Nicholas Robbins

Nicholas Robbins was born in Staten Island, New York. He attended the College of Staten Island and Western Governors University. Robbins’ career experience includes working as a secretary at Todt Hill Houses Residents Association and as the chairman of the Staten Island SAM Party. He has also been affiliated with the following organizations:

New York City Housing Authority

Richmond County SAM Committee

SAM Party of the State of New York

Staten Island Young Republican Club

New York Young Republican Club

Convention of States New York

Protect Our Kids Staten Island[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a public servant and civil activist. Born and raised in the New York City Housing Authority, I serve as the Secretary of the Todt Hill Houses Residents Association, the Chairman of the Richmond County SAM Committee, and the founder of the Protect Our Kids movement.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Break The Cycle: of public assistance that prevents those dependent on social services to become financially independentLimit mayoral control and give power back to the people via the City CouncilPolicing Reforms that include retraining, accountability, and increase neighborhood policing.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Housing

Police Reform

Education (DOE)

Property Taxes

Affordability

Health Care

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

City government is one that effects our district the most. The City provides most of the social services, outreach, and oversight that effect our daily lives. It is also the most corrupt and disadvantages the people the most. Local government is where real change starts.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to the constituents of the 49th Council District. With odds stacked up against them (highest unemployment rate in Staten Island, lowest income, quickly becoming one of the most expensive living areas), the community sticks together to help each other, fight against injustices, and are never afraid to band together to make their voices heard. I've shared some of the same struggles, and want to be a voice as determined and unafraid as theirs.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Saul Alinsky - Rules for Radicals

The Constitution of the United States of America

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, fearlessness, independence, and listening.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I live and breathe the problems of the City of New York. I understand why problems exist and how to solve them, I listen to other input and always consider the outcomes effect on the community. I am honest and transparent and have spent my life so far working for the people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To consider every piece of proposed legislation, and compare it to how it effects the specific district. To separate some personal opinions and do what is right for the people. Council members need to monitor activity and provide fearless, non politically motivated oversight.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy that breaks the stigma between elected officials and constituents. I want people to be able to come up to me and have an honest conversation as they would with their family and friends. Elected officials should be visible and open and one of us. We need to eliminate the 'holier than thou' complex electeds have.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first major historical event that happened in my life was the 2008 Stock Market Crash that greatly affected my family. I was 8 or 9 at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was a summer job at the New York City Housing Authority when I was 14. I was a groundskeeper and maintained the property, and assisted grounds management.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Pigman by Paul Zindel. Not only is the books setting the 49th Council District, it explores that what you see on the surface isn't always true, which is a lesson society still needs to learn.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would be Frank Reagan from Blue Bloods. He is a tough fighter of crime, while implementing what's right for the city while standing up unapologetically to those more powerful than him, and maintaining strong family values.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Radioactive - Imagine Dragons feat. Kendrick Lamar

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I was born with many medical issues that require expensive treatment and medication so I understand the need for affordable health care. I've struggled with financial independence and wanting to get ahead but never could because of public assistance restrictions.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Zoning Laws, Oversight over the Mayor and Executive Agencies (you'd never know it because they don't use their powers like they should.)

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it is beneficial, but not fundamental. If you provide a platform that people believe in, and rally behind, that you actually follow through on, you can get through the governmental and political hurdles with enough time, attention and determination.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Communication, civic activism, listening (the most important skill), and the ability to understand and sympathize with many sides of an issue or argument.