From Refugee to Candidate — A conversation with NY State Senate Candidate Alina Bonsell

<p>On The Mark with Howard Mark Rubin, Episode 35</p><p>In this episode of “On The Mark,” Howard Mark Rubin speaks with Alina Bonsell, a Republican running for the New York State Senate District 28 in Manhattan.</p><p>Tune in to the episode to hear about:</p><p> * Alina’s background as a legal Jewish refugee from Odessa who grew up in NYC, worked 15 years in pharmaceuticals, launched startups, and now runs a small real estate business</p><p> * How campaigns use social media/AI for branding and content, while ballot access still requires in-person signature gathering</p><p> * Alina’s case against a 20-year incumbent: rising cost of living, public safety fears, waste/fraud, and declining quality of life despite high taxpayer contributions</p><p> * Alina’s public safety agenda: more officers, higher morale, tougher prosecution, and a supplemental safety task force working with NYPD; more civics and career-path education</p><p> * Positions on governance: supports term limits, bipartisan cooperation, and appeals to moderate and Jewish Democrats</p><p> * Critiques of Mayor Mamdani’s promises and property tax proposals; proposes targeted tax relief for under-25s, working parents with young children, and seniors’ pensions</p><p> * Immigration stance: prioritize residents, oppose taxpayer-funded handouts, support legal work authorization and a path to citizenship for non-criminal migrants; case-by-case cooperation with ICE</p><p> * Homeless shelter issue: highlights lack of zoning/safety rules and alleges fraud in homelessness spending; says she is drafting legislation to add restrictions and accountability</p><p>Learn more about Alina Bonsell:</p><p> * Learn more about Alina on her campaign website: <a href="https://www.alinabonsell.com/meetalina" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.alinabonsell.com/meetalina</a></p><p> * Follow Alina on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alinab.nyc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.instagram.com/alinab.nyc</a></p><p> * Follow Alina on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alinaforny" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.facebook.com/alinaforny</a></p><p> * Follow Alina on X: <a href="https://x.com/AlinaBonsell" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://x.com/AlinaBonsell</a></p><p> * Follow Alina on TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alinabonsell" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.tiktok.com/@alinabonsell</a></p><p> * Email Alina