Press Releases

Ben Kallos, Council District 5, Manhattan (Open Seat) – As Council Member for District 5, Ben Kallos will continue his efforts to expand bike share to El Barrio, Roosevelt Island, and the Upper East Side.  He wants to bring East River Ferry service to Roosevelt Island, and introduce crosstown Select Bus Service for the Upper East and Upper West Sides.  A regular cyclist, Kallos will work to calm traffic and improve safety around the Queensboro Bridge.  He envisions a true complete-streets treatment for Second Avenue after subway construction ends, with loading zones, performance-based parking, and a protected bicycle path.  Kallos launched the “Bring Back Our Booths” campaign to restore attendants to subway stations, which became a citywide initiative of Transit Forward.

New York, NY — In a further show of unity among East Side Democrats, Democratic nominee for City Council in the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island Ben Kallos accepted the endorsement of Community Board leader and Democratic Primary opponent Ed Hartzog today. Hartzog cited Kallos’ community involvement and dedication to improving quality of life for residents of the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.  Hartzog received 15% of the vote in the three-way City Council primary.

“My friend Ben Kallos will do an excellent job in the City Council on behalf of those in our community who need an advocate. I am proud to join a coalition of Democrats united behind Ben Kallos, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger, Councilwoman Jessica Lappin, Borough President Scott Stringer and many others. All of us stand firmly behind Ben as someone with the courage to stand up for our community and the best person for the job,” said Hartzog.

New York, N.Y. – Congressman Jerry Nadler, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried threw their support behind Ben Kallos, Democratic nominee for City Council in the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island today, citing his dedication to reform and progressive agenda.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) endorsed Ben Kallos for City Council today as the Fifth Council District Democratic nominee seeking to represent the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. Maloney cited Kallos’ strong commitment to education, affordable housing, gender equality, government transparency and to tackling numerous other neighborhood challenges:

"Ben Kallos has the smarts, skill-set and priorities to be an excellent legislator, and I am proud to endorse him for City Council in Manhattan’s District Five. I look forward to working with him in the weeks, months and years ahead," said Congresswoman Maloney. "I strongly support his focus on community participation, legislative transparency and innovative ideas."