An interview with Congressman Jamaal Bowman, candidate for Congress in New York’s District 16

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY 16) recently won the Democratic primary in New York’s 16th congressional district with over 57% of the vote. This borough consists of most of Westchester County south of Interstate 287 and its four largest cities – Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers – as well as part of the north-central Bronx.

Bowman runs against Dr. Miriam Levitt Flisser of Scarsdale, New York. The election will take place on November 8th and early voting will begin on October 29th^th. I interviewed Representative Bowman to discuss the major economic and financial issues facing New York’s District 16. Separately, I also have Dr. Flisser interviewed.

What is your platform?

For all of us, for every congressman, we have to save our democracy. I was sworn in on January 3, 2021, and three days later there was a riot because the former President was spreading the big lie that the election was stolen. He inspired his followers to come to Washington to attack the capital. When we are on the brink of destroying democracy, saving democracy is the key overarching issue we are all working on.

I also work on education, especially given my background. I was a teacher for twenty years and principal for ten years. So I know the problems in education inside and out. Education is the pillar of our democracy and we must ensure that we have an exemplary education system.

Another issue I work on is climate change because we need to save our planet. We must stop these persistent severe storms that are destroying people’s homes and killing people. If we don’t react aggressively now, it will get much, much worse.

I’m also very focused on the economy and financial system, which has long benefited the very wealthy, the 0.1%, while the rest of us struggle and struggle to survive. The financial system is rooted in inequality; Therefore, this topic is an important focus of our office.