Ask them to break down their entire constituency beyond the black(and west Indian) community and point out anything that they have delivered or accomplished for those folks in other than black communities.

Ask them about their feelings on the whole range of Clarence Norman scandals in Bklyn.

Query them on the offensive "Black Bklyn" comment made during some get together you or Azi reported on a few months back

I hope that helps.

1) cut property and clothing sales taxes as the Mayor and City Council have proposed?

2) Spend the money, and if so on what? Or

3) Bank the money for a tougher day and/or pay down debts.

For those who do not answer #3, ask them to tell people who would get hit with the $billion in extra taxes or service cuts when the economy turns down.

Ask what they think about the contract allowing DC37 workers to live outside the city, which the unions want. Does that mean their best off constituents will be able to move to the suburbs, and not care about goes on back in the city? Or does it mean these city jobs, like the other city jobs, will go to people who are already in the suburbs?

Ask what they think about the big pension enhancement in 2000 when the stock market was up, followed by the 15% lower salary for NEW DC37 workers when it turned down. Ask if they will represent those who are moving out or those who will live here in the future.

Ask the candidates what their experiences has been in (1) managing staff and staff schedules, (2) managing a staff and office budget, (3) what committees they'd like to serve on, and (4) what are their priorities in allocating funding in the district (ie: expense and capital funds)

1. To list the former Councilwoman's successes and failures during her 40th tenure, in their honest opinion

2. Position on term limits

3. What are their positions on the following issues-

a. The proposed Harbor Tunnel Project

b. Curtailing truck traffic on Linden Boulevard

c. driver's licenses for illegal immigrants

d. the future of the Loew's Theater on Flatbush- entertainment center, hotel or movie theater

e.  the dollar vans and Lew Fidler's bill to fine riders on the vans

(Ben, please file a report afterwards- curious minds want to know)

It would be interesting to hear the candidates talk about gay marriage. It is generally assumed that the Caribbean community is opposed to same-sex marriage, but much of the rest of the city seems to be in favor.

Also, you might want to ask the candidates how many units of the Ratner proposal are available to people earning $28,000 or less. Do they know the details of the largest development project ever proposed in Brooklyn? Do they like the name of arena going to a bank that funded apartheid?

No, just ask em if they are working to knock any other candidates off the ballot; who the co-conspirtors are is almost incidental.

One can always ask them about Vito, Carl, Clarence, Chuckie B or anyone else as a separate question.  

Q. What do you see as the most critical issue facing the district at this time?

Q. How will you handle the challenge of representing the broad range of demographics and incomes in the district?

Q. Are you accepting any support or funds from Bruce Ratner or any of his related organizations? Would you if offered? What is your view on large scale developments of this type?   What is your view on the use of eminent domain?

Q. What is your view on the current operation of the NYPD in light of the shooting of the late Sean Bell in December?   

Q. What is your view on the continuing educational reform efforts of Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein? Success, Failure or The Jury is Still Out...

Thank you

What do you think about landmarking the turn-of-the-Century buildings in the district? What is necessary? Do you think there are some proposals that go too far? Does this tie into 421 issues?

1)Are you in favor of down zoning?

2)Are you in favor of affordable housing?

3)If you are in favor of both how do you explain your position? 

I have lived n the district for more than 25 years, and am aware of when the 40th was created to give Caribbean Americans an opportunity to be heard -- of the 13 candidates that I understand are running, I have not seen any comments about the issue of affordable housing in the district.

 So in your summary of what transpired at the forum you may explain if they are aware of rising rents in the area that is driven by gentrification and how do they expect to address this issue for this immigrant group?

I will be voting in the Feb.20, election and will cast my vote on two critical issues: 1) their grasp of the level of unemployment in the district and plans to attract/help people find work and of course (2) working to alleviate the housing crisis--provide more affordable housing for residents.

Thank you.

Ciao Nicolo-

So are you saying that preserving existing housing stock means destroying affordable housing? Is it really that simple?

I guess we should have more great mixed income housing projects, like Battery Park City. Battery Park was supposed to be mixed income, so I guess we should have more grand master plans by our benign leaders who will solve all of our housing problems. And destroying existing homes to build luxury condos sounds like a great way to start!

I didn't know life was that simple.