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!
The Line That Didn’t Land
We’ll listen to you right after we’re done not listening to you.
I stood in the back of Good Shepherd Chapel on the evening of April 15, 2026, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, watching people adjust scarves and jackets before the meeting began. Benjamin Jones, President and CEO of RIOC, thanked us for attending and, without a pause, said he was “pleased to host tonight’s town hall on the city’s demolition of its steam plant.” The demolition, in other words, was not up for discussion.
