By M. Thomas Nast and Frankie Pressman with Richard Luthmann
Kamillah Hanks, the NYC Council Member representing Staten Island's North Shore, is in crisis mode. Scandals involving threats, misuse of public funds, and links to criminal figures overshadow her tenure.
At the same time, Jozette Carter-Williams, a respected community leader and widow of slain NYPD Officer Gerard Carter, is gaining traction as a formidable challenger. Her campaign focuses on integrity and public safety, drawing endorsements from major law enforcement unions.
Hanks, by contrast, faces mounting allegations of mismanagement, hostile tactics, and ethical violations.
A Crumbling Campaign
Hanks’ campaign is reeling from accusations of mismanagement and cronyism that have alienated her allies and constituents.
A key flashpoint involves her controversial appointment of Michele Sileo as NYC Board of Elections Commissioner for Staten Island.
The Staten Island Democratic County Committee had voted to back Debi Rose, the former NYC Council Member and Deputy Speaker, for the position. Hanks ignored this vote, bypassing the will of her own party to push through Sileo’s appointment.
“Michele Sileo’s appointment was pure cronyism,” said a Staten Island Democratic insider. “The County Committee wanted Debi Rose, but Kamillah blatantly disregarded the vote. It’s no secret Sileo’s husband, Jimmy Grant, is deeply involved in Hanks’ political operations. The optics are terrible.”
Critics allege that Jimmy Grant, a disgraced former NYPD officer, acts as one of Hanks’ “enforcers,” threatening city employees and local business owners to silence dissent. Grant, alongside Hanks’ husband, Kevin Barry Love, has reportedly intimidated business owners into providing campaign contributions in exchange for promises of “access.”
“Kevin Barry Love doesn’t hide what he’s doing,” said a local activist. “He shows up and makes it clear: pay up, or you won’t have access to Kamillah or city resources.”
Investigations and Allegations of Threats
The NYC Department of Investigation (DOI) is reportedly probing multiple complaints against Hanks and her proxies, including Grant and Love. The allegations range from coercion of city employees to threats against local businesses.
One particularly explosive claim centers on the closure of Vinum, a Michelin-starred Staten Island restaurant.
Chef and owner Massimo Felici blamed rampant crime for the restaurant’s demise, a narrative Hanks allegedly tried to suppress. Sources claim that Hanks’ team cornered Felici and warned him not to publicly link his business’s closure to crime.
They also allegedly demanded that Felici stop offering free cooking classes at the Gerard Carter Center, named after Jozette Carter-Williams’ late husband, NYPD Officer Gerard Carter.
“Threatening a chef who’s trying to give back to the community? That’s a new low,” said a local business owner. “It’s time for new leadership.”
Felici isn’t alone. Similar threats have reportedly been made to other restaurant owners, including those at Casa Belvedere, Don Cheech, and J’s on the Bay. Multiple complaints have cited text messages allegedly sent by Hanks or her proxies.
Crime and Neglect: A Troubling Legacy
Hanks’ leadership has coincided with a marked decline in the quality of life on Staten Island’s North Shore. Residents and business owners alike cite rising crime, deteriorating infrastructure, and unresponsive leadership as major concerns.
Despite some NYPD data showing reductions in certain crime categories, the perception of danger remains pervasive.
“When I drive around the district, I see closed stores, neglected streets, and families afraid to let their kids play outside,” Carter-Williams said. “We deserve better.”
The closure of Vinum and other businesses underscores the toll crime has taken on the district’s economy. In a recent op-ed, Felici described the decision to close as a “bloodbath,” blaming the area’s unsafe reputation for driving away customers.
Critics also highlight Hanks’ support for the “How Many Stops Act,” a controversial law restricting police authority.
“Her policies and that idiotic Act have made it impossible for officers to do their jobs effectively,” said NYPD Sergrant’s Benevolent Association President Vicent Vallelong.
Many charge Kamillah Hanks for failing the community, more concerned with protecting her image than addressing real problems.
“Unlike our current Council person, every time I’ve called Jozette for help, she not only answered the phone, she showed up, rolled up her sleeves, and jumped in to help,” said Brenda “Kiko” Charles of Mariner’s Harbor.
Financial Mismanagement and Nepotism
Hanks faces allegations of financial impropriety, particularly over a $105,000 allocation of NYC cultural affairs funds to Henry “Bobby Digi” Olisa, partner of NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. Digi, a known federal informant, has a history of financial mismanagement in nonprofit organizations.
“This money could have gone to community programs that actually make a difference,” Carter-Williams said. “Instead, it’s being funneled to insiders with no oversight.”
Hanks’ refusal to return campaign contributions from indicted drug dealer Ettore Mazzei has further fueled criticism.
Mazzei, described as running a large-scale narcotics operation by Richmond County DA Michael McMahon, reportedly had ties to Hanks’ husband, Kevin Barry Love.
“Kevin and Mazzei weren’t just acquaintances—they were partners,” said a local activist. “It’s common knowledge Mazzei supplied Kevin’s marijuana.”
A Strong Challenger
In stark contrast, Carter-Williams has run a clean campaign focused on uniting Staten Island’s North Shore. Her platform emphasizes public safety, community development, and restoring trust in local government.
Carter-Williams has begun campaigning in earnest, holding political events, launching a website with detailed policy positions, and collecting campaign contributions and key support from unions, community groups, residents, and business owners alike.
“Jozette is the leader we need,” said North Shore resident Gloria. “She’s dedicated to the community and won’t let personal interests come first.”
Carter-Williams has already secured endorsements from law enforcement unions, a critical voting bloc in the district. Her campaign website and community events have drawn significant attention, signaling growing momentum ahead of the June 2025 primary.
Political Fallout
Hanks’ political troubles extend beyond her district. Last year, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stripped Hanks of her Public Safety Committee chairmanship. Staten Island Democratic County Chair Laura Sword reportedly reconsidered her support for Hanks, citing her divisive leadership style.
Without backing from the Democratic County Committee, Hanks could be forced to collect her own designating petitions to appear on the ballot. Insiders say this would be a significant blow to her campaign’s viability.
“Kamillah Hanks has alienated her allies and betrayed her constituents,” said a party insider. “She’s running out of time and options.”
As scandals continue to plague Kamillah Hanks, the momentum behind Jozette Carter-Williams grows stronger. With endorsements from law enforcement, a robust campaign strategy, and widespread community support, Carter-Williams is poised to unseat Hanks in the upcoming primary.
“With eight to one matching funds, Carter-Williams has a real chance to unseat Hanks,” said a well-known Manhattan Democratic consultant speaking anonymously. “Law Enforcement contributions alone from around the City and in the district will qualify her. Hanks could raise and spend three or four times as much and still lose, with at least a third of the voters already going in to vote against her, including the County Committee.”
Hanks also has real CFB troubles related to pending lawsuits and CFB claims similar to those currently sidelining Eric Adams from matching funds and gave John Liu the “death penalty” in 2013.
Richard Luthmann, who contributes to this outlet, is currently suing Hanks, Love, and their campaign for unpaid fees. In that case, pending in Manhattan state Supreme Court, the legal admissions made by Kamillah Hanks in filed court documents include:
Fake Facebook Campaign: Hanks admitted to creating a deceptive "Fake Facebook" page targeting Debi Rose during the 2017 Democratic Primary for NYC Council. She provided specific images, communicated directives, and authorized payments for the campaign.
Financial Improprieties: Hanks acknowledged underreporting payments and campaign activities to the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) during her 2017 campaign. She knowingly filed incomplete disclosures through her treasurer.
Legal Manipulation: Hanks admitted to authorizing legal challenges against Phillipe R. Marius to reduce his petition signatures below the required threshold, utilizing campaign staff and consultants and not reporting it.
Personal and Spousal Misconduct: Hanks admitted to being aware of her partner, Kevin Barry Love, using her political influence to intimidate attorneys handling collection cases against them. She also confirmed their sham marriage and her knowledge of false claims communicated to federal agents against Richard Luthmann.
Cronyism and Drug Connections: She acknowledged her association with Henry "Bobby Digi" Olisa, identified as a federal informant, and admitted to having business dealings, including drug-related transactions, with convicted dealer Ettore Mazzei.
Ethical Violations: Hanks admitted to participating in smear campaigns targeting political opponents and failing to document or disclose campaign expenditures as required by law.
Support for Controversial Groups: She admitted supporting True2Life, an organization advocating for the parole of violent offenders, including those convicted of killing law enforcement officers like slain NYPD hero Gerard Carter.
Kevin Barry Love, Hanks’ “husband” and enforcer, also made several significant legal admissions, painting a troubling picture of alleged unethical and potentially unlawful conduct:
Threats and Coercion: Love admitted to making a threatening phone call to Richard Luthmann’s attorney, referencing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the FBI, and the Department of Justice. This call reportedly led the attorney to withdraw representation without prior notice.
Campaign Mismanagement: He admitted to creating a fake Facebook page targeting political opponent Debi Rose during Hanks’ 2017 campaign and promised $25,000 in cash for this activity. Love also admitted to supporting the underreporting of campaign expenses and using coercion to settle unpaid invoices at reduced rates, including threatening Michael Cox, a campaign consultant, to accept "ten cents on the dollar" for a $14,000 unpaid invoice.
Financial and Tax Misconduct: Love acknowledged mischaracterizing family legal matters as business expenses on corporate tax filings and falsely representing payments for legal services to Hanks’ daughter, Nadia Hanks.
Connections to Criminal Activity: He admitted to having business dealings with convicted drug dealer Ettore Mazzei, including the purchase of narcotics.
Intimidation and False Statements: Love admitted to using threats to interfere with debt collection efforts and making false statements to federal agents, violating 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
Nepotism and Employment: Love confirmed that his children are employed at the NYC Board of Elections, raising questions about nepotism within Hanks’ political sphere.
Love’s legal admissions corroborate the allegations in multiple DOI investigations that he acted like a “thug” or “enforcer,” threatening NYC employees and others at the behest of Hanks.
Despite Hanks’ many scandals, the voter numbers show a tight race.
“The figures show a little under 11,000 votes expected on Primary Day. Kamillah has a base of 3,500 from her 2021 Primary numbers. Usually, incumbents grow their base, but not here. She’s alienated many. About 1,500 are insider ‘Never Kamillah’ voters because of her abrasiveness,” the consultant said.
“With her current endorsements and support, Carter-Williams can pencil in 2,500 voters already,” the consultant said. “Brian Laline would never print this in the Staten Island Advance, but this council race is about touching and messaging the 3,500 voters that will tilt this election. In other words, it’s a loaded Staten Island Ferry boat during rush hour.”
The choice for Staten Island’s North Shore voters is clear: endure more scandals and poor leadership under Hanks or embrace a fresh start with Carter-Williams. The June 2025 primary could mark a turning point for the district, signaling a new era of accountability and progress.
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