This year finds an unusual number of very good candidates running for the Board, which is a most welcome state of affairs, even though it is harder for us to decide whom to endorse. After reviewing the candidates’ biographies, hearing their presentations at Meet the Candidates, and reviewing the records of those who have already served, we believe the following four candidates stand out.
#1 Jessica Kramer – Jessica is new here (she bought her apartment in 2021), but has made an excellent impression on all who have met her, and has a resume filled with the sort of education and experience that is likely to make her a very effective Board member. She has a law degree and has worked in real estate-related legal and technology spaces, plus has experience in startups where she needed to learn complex new subjects quickly. All of this gives us great optimism about her candidacy.
#2 Kate Nammacher – Kate has co-authored the Seward Spark endorsements for the last few years, so we obviously trust her judgment. But she also had an accomplished term as a director (including serving as treasurer and president) several years ago as the coop undertook complex projects like the transition from ConEd steam to our own boilers. Those who served with her have only good things to say about her intelligence and professionalism.
#5 Betsy Jacobson – Betsy’s work puts her in daily contact with many of our senior residents, and she is friendly with a number of cooperators who are not particularly friendly with most other Directors. She has therefore become an indispensable Board member, giving voice to those folks’ thoughts and concerns in a challenging but constructive manner, while bringing her own positive energy and intelligence to almost every Board matter. The Seward Spark did not endorse Betsy the first time she ran, but we endorsed her second run three years ago and we enthusiastically re-up that endorsement for this year.
#6 Wei-Li Tjong – Wei-Li has served on the Board for a majority of the last 22 years, and has an excellent record of voting for progress tempered by affordability concerns. He grew up in the co-op and has strong relationships with generations of cooperators. He’s a smart lawyer with highly relevant professional knowledge and gets along well with everyone in the Boardroom.
Regardless of your candidates of choice, please do not forget to vote!
Your neighbor,
Micah Arbisser
Seward Spark Publisher