5 Questions With Upper East Side Councilmember Candidate Luke Florczak

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Luke Florczak, a 31-year-old Democratic candidate, is running for City Council in District 4, which includes NoMad, Times Square, Stuyvesant Town, Peter Cooper Village, Murray Hill, Kips Bay, Turtle Bay, United Nations, and Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill, in New York City's primary election on Tuesday, June 24.

The district seat is left open by the current Councilmember Keith Powers, who is now running for Manhattan Borough President.

Before running for office, Florczak, from Murray Hill, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, he is on the executive board of the Eleanor Roosevelt Independent Democrats, where he helped with Power's last city council campaign. He is also a musical composer and author.

Patch recently asked Florczak five questions about his campaign and district. See his replies below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article contains information about one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns for Upper East Side offices in the 2025 primary election. Patch has contacted the other candidates with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

PATCH: Why are you running for City Council?

FLORCZAK: To be the first veteran representative in the City Council in 10 years.

PATCH: What sets you apart from the other candidates?

FLORCZAK: Aside from being the only Veteran running for office in this election, I'm the only CUNY graduate in this race. Additionally, I'm the youngest and the only one not coming from a background in politics.

PATCH: List two ways you plan to make the neighborhood more affordable.

FLORCZAK: Build more; supply is one side of the housing economy not keeping up with demand. Insist (and hold builders accountable) on more affordable housing units.

PATCH: List two ways you plan to make the neighborhood safer.

FLORCZAK: Rework NYPD policies and practices to allow police to go after those on e-bikes that speed or drive erratically. Develop a stronger working relationship with local precincts than any of my opponents, based on my prior service in the Marine Corps. Through these relationships, foster better community policing and hold community outreach meetings to a wider audience.

PATCH: What’s one place in the neighborhood you frequent the most?

FLORCZAK: I love exploring the plethora of museums in our district, my favorite being the group impressionist halls at the Met.

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