Spirited City Council Debate Shines Spotlight on District 41 Hopefuls – Minus the Incumbent

By Lyndon Taylor
In a packed room filled with civic-minded residents and community advocates, the District 41 City Council Primary Elections Debate offered voters a first-hand look at the eight candidates vying for a pivotal seat in Brooklyn politics.

Hosted by the Atlantic Plaza Towers Tenants Council, Inc., the event was as illuminating as it was impassioned—though notably absent was the incumbent, Councilmember Darlene Mealy.

Held just weeks ahead of the Democratic primary, the forum was moderated by Sandra Eddie, Community Outreach Chairperson, who guided the candidates through a structured format that included opening remarks, a series of questions, and closing statements.

With ranked choice voting being introduced for the first time in District 41, the debate provided a crucial platform for each candidate to outline their vision and distinguish themselves in a crowded field.

While Mealy’s absence loomed large, it also galvanized her challengers, many of whom used the opportunity to argue why the current councilmember should not be among the ranked choices on the ballot.

Voices for Change
Jammel Thompson, branding himself as “the change candidate,” wasted no time in asserting his platform, declaring his intent to bring “real change and bold leadership” to the district.
Bianca Cunningham, a seasoned union leader and organizer of the largest retail strike in recent history, emphasized her grassroots approach. “We’re bringing the fight from the streets to City Hall,” she said, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Educator Lawman Lynch declared that District 41 “deserves better,” positioning himself as a champion of a people-centered campaign rooted in transparency and community empowerment.

Current District Manager of Brooklyn Community Board 9, Dante Arnwine, emphasized his track record in public service. “I’m bringing presence, communication, strategy, and experience,” he noted, underlining the skills he believes are needed to uplift the district.

Energy, Education, and Engagement
Perhaps the most animated of the candidates was Clifton Aaron Hinton, whose electric delivery and catchy wordplay kept the audience engaged. “I’m the Clif that won’t leave you hanging, the double A that keeps on going—get the Hint, because now it’s On,” he proclaimed. Hinton emphasized the need for new leadership and said he was figuratively “taking up two seats” in the absence of the incumbent.

Eli Brown, a proud graduate of Boys and Girls High School and Columbia University, made education a central theme of his campaign. He shared plans to engage Brooklyn’s youth more deeply and meaningfully in civic life.

Brooklyn native Jamell Henderson told a moving personal story of growing up in foster care and how education changed his trajectory. “I’m here to change the narrative,” he said. “I’ll work tirelessly for your future.”

Tackling the Big Issues
The two-hour debate touched on critical topics affecting the district, including affordable housing, public education, and safety. While the candidates offered varied solutions, all agreed that stronger leadership and deeper community engagement are essential to District 41’s future.

Sandra Eddie praised the candidates for their thoughtful contributions and thanked the Atlantic Plaza Towers Tenants Council, Inc. for facilitating a meaningful civic dialogue.

As the primary election nears, residents of District 41 now face an important decision—one that could chart a new course for the community, and with ranked choice voting in play for the first time, every voice, and every ranking, will count.