In the 38th District of Sunset Park in Brooklyn, moderate Chinese immigrant Ling Ye is challenging the incumbent leftist city council member Alexa Avilés for re-election. The two will face off in the Democratic primary on June 24. On the evening of May 22, both candidates participated in their first public debate at a local Islamic center, engaging in discussions on issues such as housing, public safety, climate change, street vendors, and motorcycle regulations, showcasing different governance philosophies.
The 38th District encompasses Red Hook, Park Slope, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and parts of Bath Beach, with a diverse ethnic composition: 37% Hispanic, 32% Asian, and 25% White.
Avilés is a Democratic Socialist and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Progressive Caucus in the City Council, advocating for “fairness and justice” as core values. Ling Ye positions herself as a “pragmatist,” advocating for finding “consensus points where everyone can collaborate.”
Although both come from working-class backgrounds, they exhibit significant differences in policy philosophies. Avilés insists on an “progressive” values-driven approach to promote deep social reforms. Ling, on the other hand, emphasizes pragmatism, warning against over-idealization that may lead to resource misallocation and policy failures.
Avilés supports 100% affordable housing development and rent freezes. Ling criticizes this approach as idealistic and unsustainable, advocating for a market-based approach with incentives and negotiations with developers to allow for a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, as mandating 100% affordability could potentially constrain overall housing supply.
Ling opposes rent freezes, emphasizing practical and feasible housing solutions, stating, “Profit is acceptable. We should not let the pursuit of perfection hinder viable solutions.” She also criticizes the government’s silence on the exorbitant profits made by shelters for the homeless, which sometimes surpass those of developers.
When asked about their stance on reforming street vending, Ling supports regulation and civil fines: “It should not be criminalized, but there should be consequences for violations, while rewarding law-abiding vendors to balance quality of life and livelihood.”
Avilés emphasizes the longstanding history of street vending as part of urban culture, advocating to “decriminalize” and issue more licenses, stating, “A $1,000 fine is not fair to vendors; what we need is systemic reform, not singular enforcement.”
The debate saw numerous clashes between the two candidates. Ling questioned, “How do you incentivize compliance when you don’t enforce the rules?” Avilés responded, “This system is ineffective for everyone; what we need is fundamental change.”
When asked about their preferred mayoral candidates, Avilés mentioned four leftist political figures, including Zohran Mamdani, who advocates for free public transportation and rent freezes, followed by Brad Lander and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Ling stated she would observe the candidates’ specific commitments to the community.
Regarding public safety, in response to City Councilor Robert Holden’s proposed e-bike registration legislation, Avilés opposed it, while Ling suggested requiring registration for specific sized and speed vehicles for better management and safety.
On climate issues, Avilés emphasized advocating for power plant retirements, port electrification, air pollution legislation, and flood investments. Ling highlighted the outdated drainage systems in Red Hook, Dyker Heights, 72nd Street, and 63rd Street areas that often lead to flooding during heavy rain, advocating for regional capital investments in infrastructure as her top priority.
For their primary legislative initiatives, Avilés chose “legislation related to climate,” while Ling stated she would push to “replace census data with more accurate figures for resource allocation,” pointing out that Asians account for 18% of New York’s population but receive less than 1% of municipal funds, highlighting resource distribution inequity.
Regarding their stance on the Gaza conflict, Avilés expressed support for Palestine, emphasizing ceasefire and human rights, putting “the dignity of every person first,” as she previously called for a ceasefire.
Ling took a more pragmatic and community-oriented stance, stating that while international conflicts pose humanitarian crises, they are beyond the direct jurisdiction of a city council member. She emphasized prioritizing maintaining local harmony, opposing hate and division: “We should lower community tensions, ensure peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups, and prevent religious and ethnic rifts.”
Ling also criticized Avilés for “selective intervention in issues,” making vocal stands on international matters where she lacks authority while avoiding interference in local controversies like shelter developments.
The debate drew nearly 200 attendees, with supporters from both sides actively participating. Ultimately, voters will make their decision on June 24, determining the city council representative for the next four years in the 38th District.