NYC Council Elections 2021: James Behr Seeks Uptown Seat

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — Voters in Manhattan's 10th city council district, which includes Washington Heights and Inwood, will see eight names on their ballots when they vote in the June 22 primary election.

One of those will be James Behr, an attorney and author, who is among the Democrats seeking to replace term-limited Ydanis Rodriguez.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles. Behr's responses are below.

James Behr

Age (as of Election Day)

1000

Position Sought

City Council 10

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Neighborhood of residence (i.e., East Village, Astoria, etc.)

Washington Heights

Family

I have a wonderful family

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

JD CUNY. BA Political science Northwestern University. Masters degree and BM Juilliard

Occupation

Professor. Attorney. Recording artist, pianist, composer. Journalist. Author.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.BehrforCityCouncil.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

Terrible decline in quality of life in my community. I have solutions and the energy to repair it.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The car and motorcycle problem traumatizing the community, the noise, running through red lights endangering our lives, and ineffective politicians. I have a nine-step program focusing on full cooperation with police to take an action, to impound vehicles, and put an end to this disaster.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have detailed plans to restore the economy, support business, deal with the disastrous car/motorcycle problem, have police once again provide safety on the streets, and innovative programs across-the-board including high standards for schools and a 10-year plan to put solar panels on every rooftop in the city. My opponents brag about their track record - curious given how poorly things have gone over the past years. They brag about prestigious commissions or political office, support for immigrant rights, but their track record in terms of police, safety, economy and quality of life is strangely avoided. With fear and crime soaring, they keep talking about defunding and racism. Over 330,000 people have left the city. What is there to brag about establishment politicians?

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

There are questions about why we did not reopen better. We should’ve placed UVC virus-killing air filters everywhere for enhanced safety but politicians never talk about that.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Please look at my website. Detailed solutions on the economy, subway and bus, rent assistance, and environment. www.BehrforCityCouncil.org

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Attorney, journalist, author, political analyst, democratic party worker, professor, lifelong educator, pianist and fine arts professor. Good judgment, fresh ideas, very well-read, intelligent solutions. My opponents, establishment people, have a track record as ineffective or mediocre politicians - hardly something people should respect.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

We have two ears and one mouth. Spend twice as much time listening and talk less.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Study my website. Trust me, you’ll like what you see. www.BehrforCityCouncil.org