• Who are you?

    I've always wanted to have someone ask that question. It makes me think of Clint Eastwood at the end of "High Plains Drifter". Existentially, the answer is too long for an FAQ. But basically, I'm a Staten Islander of 46 years who has been very actively involved in the community. If you wanted to, you could play a game of "Six Degrees of John Luisi" with any Staten Islander at this point.

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  • Why you?

    There are many reasons, but here are just a few. Because I have more ideas and energy, as well as a track record for getting things done. And last, but most importantly, I believe in accountability in government and in working with all Staten Islanders to accomplish real results for all of our communities.

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  • Why FAQ's?

    Many teachers assign this election as homework. FAQ format makes it easier for the kids to make it look like they've done lots of research. And then when I visit the schools, if someone asks me a question that has been answered here, I know they haven't read this, and then I can have fun and make up all kinds of fantastic answers. I also figure it would be a good way for you to get to know the real me.

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  • When do you answer these questions?

    Usually at times when normal people are either asleep or do not engage in conversation. It allows me to be productive without annoying my staff or volunteers.

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  • Why did you first run?

    For the same reason I'm running now. See the next question. (I'm persistent! You gotta give me that!)

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  • Why are you running now?

    Because so many of you have motivated me to make another run by supporting me and encouraging me to be the one to make the change. The fact is that the guy in office now has been in Borough Hall in some capacity or another for almost 20 years. Yes, that's TWENTY years. I hear from all over Staten Island how tired we all are of nothing ever getting accomplished and of being ignored by our government. And the fact is, I feel the same way. So, I figure, you gotta be in the game to change the game. So I'm getting back in the game. But this time, I'm taking everything I learned from the first round with me so I can deliver a knock out punch in this, the second round!

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  • It says here that you are admitted to the US Supreme Court. That's pretty impressive. Have you ever argued any cases there?

    Well, um, no. I have been to the US Supreme Court exactly once in my life, and that was for the admission ceremony. My primary reason for going was that my sister decided to get married on my law school graduation day, and even years later I felt as if I had missed out on a rite of passage. So this was an awesome second. An added bonus was that we got to hang out with Professor Katsouris, who has argued many cases in the US Supreme Court. He regaled my family with stories about how he used to take his future wife on dates aboard the SI Ferry.

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  • What exactly does a BP do?

    Many people say that borough presidents don't have a lot of power, but the truth is, as Eric Clapton once said, "it's in the way that you use it! "Basically, the Borough President is the most important advocate for the borough. Officially, he champions specific projects to promote while in office, advises the Mayor on issues relating to his borough, comments on all land-use items in their borough, advocates borough needs in the annual municipal budget process, appoints Community Boards, chairs the Borough Boards, and serves as ex-officio members of various boards and committees. He also has millions of dollars to give to community organizations and projects within the borough. This is where it can get a little tricky, especially with the guy in office now. He seems to like to give city money to private contractors and business people to "invest" in their projects. Check his record. You won't believe some of the things you find! (And some of them are right here on this website!)

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  • What are the first things you will do in office?

    Transportation, education, sanitation, healthcare, and economic development improvements that have sat idle for 20 years, then I'll have lunch, then Handicapped parking for access...

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  • I'm a registered Republican. Can I still vote for you?

    You bet! And from what I'm hearing, many Staten Island Republicans will! In a general election (which this year is on Tuesday, November 3rd!) you can vote for any candidate you want. It's only in a party primary where your party registration matters.

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  • I'm not registered to vote. How can I become registered?

    All of the info you need to know is on this NYC Board of Elections website page: www.vote.nyc.ny.us/register.html Your registration form must be in to the BOE at least 25 days before the election for you to be registered to vote, so act fast!

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  • I'm not old enough to vote, or I'm not a US citizen. Can I still help you?

    Absolutely. There are many ways to help the campaign. You can help out by donating money to John's campaign, volunteering, and suggesting new ideas by voicing your opinion. You can also contact him to find out any other ways you can help.

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  • Why is your web site so different from nearly every other politician's website?

    Because I'm very different from every politician. I take my work very seriously, but I try not to take myself too seriously. If you really like it, forward it along to your friends and family. In fact, send it to those people who are e-mailing you the "buy one, get one free" offers too. After all, they can use a laugh in Bangalore, too!

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  • What is your favorite TV show?

    Not "The Sopranos". Frankly, I find it denigrating, demeaning, and a half dozen other "d" words. It makes it seem glamorous to adopt a lifestyle of imitating the characters, who have little respect for the law or doing the right thing in life in general. Plus, I'm tired of the stereotype that all Italians are mobsters, and this show helps to perpetuate that. I know it's just a TV show, but there it is.

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  • So what IS your favorite TV show?

    We really enjoy "Supernatural" on Thursday evenings. When we have time to watch it, it's great.

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  • Do you drive a fancy car?

    Only if I'm borrowing one from a friend. For me, a car is a way to get you, your family and your stuff around. So a few years ago, when my wife got her license, I gave up driving the little stick-shift economy cars, and we went down to the Subaru dealer on Hylan Boulevard and picked up a used Subaru. The bikes go on top, the people and gear go inside, and we're off!

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  • What is your experience that makes you qualified to be a BP?

    Life experience and frustrations, management experience, city government experience, community activism, understanding and appreciating Staten Island's assets and liabilities over 46 years of living in the borough, and a deep desire to make our borough better for all of us.

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  • Why did you register as a Democrat?

    Frankly, I was 18 years old, and my parents were registered Democrats, and since I had already greatly annoyed my father by choosing to attend a college that he couldn't afford, I opted for familial harmony. Since then, I've considered both sides of the political spectrum, and have come to the conclusion that more of the Democratic ideals are in line with my personal beliefs. However, I do believe that multi-partisanship is truly vital to effective government. Plus, I have a lot of Republican friends whom I love dearly, and they regularly remind me that the guy in Borough Hall is NOT a Republican.

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  • Does family matter?

    Greatly. It's been said that you can tell what kind of tree it is by the fruit. Besides, parents should raise kids that they can be proud of. Especially if they have to contribute towards the tuition.

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  • I have another question for you...

    No problem. Please email your questions to john@luisiforbp.com or use the Contact Form and I will happily answer them.

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