“Where do you see yourself at this time next year?” wasn’t always such a loaded question. Before COVID-19, forward thinkers could confidently project ahead 365 days to find themselves seated in a restaurant booked to capacity, rubbing shoulders with fellow theatergoers, or making good on the “If I’m elected” promises that swept you into office.

At this time next year, that last scenario will be brought to you by either Lindsey Boylan, Elizabeth Caputo, Brad Hoylman, Ben Kallos, Mark Levine, or Kim Watkins. They’re the six people determined to be replace term-limited Gale Brewer as Manhattan Borough President (MBP).

Chelsea Community News begins its coverage of this race with a Q&A that’s as curious about the person as it is about their policies. All candidates were sent the same questions. Below, find responses from Lindsey Boylan. As other candidates respond, we’ll add the hyperlink to their Q&A at the tail end of this one (currently, that list is comprised of Elizabeth Caputo and Brad Hoylman). For info about the Democratic Primaries (June 22) and the General Election (Nov. 2)—including the protocol for Rank Choice Voting—visit https://vote.nyc. 

Scott Stiffler for Chelsea Community News (CCNews): Regarding the biographical information on your website: What policy, belief, or personal detail describes you nicely, and why?

Lindsey Boylan: My belief in the need for progressive leadership on affordable housing and climate change describes me well. It combines the fierce urgency I feel around the issues I see in our City that increase inequality, as well as the radical approach I bring to every issue: What’s the real root of the problem here? How can we address this directly and ensure that we’re prioritizing and centering justice and those harmed the most?

CCNews: Conflict and Compromise: What do these words mean to you, in terms of how you will be an effective BP?

Boylan: Conflict and compromise are challenging, but critical parts of being an elected leader. To me, they’re how you obtain meaningful, progressive change. You can’t make things better for the people of this City without dealing with the push and pull of conflict and compromise. I won’t hesitate in using either tool to speak truth to power and create bold, progressive outcomes for the people of Manhattan.

CCNews: The time machine has been invented. Once you’ve played the stock market, it’s time to visit your younger self. What one action do you tell this person not to take? Which one action do you choose not to mention, because it has to happen in order to make you who you are?

Boylan: I’d tell the younger version of myself to remember the strength I have inside of me, and to never forget that I have and can use that strength to make things better for others and the entire community. Impostor syndrome and self-doubt are all too common, especially among young women, and I’d remind myself of my own power, and advise her that there are brighter days yet to come.

CCNews: Day One, what will you do to create a better NYC, post-pandemic? What are you able to do in the meantime, as a candidate?

Boylan: Day One, as Manhattan Borough President I’m focused on using my experience in economic development to help bring Manhattan back from the economic devestation of the coronavirus, making affordable housing a true priority through immediate progressive policy changes, and by implementing an intersectional racial justice policy throughout my office and all of its actions. In the meantime, as a candidate, it’s my responsibility to use the platform I have to raise up progressive issues.

CCNews: Favorite Golden Girl: Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, or Rose?

Boylan: This is so hard! I love them all for different reasons, but if I had to choose, I’d choose Dorothy. The way she stands up for her friends and herself, the way she shows her strength as well as her kindness, I just love her.

CCNews: You took the time to answer our questions—even that last one, which, frankly, was a little gimmicky. So in the interest of fairness, we end by turning the tables: What one question do you want voters to ask themselves when they see so many choices on the ballot?

Boylan: The one question I want voters to ask themselves when they’re voting is: who will fight for the progressive change we need in this City? There’s lots of great candidates in this race, but who will stand up to the people in power and fight for Manhattan? I’ll never stop fighting for the people of this City. I humbly ask for your vote and your support, and if you want to learn anything more about me, there’s more information at lindseyfornewyork.com.

NOTE: To see Chelsea Community News’ Q&A with Elizabeth Caputo and Brad Hoylman, click on their names, which appeared earlier in this… sentence.

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