Candidates In UWS Assembly Race To Face Off At Forum

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Voters will get a chance to hear directly from two candidates running for New York’s 69th Assembly District at a forum next week on the Upper West Side.

The event, hosted by Goddard Riverside, is set for Tuesday, May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at its headquarters, located at Goddard Riverside Community Center.

Candidates Eli Northrup and Stephanie Ruskay will participate in the forum, which will be moderated by Jeff Coltin of City & State NY.

The district, which covers a portion of the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights, will be voting for a new representative as the current Assemblymember, Micah Lasher, is seeking Jerry Nadler's NY-12 seat in Congress.

Organizers told Patch the candidates will answer questions from both Coltin and audience members during the forum.

Ruskay has been endorsed by Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, Assemblymembers Deborah Glick and Keith Powers, former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger, and 32BJ SEIU.

Learn more about Ruskay's platform and campaign here.

Northrup has been endorsed by former Upper West Side Councilmember Helen Rosenthal, the New York Working Families Party, Broadway Democrats, Three Parks Independent Democrats, the Upper West Side Action Group, Columbia Democrats, and the labor union UAW Region 9A.

He’s also received endorsements from several elected officials, including State Senator Jabari Brisport, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and City Councilmember Harvey Epstein.

Learn more about Northrup's platform and campaign here.

The forum is being co-sponsored by several organizations, including United Neighborhood Houses of New York, Supportive Housing Network of New York, Day Care Council of New York, Homeless Services United and West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing.

Those interested in attending the forum can register in advance online. The forum will be held at 593 Columbus Ave. at 88th Street.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.