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Public Testimony

Christopher Leon Johnson supports Intro 1104 and suggests raising age to 24

New York City Council · Oct 26, 2026 · starts 2:10:57 · 2 min 46 sec

Christopher Leon Johnson says he supports Intro 1104 and is surprised Legal Aid opposed it. He argues the bill should be amended to cover ages 18 to 24, saying young adults need to know their rights and that Legal Aid benefits from people taking plea deals.

Theodore Haywood

And so we're still doing it.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

You know, thank you for that, Mr.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Hayward, in terms of giving us this historical perspective.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

The work that you have done.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

I appreciate that.

Mercedes Narcisse

I am very appreciative of your time.

Mercedes Narcisse

And you're still giving to us as a community.

Mercedes Narcisse

And I was taking note a little bit because whatever that we do, if it works, we don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Mercedes Narcisse

So make it work for our children.

Mercedes Narcisse

So thank you, sir.

Theodore Haywood

Yes.

Theodore Haywood

Thank you.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Thank you so much.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Thank you both.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

This panel is now dismissed.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

We will now turn to virtual panelists.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

For virtual panelists, once your name is called, a member of our staff will unmute you and the sergeant at arms will set the timer and give you the go ahead to begin.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Please wait for the sergeant to announce that you may begin before delivering your testimony.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Now I will call the first virtual panelist.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Joanne Ojeda.

Mercedes Narcisse

Time starts now.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Joanne Ojeda.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

All right, we're going to move on.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Christopher.

Joanne Ojeda

I'm sorry, I was unable to mute.

Joanne Ojeda

I was just allowed to mute.

Joanne Ojeda

This is my first time in one of these meetings.

Joanne Ojeda

I really didn't come prepared with a testimony, so I'm going to yield to someone else.

Joanne Ojeda

I just wanted to hear what the meeting was about.

Joanne Ojeda

I'm from 1199, the acting vice president of the area.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Well, do you have it?

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

No problem.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

But and welcome to your first hearing.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Do you do you have any like comments on today's hearing or thoughts in terms of the topic that we discussed today?

Joanne Ojeda

No, I'd like to be invited to more and listen to more.

Joanne Ojeda

A lot of the people that I did speak were really great and inspirational and a lot of good information.

Joanne Ojeda

And I'd like to participate next time, so I'd like to be better prepared.

Joanne Ojeda

So I'm just absorbing for today.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Well, thank you and welcome.

Joanne Ojeda

Thank you.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Next, we'll pivot to Christopher Leon Johnson.