WNYC is taking a closer look at some of the most contested City Council races in partnership with City Limits and Gotham Gazette.
District 49 covers the North Shore of Staten Island where, despite the city's investments in the community, sections of the neighborhood are still drug and crime ridden. In 2016, Staten Island had the highest rate of overdose deaths in New York City. The district is currently being represented by Debi Rose, a Democrat.
The incumbent, Rose, hopes to win a third term but must beat businesswoman Kamillah Payne-Hanks first. The race features two black female candidates which mirrors the changing demographics as the neighborhood becomes more Hispanic and black.
Jarrett Murphy, executive editor and publisher of City Limits, spoke to WNYC’s Richard Hake about Rose’s plans to tackle the North Shore’s opioid and heroin problem and Payne-Hanks’ supporters.