Last-Minute Voter's Guide to the Sept. 13 Primaries

Although a Democratic primary for state assembly might not seem like a big deal, in Prospect Heights, like most of New York City, the winner of the Democratic primary almost always wins the general election.*

Although we live in Prospect Heights, many of the issues that most affect the lives of Brooklynites are actually decided in Albany. From to to public school funding and standardized tests, the decisions that matter the most are usually made in the state assembly and senate.

There are three strong candidates running in today’s election to replace Hakeem Jeffries in the state assembly. Each is experienced and has received prestigious endorsements. No matter whom you choose, the race could be tight, and every vote will count. Polls are open until 9 p.m.

Because of redistricting, polling places may have changed. Look up your New York City polling place here.  

In addition to the assembly race, there is also a contested race for district leader. This position is often a stepping stone to higher office. The three women running are Renee Collymore, Faryce "Faye" Moore and Wendy Washington. .

Here's a snapshot of the candidates for assembly in New York's 57th District.  

Martine Guerrier

Endorsed by the New York Times, Guerrier comes to the race after a career in educational policy. She was president of District 13’s board of education and then, after Bloomberg got rid of them, was appointed to the PEP, where she became known as a critic of Bloomberg changes. Guerrier has served as a policy advisor for the Bloomberg administration and in 2007 joined the Department of Education as first chief family engagement officer. The 42-year-old mother of a Brooklyn Tech student is a policy wonk who wants to expand the role of the elected “district teams” in the public school system and increase job training for adults.

She has been endorsed by the New York Times, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and the National Organization for Women’s NYS-PAC. 

.

Olanike Alabi

A Democratic State Committeewoman/District Leader for the 57th District since 2006, Olanike Alabi works as an administrative aide at 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The Clinton Hill resident has a degree in history from Temple University and also took graduate courses in history at the University of London. In addition, she has certificate from Cornell University’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations.

Alabi has been endorsed by the Citizen’s Union, the New York Daily News, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and a number of unions including the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association (COBA), UFCW Local 1500, District Council 37 – AFSCME, AFL-CIO, DC 1707, AFSCME, AFL-CIO and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

. 

Walter Mosley

The male Democratic leader for the assembly’s 57th district has a law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., has worked for Gov. David Paterson and on John Kerry's presidential bid in 2004. Most recently, he served as Special Advisor and External Relations Specialist for the New York State Senate Democratic Minority Conference. Mosley has also served as chief of staff and senior consultant to the New York State Assembly, and senior advisor to the deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly.

He is endorsed by outgoing Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, City Councilwoman Letitia James, Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform and the Parliament Democratic Club, amongst others. His union endorsements include the United Federation of Teachers, the Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 46 (Local 46), The Teamsters Joint Council 16 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA).

. 

* will be giving Democratic nominee Hakeem Jeffries some competition in the November Congressional race.

C. Zawadi Morris contributed reporting.