Since I saw Kristin Davis discussing on twitter her “possible” run for office in New York, I have been intrigued by this story and this really smart lady whose business sense I can’t help but to admire. I was intrigued so much that I decided to write my semester essay about her run for Governor of New York. This is the interview that I quoted in my essay about her.. Which is due May 23rd.. Recently, I asked her some questions that have been on my mind since she announced her run for office.. Some of the questions have been asked by others, some have not. This is the result. What do you think? Are you in New York? Have you considered voting for her? Does this affect you in any way? What if a similar woman were to run for political office in your state? Talk To Me!
Question: In many states, if you have been convicted of certain crimes – You are not allowed to hold public office. What is the law in NY relating to people who have a record holding office?
Answer: The NY Constitution states that you can hold state office if you are registered to vote. To be eligible to vote you must not be on parole. So, since I was held in Rikers which is a city facility – I am on probation. If you get sent upstate and released that is parole.
Question: How are you able to overcome the fact you have a criminal history and get into politics?
Answer: I think part of what makes me great is my past. I committed a crime (in the eyes of society) and served my time. I learned alot in the process. I saw the inequities in the criminal justice system first hand. And I’ve decided to fight back against the system that is largely corrupt. I can use my voice to be the voice for those who can’t speak for themselves.
New York has been plagued by dirty politicians. Senator Hiram Monseratte, Senator Joe Bruno, Comptroller Alan Hevesi, State Superintendent of Police Harry Corbitt, Former Gov Eliot Spitzer, Eric Massa – these are all within the last 2 years. Its time New Yorker’s take their state back. I’m saving the voters time- I’ve already been to jail 
Question: What are some of the first steps you took once deciding that you were going to run for office to move towards making it happen?
Answer: I decided first to become an advocate. Julissa Brissman was murdered in Boston by Phillip Markoff the “craigslist killer”. She was a good friend and former employee- one of the few girls who kept in touch with me. This man, Phillip, was caught with dozens of trophies from his victims. Had one of these women felt comfortable going to the police, Julissa would still be alive. We cannot both criminalize prostitution and afford sex workers legal protection. Also, its a matter of equality, when a woman is convicted of a prostitution related offense (I have a felony for Promoting Prostitution in the 3rd Degree) we become unemployable. Condemned to repeat the same pattern. They never go after the clients- the men go right back to their families, jobs and lives and never have to pay for their part of the crime.
I decided to become an advocate for legalization. However after meeting with a number of advisors (attorneys, legal and political strategists) the best option to make a difference was to run for office.
My first step was to employ a political expert- Roger Stone. He has run 5 Presidential Campaigns and knows what he is doing. I then started writing about the issues I care about.
Question: Was it really 12 million in cash confiscated when you were arrested?? I have read differing amounts between 2 and 14 million.. I want to be correct because I am using the fact you made so much money doing something illegal you most definitely can make the financial state of NY better with your business knowledge..
The total number cannot be disclosed since a good part came from my offshore accounts. The US does not have jurisdiction over that money. However they refused to drop my bail unless I wire transferred it back in. So of course I did. I grossed about $6 Million a year – so that would have been the taxable income.
I like to say that in New York the politicians wait until after they get into officer to get indicted. I’m saving the voters time and money, but its true-look up Harry Corbitt, Alan Hevesi, Spitzer, Joe Bruno, Hiram Monserratte, the most recent Pedro Espada and potentially David Patterson. We have the most corrupt politicians in the entire US. At least I’ve done my time for my crime. None of these guys ever see a day in jail despite the fact they are accountable to 18+ million new yorkers. I committed a crime, a victimless one, and its ridiculous that our public officials are held to a lesser standard.
My platform is the legalization of Marijuana and Prostitution. Between the 2, we would bring in $2.5 Billion in new tax revenues. Not to mention 50,000+ jobs which we desperately need.
Those are powerful words. Kristin Davis is a strong business woman with a vision.
I don’t see how someone can’t support her no matter what her past is like.
Much Thanks to Kristin Davis for her help in my semester essay and project. I hope you win!!
You can follow her on twitter @manhattanmadam
