Fort Greene, Clinton Hill Assembly Race 2022: Olanike Alabi Profile

BROOKLYN, NY — Democratic voters in Assembly District 57, which covers most of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill and parts of Bed Stuy, Prospect Heights and Crown Heights, will see two names on their ballots when they vote in the June 28 State Assembly primary election.

One of those names will be Olanike Alabi, a former Community Board District manager and longtime district leader, who is challenging incumbent Phara Souffrant Forrest.

Alabi is also a Female District Leader in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill — the latter is the neighborhood where she was born and resides.

Early voting runs from June 18-26. (Find your polling sites here.)

Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles, asking for their positions on issues like affordable housing and public safety, and giving them the chance to describe their records in detail. Alabi's responses are below.

Name

Olanike Alabi

Campaign website

https://www.olanikealabi.com

NYC neighborhood of residence

Clinton Hill

Office sought

State Assembly

District, if applicable

57th Assembly District

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

Temple University (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.), the Marxe School of Public & International Affairs, Baruch College (Master of Public Administration, (M.P.A.), the University of London (a.k.a. London University) in Great Britain (Postgraduate Studies), Baruch College – Nanyang Technological University Executive MPA Leadership Symposium Training Program (Certificate) and Cornell University’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations (Certificate).

Occupation

n/a

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

Age

n/a

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes. State Committee (District Leader)

Why are you seeking this office?

Now more than ever we need leaders who will lead and representatives who will represent. We need individuals who will work hard, respond and transcend ideology for the betterment of a community.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Housing. I intend to support the expansion of SCRIE, DRIE, along with housing vouchers, rental assistance, Good Cause Eviction and Right To Counsel

How would you address ongoing concerns about public safety in New York City?

Community investment and resources such as jobs, youth programs, real affordable housing and health services are ways to address public safety. Gun control laws must also be enforced.

Do you think the NYPD's response to the recent surge in crime will affect efforts at police reform and, if so, how?

The NYPD's response to the recent surge in crime has been described by many advocates as rebranded and therefore it will have an impact on police reform. Crime is multi-layered and transparency and accountability must be at the center of police reform.

What is one policy you would support to make housing more affordable in New York City?

The criteria and definition of the Area Median Income (AMI)

Should officials do more to encourage New Yorkers to return to work in person? If so, how? If not, why not?

Hybrid models appear to be the way of the future and I strongly support it.

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

I'm a Public Servant with Experience and a strong Record of Achievement.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbent has not been visible nor responsive to the needs and concerns of the community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Healthcare, Education and COVID-19 Relief and Recovery

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

In partnership with several organizations and advocates, I've sponsored legal clinics, toy drives, food drives, workshops, forums and town hall meetings. Additionally, I've received numerous awards and certificates for my work.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep the Faith!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm committed, community-centered and convinced that working together, we can have a positive impact on others.