that came from people who do business with the city. Mr. Tsabar has made a point of campaigning in all corners of the district and pledges to hold meetings regularly with constituents where they live. Combined with his experience with the inner workings of the Council, he is exactly the kind of representative the district needs.

We endorse Gur Tsabar.