Roosevelt Island gets its own front-row seat in the City Council District 5 race later this month, and you’re invited—no subway ride required!
The What & When
- Date: Thursday, May 29
- Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM sharp
- Place: Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 543 Main Street (that lovely red-door landmark in the center plaza)
- Host: Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA)
- Format: Brief opening statements from each candidate, audience Q & A, and quick closing remarks. No RSVP needed—just show up a few minutes early for a good seat!
Who’s on the Mic?
| Candidate | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Julie Menin (Incumbent, Democrat) | Former NYC Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and current District 5 Council Member seeking a second term. Known for small-business initiatives and recent maternal-health legislation. (Julie Menin – Ballotpedia) |
| Collin Thompson (Democratic Challenger) | Community organizer and political newcomer focusing on housing affordability and senior services; he’s been making the rounds at our Farmers Market since March. (Meet Collin Thompson, NYC Council #5 Democratic Party Primary …) |
(Expect additional hopefuls if they jump in before Primary Day, but these two are confirmed for May 29.)
Why It Matters
- Local dollars, local decisions. District 5 covers Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side, so the winner shapes budgets for parks, transit fixes, and school programs right in our backyard.
- Ranked-choice primary is June 24. Knowing your ballot now means fewer last-minute Google searches in the voting booth.
- Small room, big access. Good Shepherd seats about 125; you can ask your question face-to-face—no raised hand lost in a Zoom void.
Getting There & Accessibility
- Tram/F train: Exit at Main St., walk three minutes south.
- RIRA courtesy seating: Volunteers will reserve front-row spots for seniors and neighbors with mobility needs.
- Livestream? RIRA plans to post a video replay within 48 hours for anyone who can’t attend. (We’ll share that link once it’s live.)
Get Ready to Vote
- Check your registration at vote.nyc.
- Mark your calendar for early-voting (June 14–22) or Primary Day (June 24).
- Bring your questions—and maybe a neighbor who’s never been to a candidate night.
See you Thursday the 29th!
Can You Hear Us?
At the first public RIOC board meeting after Susan Rosenthal’s dismissal, a longtime resident had to borrow an official’s voice to ask whether the people governing Roosevelt Island could hear us
In earlier meetings, a bright light behind Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Vice President and General Counsel Gretchen Robinson had left her face nearly invisible. On July 2, 2020, with Susan Rosenthal gone and a new administration forming, Gretchen appeared fully lit.
