The New York City primaries are Sept. 12, so WNYC and our partners at Gotham Gazette and City Limits are taking a closer look at contested city council races that could have implications citywide.

Taking on greedy landlords and helping local businesses are among the promises candidates are making in District 2, which includes the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

"Small business struggle is really a key issue across the city," said Ben Max, executive editor of Gotham Gazette. 

Legislation aimed at helping business owners negotiate fair commercial lease terms has been languishing in the City Council. Max said District 2 candidates are vowing to push the Small Business Jobs Survival Act and work to reform Manhattan's commercial rent tax. 

Max spoke to WNYC's Kerry Nolan.