Photos: Riley and King share visions for Bronx’s District 12 at platform discussion ahead of primary

New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley and former Council Member Andy King faced off during a platform discussion on Tuesday, June 3, at Eastwood Manor, giving Bronx residents a chance to hear directly from the candidates vying for the District 12 seat in the upcoming City Council election.

The event drew a large crowd, who listened closely and posed questions to both candidates. Topics ranged from youth programs and education to infrastructure and public safety. Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark was also in attendance.

Riley, who currently represents the northeast Bronx district, highlighted several improvements made under his leadership, including better lighting and public safety conditions along White Plains Road, enhanced school facilities, and upgrades to the district’s sewage systems. He also talked about working with youths and helping to keep them off the street through easy access to extracurricular programs like cooking programs. Riley went over his deep connection with the local YMCA, where he spends much of his free time and where he has assisted with several programs for kids.

King, who previously served in the same seat and is now challenging Riley in the June primary, reflected on his longtime work in the community. He emphasized the need for resilience in public service and spoke about his role in co-founding the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program alongside his wife, Neva Shillingford-King. The program aims to help young people become adults– by focusing on body and mind, while improving communities.

Supporters of both candidates filled the room.