NYC Council Elections 2021: Zack Weiner Seeks UWS Seat

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Voters in New York City's 6th Council district, which includes almost all of the Upper West Side, will see six names on their ballots when they vote in the June 22 primary election.

One of those names will be Zack Weiner, a screenwriter and actor, who is among the Democrats seeking to replace term-limited Helen Rosenthal.

Patch reached out to all candidates in the election to create these profiles. Weiner's responses are below.

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Zack Weiner

Age (as of Election Day)

26

Position Sought

City Council District 6

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Neighborhood of residence

Upper West Side

Family

Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bard, New School, History, Urban Planning

Occupation

Film executive at Stag Pictures

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.zackweiner.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Local leadership is failing to think creatively and to remain moderate in temperament. Our leaders are not welcoming voices to the table but instead promoting derision and discord. This has led to one of the most tense and hysterical times in recent memory. Cooler heads always prevail and we need leadership willing to be understanding and active in bridging gaps.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Vacant Storefronts. The whole identity of New York relies upon foot traffic. Having thriving businesses line Broadway changes so much in terms of quality of life. My StartUp Retail program will provide the opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to negotiate revenue share based agreements to fill vacancies. This is a common sense, win-win solution to utilize vacant and unused space. We must leave behind our starvation mentality and start viewing the city and its opportunities through the lens of abundance.

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

I am from a significantly younger generation. Some see this as a disadvantage, but in actuality, it separates me from the pack. I don't approach problems with the same pre-conceived notions. I'm not bound by any particular political ideology. I don't plan on climbing the political ladder. I'm a screenwriter and will go back to doing that after my term. I only want to help my neighborhood.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Too much derision, too much discord.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

It was an incredibly challenging situation, but the local leadership failed to guide with a steady hand. When the government turned the local hotels into homeless shelters it was by necessity, but it did not need to include calling anyone with questions words like "racist," "classist," and "NIMBY," which is what our local leadership did. At least 4 people died in the Lucerne because of a lack of services and security. What good-hearted person can actually call that a success? We cannot devolve into name-calling.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Providing treatment to the seriously mentally ill, particularly among the homeless. THRIVE NYC is a mess, but it is more than adequately funded. We can fix that program's directives. I am also on a mission to promote financial literacy among our youth.

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

I have produced 3 films that have grossed over a million dollars. I know how to take a vision and lead a large team, all the while navigating bureaucracy.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Put your feet on the ground and start working to change the environment around you for the better.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

In ten years you will wish you elected me.