Brooklyn’s elected officials gave a show of support for Bronx Assembly member Carl Heastie, who was elected the legislative body’s new speaker on Monday. The following are some of their comments:
Fort Greene/Prospect Heights Assemblyman Walter Mosley, who was one of Heastie’s earliest supporters: “I am proud to endorse Assemblyman Carl Heastie for Speaker of the New York State Assembly. I am confident that he will usher in reforms that will serve as a catalyst to make Albany work even better for New York. This legislative session is filled with difficult decisions and with Assemblyman Heastie’s vision and leadership the Democratic conference will benefit exponentially. Carl has a history as a consensus builder and my colleagues need only look towards him to see that he is the diversity that is needed in Albany’s leadership.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio: “New York City needs a strong voice in Albany—and the election of Carl Heastie as Speaker of the State Assembly will ensure that our needs are heard and met. I congratulate Assemblyman Heastie for his election—there is a lot of work ahead, including increasing affordable housing, expanding quality education programs, and lifting wages. My team and I look forward to working with Speaker Heastie and the legislature to push an agenda that moves New York forward.”
Public Advocate Letitia James: “Today is a new and historic day in Albany. As the first African American and first Bronx resident to become speaker, Carl Heastie is an extraordinary leader who will fight for working families in Albany. Speaker Heastie’s election this afternoon is a victory that all New Yorkers can share in. He is well-known in his district for his commitment to early childhood education, affordable housing and meeting the needs of Bronx seniors citizens. It is particularly important that the Assembly Speaker is committed to reform, transparency and making Albany a place where women can work safely.. I look forward to working with Speaker Heastie on reforming our government so it’s more accessible and open than ever,”
Borough President Eric Adams: “On behalf of all Brooklynites, I congratulate newly elected New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the first African-American to serve in that illustrious post. Those of us who break barriers in our society have great expectations thrust upon us, and I have no doubt that Speaker Heastie will rise to every challenge and opportunity presented to him and to our state. His leadership is needed at this critical juncture for New Yorkers, particularly as our rent laws are set to sunset this year and matters impacting education, infrastructure, and women’s rights are at a crossroads. I look forward to partnering with him and his colleagues in the New York State Assembly, particularly the Brooklyn delegation, to further an agenda that benefits all New Yorkers in this important legislative session.”
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Carlo Scissura: “I want to congratulate Assemblyman Carl Heastie on being elected Speaker of the State Assembly. I look forward to working with SpeakerHeastie to ensure New York State remains the world’s greatest place to live, work and own a business.”
Brownsville Assemblywoman Latrice Walker: “I am pleased to offer my full support to Assemblyman Heastie, as his leadership will usher in a new era of progress and reform for the people of New York State. I am proud that as we begin to celebrate black history month in February, the NYS Assembly has taken this historic step in electing its first African-American speaker. As an Assemblyman from the Bronx, Carl Heastie knows well the struggles we are facing in all of our communities and I am confident that he will lead the Assembly to pass meaningful legislation that will help all of New York’s families”
East Flatbush City Councilman Jumaane Williams: “Today, members of the New York State Assembly made history by electing Carl Heastie as Speaker of its legislative body. Speaker Heastie‘s election is not only a symbolic elevation as the state’s first African-American Speaker, but it’s an opportunity for Albany to turn a page with new leadership. As chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings, I am hopeful that the Assembly will continue to focus on critical issues that face New Yorkers, such as the affordable housing crisis. I am confident that Speaker Heastie will continue the Assembly’s history of leadership on Rent Regulation, and it’s my hope that we will work together at this critical time.
