Running for office was never part of my plan. But over time, I watched the neighborhood I love become harder to live in and harder to recognize. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t just stand by and watch anymore. I’m Alina Bonsell, your neighbor. I’ve called Manhattan’s East Side home for more than 20 years. I’ve worked in healthcare, run my own business, and raised my two sons here.

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The neglect of our neighborhood didn’t happen overnight. It happened slowly, under leadership that looked the other way while the rest of us were expected to accept less. We pay some of the highest taxes in the country. Yet, our streets don’t feel safe, businesses are struggling to survive, homelessness and mental illness continue without solutions that work, and too many families are trapped in a broken court system. For far too long, our elected officials and our government have not been doing their jobs. Enough neglect. I’m asking you to elect me, your neighbor, to the New York State Senate so I can be your voice in Albany.