At a recent gathering at Lindenwood Diner, Norman “Sayf” Ramsay met with friends, family, neighbors, supporters and members of Brooklyn’s Republican and Conservative parties as he made his case for representing the 60th Assembly District (AD 60). The meet-and-greet offered residents an opportunity to speak with the candidate about the challenges facing their communities and his proposals for addressing them.
Ramsay’s opponent is Democratic incumbent Nikki Lucas in a district encompassing Brownsville, East New York and Canarsie. His campaign emphasizes public safety, affordability, homeowner protections, employment opportunities and government accountability. He is challenging the political status quo and the entrenched Democratic establishment, calling for safer neighborhoods, better schools, affordable living, good-paying jobs, thriving small businesses, stronger families and real economic opportunity.
He is asking voters not to vote party labels but to consider a new positive direction to empower communities to build a better future for families and children. Ramsay is fighting for real change and believes his district deserves more than decades of broken promises and failed leadership.
But Ramsay’s candidacy is also rooted in a personal story of redemption. Drawing on difficult lessons from his past, he says his community work through BK5860, Inc., Sayf Haven and the Alternatives to Violence Project reflects his belief that people deserve opportunities to rebuild their lives.
His longtime professional nickname, “Sayf,” has taken on additional meaning through Sayf Haven, against violence — his vision of a protective sanctuary where young people can find constructive opportunities, and seniors can feel safer and supported.
Q&A: Meet Norman “Sayf” Ramsay
Q: What inspired you to run for the Assembly, and how has your personal journey shaped your leadership?
Ramsay: The turning point came when my grandfather passed away while I was incarcerated. I was unable to attend his funeral or be there for my family. That experience forced me to confront the consequences of my decisions and understand the importance of family, responsibility and accountability.
“I could not change my past, but I made a decision that my past would not control the rest of my life.”
Through community service, I want to demonstrate that redemption is possible. I believe people should be judged not only by where they have been, but also by what they learn, how they change and what they contribute to others.
Q: What have you witnessed in AD 60 that convinces you change is needed?
Ramsay: I have seen hopelessness created by a lack of awareness, opportunity and confidence. Through free clothing distributions, violence prevention workshops, tax assistance and community programs, I have encountered people with tremendous potential who simply do not know where to turn.
We need job training, apprenticeships, financial education, youth mentorship and meaningful second chances. Assistance should be a bridge to independence, not a substitute for it.
I also believe every neighborhood deserves attention. Homeowners, seniors, small businesses and residents outside NYCHA developments deserve responsive government, just as NYCHA residents deserve safe housing and effective services.
Q: What would you do differently from the current political leadership?
Ramsay: I want to replace promises with measurable results. Through a proposed District 60 Community Accountability Report, I would publish updates on constituent complaints, agency contacts, funding requests, legislation and progress.
I respect the responsibility of anyone elected to represent the district. But residents deserve to know what their representatives have accomplished, which proposals have advanced and what remains unresolved.
My commitment is to make legislative work visible and accountable.
Q: Your platform includes several proposed legislative initiatives. What are your priorities?
Ramsay: My H.O.M.E. Act would address deed theft, property fraud and homeowner protection, helping families preserve their homes and generational wealth.
My S.A.F.E. Seniors Act would focus on protecting older residents from financial exploitation, abuse and housing displacement.
My O.P.E.N. Act — Opportunity Pathways & Employment Now Act — would connect residents with workforce training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship and employment. I would pursue partnerships with organizations including Brownsville Culinary Center, Taylor Made for a King, National Medical Professionals and NYC Workforce1.
I also envision Vanguard Digital as a proposed initiative offering computer literacy, artificial intelligence education and technology training.
Through my proposed S.H.I.E.L.D. Act, I would address violence prevention and community safety. I would also seek stronger coordination among law enforcement, housing agencies and community organizations.
Q: How would you tackle affordability and help residents remain in their homes?
Ramsay: We need meaningful property tax relief, utility affordability measures and stronger protections against deed theft and displacement.
I would work with Con Edison, National Grid and relevant assistance agencies to establish community enrollment sessions at least two days a week. Residents could receive help understanding available discounts, completing applications and following up on benefits for which they qualify.
Government assistance means little if people cannot access it. I want to measure success by actual outcomes: households receiving utility discounts, seniors obtaining property tax relief and homeowners receiving protection.
Q: What is your response to questions surrounding Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas and Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership?
Ramsay: Accountability and transparency are essential regardless of political party. Reports concerning disputed legal bills and the court challenge involving party leadership deserve clear answers, while allegations and disputed claims must be distinguished from established facts and resolved through appropriate legal processes.
My concern is that political disputes should not overshadow the needs of AD 60 residents. Housing security, senior protection, public safety and economic opportunity must remain priorities.
Q: Why should voters consider your candidacy, and what would you do first if elected?
Ramsay: I believe in strong families, protecting generational wealth, lower taxes, limited but effective government and public safety that protects our neighborhoods.
My first priorities would be protecting homeowners, making life more affordable for seniors and working families, and creating opportunities through job training, apprenticeships and second-chance employment.
I would seek bipartisan support, prepare legislation early and keep residents informed about its progress. I would measure my work by results, not simply by the number of bills introduced.
“I believe in strong families, safe streets, economic independence and a government that respects taxpayers while remaining accountable to the people it serves.”
For Ramsay, the campaign brings his personal transformation and involvement into the political arena, while pursuing a practical legislative agenda that gives residents renewed hope and restores confidence that their concerns will be heard.
As Early Voting kicks off on October 24th to November 1st and the November 3rd General Election approaches, Ramsay is asking voters to consider his record of community outreach, proposed policies and his commitment to accountability as they decide who will represent Assembly District 60.
To learn more about the campaign and support Norman Ramsay, visit https://ramsay4assembly.com/.
