Marlene Tapper

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Marlene Tapper

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

June 23, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Embry-Riddle University

Law

Florida State University College of Law

Personal

Birthplace

New York, N.Y.

Religion

Episcopalian

Profession

Business and political consultant

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Marlene Tapper (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New York's 15th Congressional District. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 23, 2020.

Tapper completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Marlene Tapper was born in Queens, New York. She pursued her undergraduate education at Bronx Community College, New York University, and Embery Riddle Aeronautical University. She pursued her legal education at Florida State University College of Law. Tapper's career experience includes working as a business and political consultant.

Elections

2020

See also: New York's 15th Congressional District election, 2020

New York's 15th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 23 Democratic primary)

New York's 15th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 23 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 15

Ritchie Torres defeated Patrick Delices in the general election for U.S. House New York District 15 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ritchie Torres (D)	88.7	169,533
		Patrick Delices (R / Conservative Party)	11.1	21,221
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	283

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 191,037
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Orlando Molina (R)
• Kenneth Schaeffer (Working Families Party)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 15

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 15 on June 23, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ritchie Torres	32.1	19,090
		Michael Blake	18.0	10,725
		Ruben Diaz	14.4	8,559
		Samelys Lopez	13.9	8,272
		Ydanis Rodriguez	10.6	6,291
		Melissa Mark-Viverito	4.3	2,561
		Tomas Ramos	2.4	1,442
		Chivona Newsome	2.3	1,366
		Marlene Tapper	0.7	392
		Julio Pabon	0.4	244
		Frangell Basora	0.3	189
	Submit photo	Mark Escoffery-Bey	0.3	153
	Submit photo	David Philip Franks Jr. (Write-in)	0.0	0
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3	189

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 59,473
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Marlene Cintron (D)
• Jonathan Ortiz (D)
• Eric Stevenson (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Orlando Molina advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 15.

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Patrick Delices advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 15.

Working Families Party primary election

The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Kenneth Schaeffer advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 15.

Candidate profile

Marlene Tapper

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Marlene Tapper first became an activist in politics at the age of 17, when she worked on Geraldine Ferraro's Vice Presidential campaign this experience grew into a lifelong passion. As a domestic violence and sexual assault survivor, she used these experiences to dedicate herself to others to help her own healing. Tapper focused on women who were displaced and living in shelters helping them to rebuild their lives and finances. As an organizer, she applied these skills to conducting seminars for survivors and lobbied for laws to be introduced with the state legislature to aid individuals in this predicament. As an advocate, political consultant, entrepreneur and banker I have used these skills for the past 25 years advocating for the quality of life issues and to change how funds are allocated to the poorest communities. Tapper has traveled to over 17 states working on Congressional, Senatorial, and Presidential campaigns. Her work ethic came from her immigrant parents who are from Barbados and Kenya. Ms. Tapper said being told she would never walk again made her pledge her life to help others when miraculously her body and mind began to heal. I am a "ME TOO" activist who has lobbied every federal member in the state of New York to sign onto H.R.4396 - ME TOO Congress Act."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Health Impact Due to Disproportionate Funding Decreasing the Mortality Rate

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Publlic Housing - The Neglect Must Come to An End

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Creating job training programs for residents in professions which place them into the middle class

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House New York District 15 in 2020.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Marlene Tapper completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tapper's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Marlene Tapper first became an activist in politics at the age of 17, when she worked on Geraldine Ferraro's Vice Presidential campaign this experience grew into a lifelong passion. As a domestic violence and sexual assault survivor, she used these experiences to dedicate herself to others to help her own healing. Tapper focused on women who were displaced and living in shelters helping them to rebuild their lives and finances. As an organizer, she applied these skills to conducting seminars for survivors and lobbied for laws to be introduced with the state legislature to aid individuals in this predicament. As an advocate, political consultant, entrepreneur and banker I have used these skills for the past 25 years advocating for the quality of life issues and to change how funds are allocated to the poorest communities. Tapper has traveled to over 17 states working on Congressional, Senatorial, and Presidential campaigns. Her work ethic came from her immigrant parents who are from Barbados and Kenya. Ms. Tapper said being told she would never walk again made her pledge her life to help others when miraculously her body and mind began to heal. I am a "ME TOO" activist who has lobbied every federal member in the state of New York to sign onto H.R.4396 - ME TOO Congress Act.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Health Impact Due to Disproportionate Funding Decreasing the Mortality Rate
• Publlic Housing - The Neglect Must Come to An End
• Creating job training programs for residents in professions which place them into the middle class

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Civil Rights violations against all citizens especially people of color. Foreign Policy and the diplomatic complications this brings for the sustainability of a global economy and our military. The Chinese government has shown us their behavior towards the residents of Hong Kong and their current movements in the China Sea. In addition, the Russian government's return to policies similar to a dictatorship by Puttin is of serious concern.

Domestic Terrorism, we need to place e restrictions on machine guns and military warfare available to the public. Cyber Terrorism is becoming the worst infiltration Americans are feeling into their lives and legislation needs to be updated with the current technology.

Finance if you don't have an understanding or are not willing to learn how to implement the best policies for Americans to live a quality life and attain the American dream, these allocations all return back to the basics, health care, education, jobs, and homeownership.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother she is one of the most intelligent, hardest working individuals I know. She suffered as a dark-skinned immigrant to this country and conquered all the challenges that were placed in her way. My mother is a true example of don't look backward at yesterday, see what you can do today. My mom accomplished the American Dream.

Shirley Chislom is my hero as the first Black Congressional woman and the first Black woman to run for President. Her passion for her community, dedication, and leadership far exceeded the time she was living in. The trials she had to go through didn't break her but gave her new vision and expiration to fight more for the people. Ms. Chislom endured many threats on her life during this time, but she didn't falter in the commitment of her objectives. I believe I share her strength, robust personality and no limit on ideals to better serve a fractured community.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend reading Lincolns biography and watching the movie. In addition, Women Power - The Secrets of Leadership. Authors - Cantor, Bernay, Stoess and I believe all women interested in politics or running for office will find this essential.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should first believe in transparency and make decisions that are in the best interest of his district, not their own or re-election campaign. If they belong to a certain party and disown it, they should not be allowed to remain in that party, run on its line especially if they caucus outside. Another important attribute is a passion for reading, this job calls for a lot of it and it builds your knowledge and expertise, so you can better serve the needs of your district. Establish programs or bring in ones already successful in other communities to improve the quality of life of their residents

They need to be resourceful, articulate, open to advice from experts, willing to meet with their constituents, and treat their staff respectful. Many politicians don't realize their staff is under more pressure. They should also attempt to make CBA's when corporations are moving into their district and make sure it will benefit the residents and themselves.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have worked and consulted elected officials for 20 years, I understand the workings of government on a city, state, and federal level. I am also respectful of other individuals' points of view in policymaking. I am very thorough and strive to make sure everyone is at the table regardless of how minimal their role.

Being a staffer brings along a lot of qualities you develop and expertise in dealing with the public. I have had the pleasure of working on projects with Democrats, Republicans, and independents who were so conscientious that they stayed on course with the objective and not partisan politics. I would work in the same manner. I believe I am there to serve which is an honor and privilege not to be taken lightly. It means turning over your own personal belief systems and recognizing everyone is a human being and should be treated the same way and afforded the same opportunities. I would not wither in my fight to accomplish this goal.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The first responsibility is showing up to work and participating besides only going to hearings with the functionality of your office, so you have personal awareness. Keeping abreast of legislation you have introduced and your colleagues, assessing if amendments need to be made because it will impact your district or anywhere in the city, county, or state.

Understanding how a budget is put together and allocated if you have discretionary funds review the organizations who have received funding to make sure they are complying with their footprint. Providing information sessions for your district on a day to day life matters and the process to engage or resolve. Surveying your district on a regular basis to learn their concerns and being open-minded to changing how things are done. We are in an age where what seemed impossible yesterday is a staple today. The most important is knowing when it is time to resign, many elected officials do not have the ability to maintain the rigorous lifestyle do to health, age, or other family committments.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My constituents should see me as a legislator whose door was always open who was a strategic and visionary thinker with the drive to not always use conventional practices, but the energy to be a leader of tomorrow. As for my colleagues, I would like to be remembered as a transformational leader who drove legislative excellence which had a global impact.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

It was a very exciting time and being raised in an old fashion family, I never thought I would see a woman running for Vice President or President. Geraldine Ferraro was running for Vice President of the United States and I was a volunteer on her campaign. It taught me and I witnessed how hard women had to work for the same professional accomplishments. I learned everything wasn't about race, because caucasian men were trying to cut her down. She was a wonderful accomplished woman who spoke to everyone and would engage. She was also willing for people to learn from her.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Pan American Airlines for one year and a half, I worked as a Customer Service Agent became a Shop Steward and was promoted. The airline went out of business due to the crash in Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed many people. I was assigned to the unit to organize the return of the remains and personal needs of the families of the deceased.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Women of Power - The Secrets of Leadership

Because it teaches you the fundamentals of leadership and how to lead others. It is written by formidable people and a person who is serious about politics will find this more than engaging, it will be stimulating to their mind.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Catwoman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Shirley Ceasar - You Name it. By Shirley Ceasar. They call it the Thanksgiving song.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I never wanted to feel like a statistic and getting divorced was one of the hardest experiences, but most necessary for my children to have a stable life. I always wanted to know why me, I was loyal dedicated and as supportive as a person could be. But he was never satisfied and made us all suffer. I didn't have this in my family, but therapy taught me my children could repeat the history. This has been a concern of mine from the day I walked out that door.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Congress is the only entity that can create new legislation, draft new amendments and use oversight to determine if changes need to be made by rulings of the US Supreme Court or the President as long as it doesn't interfere with the constitution to establish balance.

The American constitution established three branches of government so we would have balance, congress makes the laws which makes it the most important branch. During the last century Congress has begun to increase their role in economic and social affairs, they delegated away their power to agencies which are under the control of the President a separate branch.

We are a democracy and the standings this body takes is significant in maintaining this way of life. One of their jobs is to oversee the Executive Branch, and Congressional decisions affect our day to day lives.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it brings a credential and understanding that you can not attain in the corporate world or anywhere else. Staffers are the ones who get the work done and learn concepts they never imagined. I

f an elected official was never a staffer I do not believe they are as efficient and you will notice this because of the turn over in staff. The concept of government is human lives not making money. You need to understand this when making policy decisions on issues that affect people's lives. A good leader is one who is open to taking expert advice when difficult or complex decisions need to be made or voted on. Your job is the best decision for your country and constituents.

Being in office is serving the community and not only is it hard to please everyone, sometimes the correct decision is the one which makes most individuals mad. But this is what a good legislator does, they look past the fact this might cause them personal damage, but in the long run, the decision was in the best interest of the people.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

There are quite a few but my focus would be on the environment, bringing jobs back to America - re-establishing manufacturing across the country, environmental oversight needs to be increased for our health since the EPA has downgraded regulations and now we have more air pollution. Diplomacy with other nations and the UN has to be mended. The current administration has set us back a few decades and this is not to our economic advantage, in production and trade. I fear the dollar will lose value.

Iran's and North Korea's development of missiles and terrorism throughout the middle east, if we are not aligned with our allies and begin negotiating agreements with these groups a fall out may hit this country again like 911.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Foreign policy

Financial Services
Small Business
Rules

Ways and Means

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No, I believe a four-year term would be better deserving, certain Representatives should not have to run for office every two years. It takes away from the job they are supposed to do, by campaigning to keep their job. I do believe in term limits for the House and Senate.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe in term limits for the House and Senate. Bills have been submitted in the past and haven't passed. It is important for people not to become stale and turnover brings fresh ideas and motivation. It also lowers incumbent advantage, too many people vote based on name recognition and do not look at their representative's record.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Shirly Chisholm her legacy.

Tulsi Gabbard - she is the essence of what a representative equates to.

Hakeem Jefferies, his quick to rise to a significant position.

Maxine Water - her fight and dignity for what is right.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Unfortunately, I have heard the same story with very little deviation from residents in public housing, they are targeted whenever they make a complaint and fear being evicted when there basic human needs are being violated. No one should be without a stove, tub, a hole in the floor, elevators not working, and scheduled extermination neglected. One family made me cry when they took me into the room of their sick mother - the exposed pipes were rusting and it impaired her breathing and which caused her to be placed on oxygen.

The apartment was otherwise immaculate except for the hole in the floor a person could fall through, they bought plywood from Home Depot so the kids wouldn't fall. They also claimed they were being ignored and had filed a work order and made to feel as though they were doing something wrong and were in fear now of losing the roof over their heads.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Footnotes

[show]

New York's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Kirsten Gillibrand (D)

Chuck Schumer (D)

Representatives

District 1

Nicholas LaLota (R)

District 2

Andrew Garbarino (R)

District 3

Tom Suozzi (D)

District 4

Laura Gillen (D)

District 5

Gregory Meeks (D)

District 6

Grace Meng (D)

District 7

Nydia Velazquez (D)

District 8

Hakeem Jeffries (D)

District 9

Yvette Clarke (D)

District 10

Daniel Goldman (D)

District 11

Nicole Malliotakis (R)

District 12

Jerrold Nadler (D)

District 13

Adriano Espaillat (D)

District 14

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D)

District 15

Ritchie Torres (D)

District 16

George Latimer (D)

District 17

Michael Lawler (R)

District 18

Pat Ryan (D)

District 19

Josh Riley (D)

District 20

Paul Tonko (D)

District 21

Elise Stefanik (R)

District 22

John Mannion (D)

District 23

Nick Langworthy (R)

District 24

Claudia Tenney (R)

District 25

Joseph Morelle (D)

District 26

Tim Kennedy (D)

Democratic Party (21)

Republican Party (7)