Even by special election standards the upcoming 59th Assembly District special election pitting Democrat Jaime Williams and Republican Jeffrey Ferretti is one for the ages.
That’s because the election for the open seat comes on April 19 – the same day as the State Presidential Primary. It is a point not lost on Kings County Democratic Party Boss Frank Seddio, who rallied the troops gathered at the Mill Basin Deli, 5823 Avenue T, yesterday for a Williams fundraiser to work extra hard to get out the vote.
“We have an interesting situation because Hillary is almost there as the presidential nominee. I’m concerned Democrats might not take the primary seriously and then won’t come out to vote as much as they need to,” said Seddio. “Believe me though every Republican is going to come out and vote. Even though in the 59th District there are seven and a half Democrats for every two and a half Republicans, in every state so far in the primaries 90 percent of the Republicans are coming out,” said Seddio.
Seddio’s worries aside the event, which brought out many judges and a good many Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club members, raised over $50,000, which Seddio maintained is needed to run an election. And much of the reason people were writing checks as they munched on succulent pastrami and corned beef sandwiches is Williams, who came up through the ranks of the TJ Club.
Jaime has earned our endorsement and respect the old-fashioned way. She earned it,” said Seddio, noting how she has a Master’s Degree in social work from Fordham University, and after working with victims of domestic violence, became chief of staff for her Roxanne Persaud, who held the seat until last year when she was elected to the senate.
City Council Member Alan Maisel (Canarsie, Mill Basin, Gerritsen Beach) , who like Seddio once served as the 59th District Assembly Member, noted that Williams has experience in Albany, and if elected will be able to hit the ground running.
Williams thanked all in the room with a special shout out to two unions who gave generously, including the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (CSA), and the police union.
Williams said the main issues she will work on include better services for the many seniors in the district and better education opportunities for the young.
Williams said she is backing Hillary for president and excited to be running on the same day that Clinton and Sanders are battling it out.
“It would be phenomenal if Hillary came out and campaigned with me,” Williams said.
